China Clinical Trial for Medical Devices & IVDs

China has rapidly transformed from a secondary research market into a global leader in clinical development. In 2024 alone, over 4,900 clinical trials were conducted, reflecting a 13.9% year-over-year increase. With sweeping regulatory reform, increasing global data harmonization, and accelerated clinical trial approvals, China has become a strategic destination for global clinical studies, not only for pharmaceuticals, but critically for medical devices and in vitro diagnostics (IVDs).

Cisema is a specialized Contract Research Organization (CRO) and regulatory consulting partner, supporting medical device and IVD manufacturers through the entire China clinical trial and product registration process, including the various processes and documentation required for regulatory compliance. From study design, protocol development, and execution to regulatory submission and final National Medical Product Administration (NMPA) approval, we provide a fully integrated pathway to market success.

China Clinical Trial for Medical Devices & IVDs small
China Clinical Trial for Medical Devices & IVDs

Why Global Sponsors Choose China for Their Medical Device & IVD Clinical Trial

Unprecedented Scale and Opportunity

  • Over 4,900* clinical trials were conducted in 2024 (*including pharmaceuticals trials)
  • 51.8% focused on innovative products
  • Patient populations remain relatively treatment-naive
  • Strong growth in multi-country and global clinical studies
  • China’s extensive network of hospitals, particularly Class III Grade A hospitals in major cities, serves as primary sites for clinical trials, providing robust infrastructure and a competitive landscape for clinical research.

Regulatory Transformation Under the NMPA

  • 60-working-day silent approval mechanism for clinical trial applications
  • Proposed 30-day review timeline for priority products
  • Transition from site accreditation to site registration
  • ICH harmonization for global data accuracy and acceptance.

Cost and Speed Advantages

  • Significant cost savings and faster timelines compared to many other countries, supported by a strong clinical research infrastructure
  • Expanding CRO ecosystem providing full-service support
  • Access to an extensive and treatment-naive patient pool
  • Backed by the Chinese government through policies promoting Innovation, quality control and new guidance to streamline the clinical trial process.

Why Cisema is Your CRO Partner of Choice

Cisema offers more than operational support, we add strategic value at every stage of your clinical trial and regulatory journey. As both a Contract Research Organization (CRO) and a regulatory consulting specialist, we support manufacturers of medical devices and IVDs from study design, trial execution, and data management all the way through to final National Medical Product Administration (NMPA) approval and product registration.

Unlike traditional CROs focused solely on clinical trials, Cisema ensures that the trial protocol, endpoints, and data collection methods are aligned from the outset with NMPA marketing authorization requirements and supplementary notice expectations. Our integrated approach eliminates costly handovers and guarantees continuity, efficiency, and full compliance.

This seamless transition from clinical trial execution to regulatory success makes Cisema your single-source partner in China.

Why Cisema is Your CRO Partner of Choice

Cisema’s Clinical Trial Services for Medical Devices & IVDs

Strategic Planning & Protocol Development
Regulatory Submissions & IEC Coordination
Clinical Site & Investigator Selection
Trial Execution & Oversight
Data Management & Statistical Analysis
Reporting & Study Close-Out
Market Access & Commercial Strategy
Post-Market Clinical Support & Real World Evidence

Strategic Planning & Protocol Development

We shape each clinical trial strategy around your product’s risk classification, intended use, and technical documentation.

Our solutions include:

Assesses exemption possibilities under Chinese NMPA regulations
Designs scientifically sound and NMPA-compliant protocols
Aligns timelines with global clinical development milestones and those of other countries.
Defines primary and secondary endpoints aligned with NMPA focus areas
Optimizes sample size based on risk and feasibility

Regulatory Submissions & IEC Coordination

We manage:

IEC applications for hospital ethics committees
Chinese-language patient-facing documents and consent forms
Timely submission within NMPA’s 60-working-day silent review system
Harmonized documentation aligned with registry and public disclosure obligations compliant with Personal Information Protection Law.

Clinical Site & Investigator Selection

We recommend high-quality clinical trial sites and investigators based on product type, ensuring the selection of leading hospitals and experienced researchers for optimal trial outcomes:

Our solutions include:

Site feasibility based on experience and previous clinical trials conducted
Contracting and initiation of multi-party agreements
Investigator SOP training and readiness.

Trial Execution & Oversight

We ensure everything runs smoothly with:

Our solutions include:

Fast-track enrollment from diverse patient pools, recruiting and monitoring for safety
Local support for hospital case management
Monitoring of treatment, follow-up, and patient safety, including quality control oversight during trial execution
Video updates at key stages of the process.

Data Management & Statistical Analysis

We deliver full control over data accuracy through:

Our solutions include:

Case database creation and validation
Verification, query resolution, and correction
Data locking, secure archiving, and analysis in line with NMPA expectations.
Hands-on support throughout the NMPA review process.

Reporting & Study Close-Out

We prepare:

Final clinical trial reports in Chinese
Summary interpretation for inclusion in product registration dossier
Site close-out reports with full documentation for final NMPA approval.

Market Access & Commercial Strategy

Following product approval, we support your transition to commercialization by guiding pricing, reimbursement, and stakeholder engagement strategies. Our market access experts help you define and communicate your product’s value within the local healthcare landscape.

Our solutions include:

Pricing and reimbursement strategy development
National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) pathway insights
Value proposition refinement and health economic modeling
KOL mapping, hospital access, and distribution planning
Competitor benchmarking and market positioning.

Post-Market Clinical Support & Real World Evidence

We support the full post-approval phase, helping you maintain regulatory compliance and generate robust evidence to demonstrate product performance, safety, and potential for label expansion.

Our solutions include:

Compliance monitoring under China’s MAH system and APAC-specific requirements.
Medical Device & IVD PMS report generation, PSURs, and signal detection
Phase IV and post-market clinical follow-up (PMCF) planning
Real world evidence (RWE) study design and implementation

Clinical Research in China: A Strategic Advantage

Silent approval allows trials to begin unless objections arise
The NMPA increasingly accepts overseas data, and Chinese clinical trial data is now recognized by regulators in other countries
Trial infrastructure in regions like the Yangtze River Delta is expanding rapidly
Multinational sponsors now include China in global trials.

Start Your China Clinical Trial with Cisema

Whether you're validating a high-risk IVD or conducting a pivotal Class III medical device trial, Cisema provides the strategic guidance and local support needed for success. Our integrated approach, from study design, execution, and data management to full regulatory submission, ensures your clinical trial is accepted, compliant, and ready for market.

Get in Touch with Our China Clinical Trial Experts

Cisema’s clinical trial and regulatory specialists are ready to guide your medical device or IVD through every step in China. Let us help you design, execute, and submit a successful clinical trial that meets NMPA requirements, ensures data accuracy, and accelerates your product’s market entry.

Request Proposal