Xin Lang Zheng Quan·2025-05-08 02:13Core Viewpoint - The recent antitrust penalties against three pharmaceutical companies in China highlight the exploitation of market concentration to inflate drug prices, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, raising concerns about unethical practices in the industry [1][7]. Group 1: Antitrust Case Details - Tianjin Municipal Market Supervision Administration imposed a total fine of 326 million yuan on Tianjin Pharmaceutical, Jiangsu Lianhuan Pharmaceutical, and Xianju Pharmaceutical for colluding to manipulate the price of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate [1][7]. - The price of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate surged from approximately 7,900 yuan per kilogram in November 2021 to 45,000 yuan per kilogram by November 2023, indicating a significant price manipulation [1][5]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The concentration of market competition is a key factor enabling these companies to control raw material and formulation prices, with the three companies holding four out of eight approved production licenses for Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate [3][4]. - The demand for Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate injections increased significantly during the pandemic, allowing companies to profit even as costs rose, leading to further price hikes [4][5]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment - The Chinese government has adopted a "zero tolerance" approach towards monopolistic behaviors in the pharmaceutical sector, as evidenced by the total fines of 1.772 billion yuan for antitrust cases in 2023 [7]. - The ongoing normalization of national medical insurance procurement and the enhancement of antitrust regulatory frameworks are expected to reduce the gray areas of vertical monopolies in the pharmaceutical industry [7].