21世纪经济报道·2025-06-12 15:39Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a recent monopoly case in the raw material drug sector, highlighting the significant penalties imposed on several pharmaceutical companies for price manipulation of dexamethasone phosphate sodium, which has seen a dramatic price increase during the COVID-19 pandemic [3][5][9]. Group 1: Penalties and Financial Impact - Lianhuan Pharmaceutical was fined 61.0382 million yuan, accounting for 72.53% of its projected net profit for 2024 [3][10]. - The total fines for the three involved companies reached 326 million yuan [3]. - The price of dexamethasone surged from 0.35 yuan to 98.76 yuan per unit, a staggering increase of 282 times [5][8]. Group 2: Nature of the Monopoly - The involved companies engaged in a horizontal monopoly agreement, agreeing to stop price competition and raise prices collectively [6][9]. - The actions of these companies are characterized as typical collusion, which is often difficult to detect externally [6][11]. - A key individual organized meetings among the companies to discuss price increases, ensuring the implementation of the monopoly agreement [16][17]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment and Future Implications - The article emphasizes the need for stricter compliance and internal management within pharmaceutical companies to avoid similar incidents in the future [21]. - The penalties serve as a warning to the industry, indicating that both state-owned and private enterprises will face legal consequences for monopolistic behavior [21][22]. - The regulatory framework is evolving, with new guidelines set to enhance oversight in the pharmaceutical sector, including provisions for reverse payment agreements and indirect price fixing [22][23].