Vinsce Bio-Pharm (Suzhou) Co, based in Zhangjiagang, is making a global impact in the fight against malaria by focusing on artemisinin-based pharmaceutical innovation. With the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the company brings hope to high-incidence regions such as Africa, exemplifying the international responsibility of Zhangjiagang's biomedical sector.
An aerial view of Vinsce Bio-Pharm (Suzhou) Co. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]
Artemisinin is the first-line treatment for malaria. Wang Xu, R&D manager at Vinsce Bio-Pharm, noted that the team overcame seasonal planting limitations by conducting continuous field research. Their efforts led to a breakthrough in raising the purity of artemisinin and its derivatives to 99.5 percent, significantly exceeding the international standard of 98 percent.
To ensure quality from the source, the company operates its artemisia plantation in Hunan province. It has developed five to six artemisinin-based drugs, now exported to multiple Belt and Road countries.
According to the World Health Organization's 2024 report, there were 263 million malaria cases worldwide in 2023, with Africa accounting for 94 percent. Sales manager Jiang Yuan recalled an African worker whose life was saved by Vinsce's artemisinin treatment after falling ill with malaria — he called the medicine "a gift of a second life".
Vinsce Bio-Pharm holds more than 200 invention patents and operates a full-chain model that integrates enterprises, research institutes, plantations, and farmers. Through international exhibitions, partnerships with local medical institutions, and professional training, the company is promoting the use of artemisinin and strengthening malaria response capacity across Africa.
Co-founder Peng Xuedong emphasized that the company will continue increasing R&D investment to make high-quality, affordable artemisinin-based drugs more accessible to countries along the Belt and Road.