Hong Kong Drug Licence Applications and Acquisitions · RGYS|Global Licensing and Compliance Service Provider
Hong Kong pharmaceutical compliance · applications / acquisitions / ongoing maintenance Independent Third-Party Service Provider
HONG KONG DRUG LICENSING

How does the “1+” new drug approval mechanism handle the recognition of cross-border clinical trial data?

A complete explanation of the regulatory basis, Drew Tang’s recommendations and risk alerts. The original material dates from 2025; read it alongside the latest official requirements.

Original guide, 2025 edition: These FAQs are provided for topic-based reference and have not all been individually checked against current rules. Please confirm fees, personnel, renewal, changes and product requirements against the professional in-depth guide for the relevant licence type and the official requirements in force at the time.

Drug Office, Department of Health Chinese Medicines Board

Q476 · Category J: Cross-border pharmaceuticals and industry practice (Q451-Q500)
The “1+” mechanism places emphasis on accepting international clinical trial data. Hong Kong’s Drug Office recognises results from cross-border clinical trials reviewed by internationally recognised regulatory authorities, provided that the data meet local scientific and ethical standards in Hong Kong. Applicants must provide complete reports on the trial design, conduct and results, and demonstrate compliance with the Clinical Trials Ordinance (Cap. 623) and relevant international guidelines, such as ICH-GCP. The data must also be transparent and traceable to ensure reliability. This helps reduce the need for duplicate trials and accelerate the local registration of new medicines.

📘 Regulatory basis

Clinical Trials Ordinance (Cap. 623), section 12 of the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap.138), Drug Office “Guidance on Acceptance of International Clinical Data”

📗 Drew Tang's recommendations

Cross-border applicants should ensure that clinical data meet Hong Kong’s ethical and regulatory standards, and consult local institutions in advance to avoid obstacles to approval due to non-compliant data.

📕 Risk notice

Using clinical data that is not recognised or does not meet the required standards may result in the information being rejected and affect the approval outcome.

Back to Category J: Cross-border Medicines and Industry Practice (Q451-Q500) Search more questions

YOUR NEXT STEP

Plan Your Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Licensing Project with Drew Tang

Business Manager Tang Shangyong (Drew Tang) will review your products, operating model, licence type and preparation requirements with you one-to-one. The precise service scope is confirmed in writing; pharmaceutical duties are carried out by legally qualified personnel, and approvals are determined by the competent authorities.

Book a Project Assessment ↗