Overview - The demand for Edaravone in China is driven by a large population of stroke patients, with sales peaking at 5.548 billion yuan in 2016 [1][8]. - The sales dropped significantly to 1.53 billion yuan by 2024 due to regulatory changes and market dynamics [1][9]. Development History - Edaravone was first approved in Japan in 2001 and introduced to China by Xiansheng Pharmaceutical in 2003 [3][4]. - The market demand grew rapidly from 2015 to 2018, establishing Edaravone as a key product in the neuropharmaceutical sector [3][5]. Market Dynamics - In 2019, Edaravone was included in the first batch of the National Key Monitoring Rational Drug Use Directory, leading to a decline in sales [4][5]. - The seventh batch of national drug procurement initiated in 2022 further impacted sales, with Edaravone being the only drug from the monitoring list to be included in the procurement [5][9]. Industry Chain - The upstream of the Edaravone industry includes raw materials, intermediates, packaging, and pharmaceutical equipment [6]. - The midstream consists of production companies, while the downstream includes hospitals and pharmacies, with hospitals being the primary distribution channel [7]. Market Background - Edaravone is primarily used for treating acute ischemic stroke, with its effectiveness linked to timely administration within 48 hours post-stroke [8]. - The aging population in China has led to an increase in stroke and other neurological disease incidences, with stroke patients reaching 27.461 million by 2024 [8]. Competitive Landscape - The Edaravone market in China is highly concentrated, with 54 approved products from 32 companies as of August 2025 [10]. - Xiansheng Pharmaceutical is the leading company, having launched the first Edaravone injection in China [10][11]. Company Profiles - Xiansheng Pharmaceutical reported a total revenue of 6.635 billion yuan in 2024, with a gross profit of 5.325 billion yuan and a gross margin of 80.25% [11]. - Jilin Boda Pharmaceutical, a key player, has a production capacity of 3 million 10ml and 2 million 20ml Edaravone injections annually, with a revenue of 733.38 million yuan in 2024 [12]. Future Trends - Innovations in Edaravone formulations are expected, including the development of oral tablets, which could enhance patient compliance [13]. - The expansion of insurance coverage and accelerated drug approvals are anticipated to increase market accessibility and demand, although cost control will be essential due to potential pricing pressures from insurance policies [13].

Core Insights - The National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) has published the preliminary review results for the 2025 medical insurance and commercial insurance innovative drug directory, with significant changes in the approval status of six drugs compared to the previous version [1][2]. Summary by Categories Drug Approval Changes - Six drugs have had their approval status changed, with two drugs (Injectable Risperidone Microspheres and Injectable Triptorelin Acetate) being disapproved, while two others (Levodopa Injection and Calcium Gluconate Sodium Chloride Injection) have been approved [1][3]. - The oral suspension of Ursodeoxycholic Acid remains approved, but the conditions for approval have been adjusted [1][3]. Application Statistics - For the 2025 directory adjustment, the NHSA received 718 applications, involving 633 drug generic names, with 535 passing the preliminary review [1][2]. - The approval rate has increased significantly, reaching 84.52% this year, compared to 68.42% in 2023 and 76.66% in 2024 [2]. Notable Drugs - Levodopa Injection, used for Parkinson's disease, has been approved and is not an exclusive product, indicating its potential for broader market access [4]. - Injectable Ceftriaxone Sodium Sulbactam, another approved drug, is noted for its broad antibacterial spectrum and safety profile [4]. - The oral suspension of Ursodeoxycholic Acid has had its approval conditions modified to include rare disease categories [6]. Innovative Drug Directory - The commercial insurance innovative drug directory has been introduced alongside the basic medical insurance directory, with 141 applications received, of which 121 passed the preliminary review [2]. - A significant number of drugs in both directories are new, with 303 in the basic medical insurance directory meeting specific conditions for approval [7]. Rare Disease Drugs - The directories include a total of 37 rare disease drugs in the basic medical insurance directory and 35 in the commercial insurance innovative drug directory, with 19 drugs approved in both [10][11]. - Notable rare disease drugs include those from Merck and other companies, which have gained attention for their potential market impact [11][12]. Market Trends - The introduction of the commercial insurance innovative drug directory is expected to enhance market access for several high-profile drugs, including CAR-T therapies that have previously struggled to gain approval [9][12]. - The performance of rare disease drug companies has seen significant stock price increases, indicating strong market interest and potential for growth [13].

Core Viewpoint - The National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) has officially announced the preliminary review results for the adjustment of the 2025 medical insurance and commercial insurance innovative drug catalog, indicating an increase in the number of drugs passing the review and the overall approval rate compared to previous years [1][2]. Summary by Relevant Sections Drug Review Changes - Six drugs underwent changes in their review status, with two drugs, injectable risperidone microspheres and injectable triptorelin, being disapproved, while injectable levodopa and calcium gluconate sodium injection were approved [1][5][6]. - The injectable risperidone microspheres, an exclusive product of Shengzhao Pharmaceuticals, was first launched in mainland China in February 2025 for treating mental disorders [6][7]. - The injectable triptorelin, also an exclusive product, was launched in 2023 for treating prostate cancer and precocious puberty [7]. Approval Statistics - A total of 718 applications were received for the 2025 catalog adjustment, involving 633 drug generic names, with 535 passing the preliminary review, resulting in an approval rate of 84.52% [1][2]. - The approval rates have shown a significant increase over the past three years, with 68.42% in 2023, 76.66% in 2024, and 84.52% in 2025 [2]. Innovative Drug Catalog - The commercial insurance innovative drug catalog was introduced for the first time, with 141 applications received, involving 141 drug generic names, and 121 passing the review [3]. - Among the drugs, 79 were submitted for both the basic medical insurance catalog and the commercial insurance innovative drug catalog [3]. Notable Products - Several notable products are highlighted, including CAR-T products that have previously failed to enter the medical insurance catalog but are now included in the commercial insurance innovative drug catalog [11][12]. - Unique products such as the first and only AKT inhibitor and the only Trop-2 ADC for breast cancer treatment are also included in the catalogs, indicating a focus on innovative therapies [13][14]. Rare Disease Medications - The review process has also included rare disease medications, with 37 drugs in the basic medical insurance catalog and 35 in the commercial insurance innovative drug catalog, of which 19 are approved in both [15][16]. - The approval of rare disease drugs is seen as a significant development, with companies like Beihai Kangcheng gaining attention for their innovative products [20].

Core Viewpoint - The National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) has announced the preliminary review results for the 2025 National Basic Medical Insurance, Maternity Insurance, and Work Injury Insurance drug catalog, along with the commercial insurance innovative drug catalog, indicating a significant increase in the number of drugs under review and the introduction of a new commercial insurance category for innovative drugs [1][3]. Group 1: Drug Catalog Submission and Review - A total of 718 submissions were received for the basic medical insurance catalog, involving 633 drug generic names, with 534 passing the preliminary review [3]. - For the commercial insurance innovative drug catalog, 141 submissions were received, involving 141 drug generic names, with 121 passing the preliminary review, including 79 drugs that may be negotiated under both insurance schemes [3][4]. Group 2: Impact on the Pharmaceutical Industry - The introduction of the commercial insurance innovative drug catalog is expected to create new pathways for multi-channel payment for innovative drugs and promote collaboration between commercial insurance and basic medical insurance [3]. - The review process for drugs that have passed the preliminary review does not guarantee inclusion in the final catalog, as they must undergo strict evaluation and successful negotiations [4]. Group 3: Notable Drugs and Categories - The commercial insurance catalog includes 12 monoclonal antibodies, 3 CAR-T therapies, and other innovative drugs, with notable products like CAR-T therapies and PD-1 inhibitors included [5][6]. - There are 42 drugs that only passed the preliminary review for the commercial insurance catalog, primarily from major pharmaceutical companies [6]. Group 4: Future Negotiation Timeline - The NHSA plans to conduct negotiations for the 2025 insurance catalog between September and October, with results expected to be announced between October and November [7].