A new gene therapy deal between Takeda and Belief signals multinationals are continuing to increase the pace of collaboration with Chinese partners as a source of innovation.

A slew of high-level executives has established biotech startups in China with a single focus on CNS conditions. Emerging collaboration and funding flow highlights a heating up market, but insiders tell Scrip that choppy waters and an uncertain future may be looming.

The firms’ one-time hemophilia B gene therapy has been approved in the EU just months after a US nod, but concerns remain about its prospects on a market that has seen several setbacks for other gene therapies.

Pfizer’s fidanacogene elaparvovec has hit the mark in a Phase III hemophilia B trial just a month after rival UniQure’s Hemgenix won US approval, with Pfizer’s plans for regulatory action raising the stakes for Hemgenix.