Core Insights - The recent price governance actions on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have become less public, with many provinces opting for closed-door processes to handle pricing issues [1][2][9] - The high pricing of TCM has been a long-standing issue, with previous studies indicating that a significant number of TCM products are overpriced [4][5] - The ongoing price governance is expected to lead to a significant industry reshuffle, with many companies facing financial pressures due to continuous price cuts and declining market demand [10][11] Group 1: Price Governance Actions - Various provinces have initiated price governance for TCM, but details are often not disclosed publicly, requiring companies to log in to access specific information [1][2][9] - The price governance actions were prompted by public outcry over the high costs of TCM compared to Western medicine, revealing significant price discrepancies [2][4] Group 2: Industry Challenges - The TCM industry is experiencing financial difficulties, with a reported total revenue of 356.19 billion yuan for 75 listed TCM companies in 2024, a decrease of 4.6% year-on-year [10] - Major TCM companies, such as Pien Tze Huang and China Resources Sanjiu, have reported declines in revenue and net profit, indicating a challenging market environment [10][11] - The National Medical Insurance Administration plans to expand drug procurement alliances by 2025, which will further pressure TCM prices and potentially lead to the elimination of less competitive companies [12][13] Group 3: Future Outlook - The ongoing price governance and procurement reforms are expected to create downward pressure on TCM prices, leading to a necessary industry restructuring [13] - Despite the challenges, there remains potential for high-quality TCM companies to be revalued positively after the industry undergoes a transformation towards product-driven strategies [13]

21世纪经济报道记者 韩利明 连月来，全国中成药联盟第三批集采中选结果相继落地。继6月25日起，上海对中选品种供应清单内药 品按中选价格挂网后，日前上海阳光医药采购网再次开通全国中成药集采首批扩围接续（ZCYLM- 2024-2）药品申报挂网通道，明确申报挂网时间为2025年8月12日至8月29日，同时规定"凡属本市供应 清单内的药品均需进行填报，本市已挂网的中选药品无需重新申报"。 中成药集采的加速落地，直指长期以来备受社会关注的中成药价格虚高问题。作为治理这一顽疾的核心 手段，湖北省医保局公布数据，第三批全国中成药集采中选产品价格平均降幅达68%，有多款产品降幅 超90%。例如山西太行药业股份有限公司生产的清开灵注射液基准价格为16.08元，中选价格为0.99元， 降价幅度达93.8%。 针对如何构建中成药价格治理长效机制，首都医科大学国家医保研究院原副研究员仲崇明向21世纪经济 报道指出，应同时发挥集采及挂网治理，从挂网治理常态化地发现挂网价格异常、超限，探索进一步收 敛阈值区间，将挂网治理发现的普遍、严峻问题作为线索，积极组织集采竞争。 "价格方面，要对全市场做总窥探，哪些产品定价最高，和其他产品比较 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing price governance of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) products across multiple provinces in China, highlighting the significant price discrepancies and the government's efforts to regulate these prices to alleviate the financial burden on patients and the healthcare system [2][3][5][21]. Group 1: Price Governance Initiatives - Multiple provinces, including Guangxi, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, and Tianjin, have announced price governance measures for TCM products, indicating a nationwide effort to address high prices [2][3]. - The National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) has issued a report identifying TCM products with prices significantly higher than the lowest available options, prompting provincial authorities to take action [15][16]. Group 2: Price Discrepancies - There are extreme price differences for the same TCM products across different regions, with some products priced over 100 times higher than the lowest price available [6][9][10][11][12]. - For example, in Ningxia, a single unit of An Gong Niu Huang Wan is priced at 998 yuan, which is 11 times the lowest daily treatment cost for the same product [8]. Group 3: Factors Contributing to Price Variability - Price differences can be attributed to variations in ingredients, dosage forms, quality standards, and insufficient market competition, leading to concentrated pricing power among certain manufacturers [13]. - The complexity of TCM formulations and the lack of standardized quality control further exacerbate pricing issues [24]. Group 4: Impact on Pharmaceutical Companies - The price governance measures affect various pharmaceutical companies, including both small enterprises and established publicly listed firms like Tai Chi Group and Huason Pharmaceutical [21]. - Companies are under pressure to adjust their pricing strategies in response to the new regulations, with some indicating that the impact on their operations will be minimal [22]. Group 5: Patient Benefits and Future Outlook - The governance is expected to reduce the financial burden on patients, particularly for commonly used medications for chronic diseases, promoting fairer pricing and rational drug use [23]. - Experts suggest that while price governance is a step forward, it may not fully resolve the issue of price discrepancies, and additional measures such as collective procurement and improved industry standards are necessary [24].

Core Viewpoint - A nationwide price governance action for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is being implemented across multiple provinces in China, addressing the issue of inflated prices and the pressure it places on medical insurance funds [2][9]. Price Governance Action - Provinces such as Guangxi, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, and Tianjin have announced price governance measures for TCM, with additional provinces like Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Henan, Hebei, and Jilin also participating [2]. - The governance is a response to the significant price discrepancies and the pressure on medical insurance funds caused by high TCM prices [2][11]. Price Discrepancies - Notable TCM products, including An Gong Niu Huang Wan and Ban Lan Gen Granules, have been identified with price differences exceeding 100 times between various manufacturers [3][4]. - A study indicated that out of 93 high-priced TCM products, only 6 had prices close to their theoretical retail prices, highlighting widespread price inflation [3]. Factors Contributing to Price Differences - Price variations are attributed to differences in ingredients, dosage forms, quality standards, and insufficient market competition, leading to concentrated pricing power among certain products [7][11]. - For instance, the daily treatment cost of An Gong Niu Huang Wan can reach 1,898 yuan in Inner Mongolia, significantly higher than the lowest price available [4]. Regulatory Measures - The National Medical Insurance Administration has initiated measures to regulate high-priced TCM products, requiring provinces to verify and adjust prices by July 31 [9][10]. - Provinces have been instructed to impose penalties on companies that fail to comply with price adjustments, including procurement risk identification and potential suspension of product listings [10]. Impact on Pharmaceutical Companies - The price governance affects various pharmaceutical companies, including well-known listed firms such as Taiji Group and Yabao Pharmaceutical, which are now under scrutiny for their pricing practices [12]. - Companies are expected to adapt to a new pricing model based on cost and efficacy, as reliance on high pricing and marketing strategies may no longer be sustainable [13]. Benefits for Patients - The price governance is anticipated to reduce the financial burden on patients, particularly for commonly used medications for chronic diseases, promoting fairer drug pricing and usage [13]. - Increased price transparency is expected to help regulate prescription practices and reduce the misuse of high-priced medications [13].

Core Viewpoint - The issue of excessively high prices for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has not been resolved, as evidenced by recent government actions targeting price adjustments for numerous TCM products across various provinces [1][2][4]. Group 1: Price Governance Actions - The Guangxi Drug Procurement Service Platform announced a price adjustment for 169 high-priced TCMs, requiring companies to complete adjustments by July 30 [1]. - Multiple provinces, including Jilin, Henan, and Jiangsu, have initiated price governance for TCMs, with notable products like An Gong Niu Huang Wan and Ban Lan Gen Granules being included [2]. - Jilin Province identified 52 TCMs with significant price discrepancies, with price differences ranging from 10 to over 117 times the minimum daily cost [2][3]. Group 2: Price Discrepancies and Examples - The price of TCMs is significantly higher compared to chemical drugs, with some products showing price differences exceeding 100 times [2]. - For instance, the price of Yuan Hu Zhi Tong Pian from Chongqing Xieran Pharmaceutical Co. is 110 yuan, with a daily cost of 45.83 yuan, leading to a price difference of 117.51 times the minimum daily cost [2][3]. Group 3: Historical Context and Ongoing Issues - The problem of high TCM prices has been persistent, with a 2009 study indicating that out of 93 high-priced TCMs, only 6 had prices close to their theoretical retail prices [4]. - Factors contributing to high prices include an inadequate pricing mechanism, numerous distribution channels, and commercial bribery in the pharmaceutical sector [4]. Group 4: Regulatory Developments - The National Medical Insurance Administration has initiated ongoing price governance for TCMs, with 28 provinces improving their drug pricing rules [4][5]. - The governance focuses on "average daily treatment costs," with penalties for products exceeding set price thresholds [5]. Group 5: Market Adaptations and Future Strategies - TCM companies are adapting to regulatory changes by exploring new profit avenues outside traditional markets, such as health products and wellness items [8]. - Companies like Li Shizhen and Tong Ren Tang are launching health-oriented products, indicating a shift in focus towards future growth opportunities [8][9].