多元支付如何破解创新药“价格悖论”

Core Viewpoint - The recent policy document issued by the National Healthcare Security Administration and the National Health Commission aims to support the high-quality development of innovative drugs in China, addressing the "price paradox" faced by the industry and promoting a multi-channel payment system to balance reasonable pricing and patient accessibility [1][2][3]. Group 1: Policy Measures - The policy includes 16 specific measures across five areas, focusing on creating a multi-payment system to alleviate the financial burden on patients while ensuring reasonable market prices for innovative drugs [1][2]. - The measures aim to establish a diversified cost-sharing mechanism involving basic medical insurance, commercial insurance, personal payments, and corporate assistance, ensuring that no single entity bears excessive financial pressure [2][5]. Group 2: Industry Context - The innovative drug sector in China has transitioned from being a "follower" to a "runner," with significant growth since 2015, evidenced by the approval of 39 new drugs in 2024, accounting for nearly 40% of global first approvals [4]. - The policy reflects a systemic approach to supply-side structural reform in the innovative drug industry, encouraging companies to focus on clinical needs and enhance their innovation capabilities [4][5]. Group 3: Societal Impact - The ultimate goal of the innovative drug policy is to improve public welfare by ensuring patients can access high-quality treatments at reasonable prices, emphasizing a shift from price thinking to value thinking [3][5]. - The social value of innovative drugs extends beyond treatment effectiveness to include cost savings in healthcare and improved quality of life, highlighting the importance of comprehensive benefits over mere pricing [3]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The successful implementation of the 16 measures will depend on balancing innovation incentives with cost control, establishing a stable policy environment, and ensuring continuity in the regulatory framework [5]. - The future development of China's innovative drug industry is expected to shift from scale expansion to quality enhancement, from imitation to original innovation, and from a domestic focus to a global market presence [5].