Drugmakers tap China AI app boom to reach doctors as crackdown upends marketing

SHANGHAI, – Drugmakers in China are seizing on a boom in digital assistants that has opened up a new – and potentially more efficient – way to connect with doctors after a sweeping graft crackdown disrupted traditional engagement channels.

A wave of AI-powered apps similar to OpenEvidence – a sort of ChatGPT designed specifically for doctors, which is not available in China – has entered the market this year from companies including online healthcare giants Alibaba Health and JD Health.