Core Viewpoint - The current flu season in China is marked by a significant increase in drug demand due to a larger infected population, with a competitive landscape emerging as multiple domestic innovative flu drugs are launched, challenging traditional imported and older medications [2][17]. Group 1: Flu Season Trends - The flu season is peaking in northern China while southern regions are still rising, with a national flu positivity rate exceeding 40% [5][6]. - Increased flu cases are particularly noted among children, with hospitals reporting a significant rise in infections [7][5]. - Experts predict that some provinces may reach flu peak by mid-December, with a nationwide decline expected by early January [6]. Group 2: Rise of Domestic Flu Medications - The market for flu medications is becoming increasingly diverse, with various approved treatments available, including neuraminidase inhibitors and RNA polymerase inhibitors [9][8]. - 2025 is referred to as the "Year of Domestic Flu New Drugs," with several innovative flu medications launched this year, intensifying market competition [9][8]. - New drugs like Isodaz (Mashurashave) and Anruwei (Anglave) have been approved, representing significant advancements in flu treatment [10][9]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Pricing - The price of new RNA polymerase inhibitors is comparable to imported drugs, with significant sales growth observed for both classic and innovative flu medications [12][11]. - Sales data indicates a substantial increase in demand for flu medications, with Oseltamivir sales reaching 5.9 billion yuan in 2024, marking a 237% increase in recent weeks [14][12]. - The competitive landscape is shifting, with traditional flu drugs losing their competitive edge post-collective procurement, emphasizing the need for innovative high-quality drugs [18][17]. Group 4: Investment and Market Outlook - The flu medication market in China is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 20.2%, potentially reaching 26.9 billion yuan by 2028 [18][17]. - Companies are responding to rising stock prices in the flu drug sector, with some developing new generation neuraminidase inhibitors and focusing on innovative drug development [18][17]. - The influx of domestic companies into the flu drug market is driven by the market's high certainty and relatively safe research environment [19][17]. Group 5: Challenges and Recommendations - The influx of similar products raises concerns about market saturation and price wars, prompting calls for diversified and personalized flu vaccine products [20][19]. - There is a notable gap in pediatric flu medications, despite children having a significantly higher infection rate compared to adults [20][19]. - E-commerce platforms are enhancing their flu product offerings, indicating a strong potential for growth in online sales channels for flu medications [20][19].