Core Insights - The Chinese medical insurance directory will undergo its largest expansion of innovative drugs in history starting January 1, 2026, adding 114 new drugs, including 50 class 1 innovative drugs, while removing 29 drugs that are either unavailable or can be replaced by better alternatives [1][2] - The total number of drugs in the directory will increase to 3,253, significantly enhancing coverage for key areas such as oncology, chronic diseases, mental health, rare diseases, and pediatric medications [1][2] - The inclusion of innovative drugs in the medical insurance directory reflects a strong commitment to support genuine innovation and differentiated innovation in the healthcare sector [1][2] Medical Insurance Directory Expansion - The new directory will include 114 drugs, with nearly 44% being class 1 innovative drugs, indicating a growing emphasis on innovative treatments [1][2] - The directory will enhance the insurance coverage for critical areas, improving access to necessary medications for patients [1][2] Innovative Drug Market Dynamics - The entry of innovative drugs into the medical insurance directory is a key driver for market growth, with those included typically experiencing rapid sales growth within a year [4] - Companies like Heng Rui Medicine and Innovent Biologics have successfully included multiple innovative products in the new directory, indicating a trend towards increased market access for innovative therapies [4][5] Clinical Needs and Treatment Options - The new directory addresses significant clinical needs, particularly in oncology, with new drugs targeting various types of cancers, thereby expanding treatment options for patients [9][10] - The inclusion of targeted therapies for conditions like severe asthma and breast cancer provides patients with more accessible and effective treatment options [6][10] Commercial Insurance Directory - The introduction of a commercial insurance directory for innovative drugs aims to balance clinical value, corporate profits, and the sustainability of insurance funds [2][12] - The commercial insurance directory includes 19 innovative drugs, highlighting a focus on high-value treatments that exceed basic insurance coverage [12][15] Policy and Regulatory Environment - Recent reforms in drug approval and medical insurance payment systems have created a conducive environment for the development of innovative drugs in China [17][18] - The acceleration of drug approvals and the establishment of a more rigorous evaluation system for innovative drugs are reshaping the landscape for pharmaceutical companies [17][18] Future Outlook - The ongoing expansion of the medical insurance directory signifies a shift towards making innovative drugs more accessible and affordable for the general population, enhancing overall healthcare outcomes [20][21] - The collaboration between policy, industry, and capital markets is essential for fostering high-quality development in the innovative drug sector [19][20]

Group 1 - The National Healthcare Security Administration released the 2025 National Basic Medical Insurance, Maternity Insurance, and Work Injury Insurance Drug Catalog, along with the Commercial Health Insurance Innovative Drug Catalog [1] - Innovent Biologics has seven innovative products successfully included in the new medical insurance catalog, including the PD-1 inhibitor, Tyvyt (sintilimab injection), which has a new indication for advanced endometrial cancer [1][2] - Tyvyt is the only PD-1 inhibitor in its treatment area to be included in the medical insurance catalog, and it has been approved for eight indications since its launch in 2018, covering various cancers [1] Group 2 - Another innovative drug included in the new medical insurance catalog is IBI302 (teprotumumab), which is the first IGF-1R antibody drug approved in China and the second globally, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of thyroid eye disease [2] - Other innovative drugs added to the catalog target prevalent diseases such as lung cancer and hematological malignancies, including drugs like IBI308 (lazertinib), IBI310 (entrectinib), and IBI311 (ibrutinib) [2] - The inclusion of innovative drugs in the medical insurance catalog is a crucial step towards making these treatments accessible and affordable for more patients in China [2]