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谁在收割阿尔茨海默病患者钱包?
21世纪经济报道·2025-06-24 10:02

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the market dynamics surrounding the Alzheimer's disease treatment drug GV-971 (甘露特钠胶囊), which has reportedly been suspended, leading to a surge in demand for both legitimate and illegitimate products claiming to be similar or related [1][4]. Group 1: Market Response to Drug Suspension - Since June, there have been ongoing reports about the suspension of GV-971, with the manufacturer,绿谷制药, confirming temporary adjustments in production but not clarifying if it will be permanently discontinued [1]. - The suspension has led to a nationwide shortage of GV-971, with prices on e-commerce platforms skyrocketing from approximately 296 yuan to around 1000 yuan per box, often with purchase limits [4]. - Many families of Alzheimer's patients are actively seeking to purchase GV-971 at high prices, indicating a strong demand despite the legal restrictions on resale of prescription drugs [4]. Group 2: Emergence of Alternative Products - A variety of products labeled as "甘露特钠胶囊" have emerged in the market, often marketed as "药食同源" (food and medicine from the same source), which are not officially recognized as drugs and may mislead consumers [3][8]. - Some sellers are using the name "北京同仁堂" to enhance credibility, although these products are not officially authorized by the brand [3]. - The concept of "药食同源" is being exploited by sellers to bypass drug regulations, with products being marketed under misleading names that suggest medicinal benefits [8][9]. Group 3: Regulatory and Safety Concerns - The sale of GV-971 without a prescription is illegal, and private transactions pose risks of counterfeit or substandard products, jeopardizing patient safety [4]. - Experts emphasize that while GV-971 offers a new approach to Alzheimer's treatment, it is not the only option available, and patients should not panic about the temporary suspension [5][6]. - The article highlights that the active ingredient in GV-971, derived from marine brown algae, does not meet the criteria for inclusion in the "药食同源" category, reinforcing the distinction between legitimate drugs and food products [10].