潍坊中源垄断原料药被罚3765万，相关企业阻碍调查亦受罚

Core Viewpoint - The case highlights the monopolistic behavior of Weifang Zhongyuan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in the magnesium trisilicate raw material market, leading to significant penalties and revealing a lack of competition in the industry [1][2][4]. Group 1: Monopolistic Behavior - Weifang Zhongyuan Pharmaceutical was found to have engaged in unfair high pricing, refusal to trade, and imposing unreasonable trading conditions, constituting abuse of market dominance [1][5]. - The company controlled the domestic supply of magnesium trisilicate through exclusive agreements with upstream suppliers, establishing a dominant market position [2][4]. - The market for magnesium trisilicate is highly concentrated, with only four companies having production qualifications, and Weifang Zhongyuan monopolizing the sales channels [2][3]. Group 2: Price Manipulation - The price of magnesium trisilicate surged from an average of 17-22 yuan per kilogram (2011-2013) to 600 yuan per kilogram by 2019, representing a cumulative increase of over 27 times [4][5]. - The sales prices were significantly higher than the procurement costs, with some transactions exceeding ten times the procurement price, leading to increased costs for downstream pharmaceutical companies [4][5]. Group 3: Impact on Industry - The monopolistic practices resulted in increased procurement costs for pharmaceutical companies, forcing some to cease production or exit the market, thereby raising drug prices and increasing the financial burden on patients [4][5]. - The lack of alternative sources for magnesium trisilicate due to stringent import regulations further entrenched the company's market power, leaving formulation companies with little bargaining power [3][4]. Group 4: Legal Consequences - The total penalties imposed on Weifang Zhongyuan amounted to 37.65 million yuan, including confiscation of illegal gains and fines based on annual sales [8]. - Four other pharmaceutical companies involved in the case were fined for failing to cooperate with the antitrust investigation and submitting false evidence [6][7].