Hua Xia Shi Bao·2025-09-05 09:29Core Viewpoint - The recent suspension of procurement qualifications for 28 commonly used clinical drugs in Shanghai highlights the ongoing price governance in the pharmaceutical industry, driven by national policies aimed at ensuring price fairness and transparency across regions [1][5]. Group 1: Announcement Details - Shanghai Sunshine Pharmaceutical Procurement Network issued three significant announcements, leading to the suspension of procurement qualifications for 28 drugs, including essential items like Banlangen Granules and Chuanxinlian Tablets [1][2]. - The affected companies, such as Taiji Group and Tianjin Tongrentang, have expressed willingness to cooperate with price adjustments but have not yet provided specific plans [1][5]. Group 2: Price Governance Context - The price governance in Shanghai is part of a broader national initiative to regulate drug prices, ensuring local prices do not exceed national monitoring levels, thereby reducing inter-provincial price disparities [1][5]. - Previous price adjustments in Inner Mongolia for Banlangen Granules have created a coordinated effect with Shanghai's recent actions, indicating a unified approach to price governance across regions [5][6]. Group 3: Market Reactions and Implications - The pharmaceutical industry exhibits a cautious stance towards price governance, with companies reluctant to forfeit profit margins while also avoiding direct confrontation with regulatory policies [5][8]. - The price of Banlangen Granules can vary significantly, with production costs around 0.8 yuan per bag, while patients may pay between 3 to 5 yuan due to markups from intermediaries [5][8]. Group 4: Regulatory Developments - The recent actions in Shanghai extend price governance to unselected varieties of drugs, marking a shift in regulatory focus [6][7]. - Various regions are exploring different price constraint mechanisms, with Shanghai implementing a tiered pricing approach, while other areas like Hebei and Guangdong have adopted different standards [7][9]. Group 5: Broader Industry Trends - The ongoing price governance reflects a nationwide effort to eliminate inflated prices and standardize market practices, with increased regulatory scrutiny on retail pharmacies and e-commerce platforms [8][9]. - The National Healthcare Security Administration has initiated actions to monitor drug prices across various sales channels, enhancing the effectiveness of price governance through innovative data monitoring techniques [9][10].