Core Insights - The National Healthcare Security Administration and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security have released the new National Medical Insurance Directory and the first Commercial Health Insurance Innovative Drug Directory, set to be implemented nationwide from January 1, 2026 [1][2] Summary by Sections National Medical Insurance Directory - A total of 114 new drugs have been added to the National Medical Insurance Directory, with 111 of them being new products launched within the last five years, representing 97.3% of the new additions [2] - Among the new drugs, 50 are classified as Category 1 innovative drugs, with a success rate of 88%, an increase from 76% in 2024 [2] - The total number of drugs in the directory has increased to 3,253, including 1,857 Western medicines and 1,396 traditional Chinese medicines [2] Company Announcements - Several listed companies, including Heng Rui Medicine, Fosun Pharma, and Hai Si Ke, announced new drug inclusions or renewals in the updated National Medical Insurance Directory [3] - Heng Rui Medicine reported that 20 products/indications were included, with significant coverage across various diseases such as tumors and cardiovascular conditions [3][4] - Hai Si Ke's two Category 1 innovative drugs were included, with one being a new addition and the other a renewal [4] Commercial Health Insurance Innovative Drug Directory - The first Commercial Health Insurance Innovative Drug Directory includes 19 new drugs from 18 innovative pharmaceutical companies, with 9 being Category 1 innovative drugs [7] - Notably, five CAR-T products were included, representing over half of the CAR-T products available in China, which previously faced challenges in entering the insurance market due to high pricing [7][8] - The directory also includes treatments for rare diseases and high-profile conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, enhancing the complementarity with the basic medical insurance [7][10] Notable Drug Inclusions - The directory includes drugs for significant diseases such as triple-negative breast cancer and pancreatic cancer, as well as treatments for rare diseases like Gaucher disease [5][9] - In the diabetes sector, several domestic drugs were newly included, such as a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist [6] - Companies like Bei Hai Kang Cheng and Bai Ji Shen Zhou have also successfully included their innovative drugs in the Commercial Health Insurance Directory [9]

Core Viewpoint - The news highlights the supply issues surrounding GV-971 (甘露特钠胶囊), a drug for Alzheimer's disease, which has led to a significant price increase and potential production halt due to regulatory challenges and cash flow problems faced by the manufacturer,绿谷制药 [1][3][5]. Group 1: Supply and Demand - GV-971 has been experiencing a supply shortage since six months ago, with recent reports indicating complete stockouts, causing prices to surge from 296 yuan to between 830 yuan and 1,033 yuan per box [1]. - Over 9,300 patients have requested the drug, and more than 1,200 doctors have urged the company to ensure continuous supply [1]. - The company is in communication with relevant authorities to expedite the review process for the drug's certification renewal [1][2]. Group 2: Regulatory and Clinical Background - GV-971 was conditionally approved in November 2019, becoming the first drug targeting the "gut-brain axis" mechanism for Alzheimer's treatment [3]. - The drug's approval was contingent upon the submission of long-term carcinogenicity data, which was completed and submitted in December 2019, showing no carcinogenic risk [3]. - The drug has been under review since October 2024, but its approval status remains pending, possibly due to ongoing debates regarding its efficacy [4]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Market Impact - Since its launch, GV-971 has reportedly benefited over 500,000 patients, with sales reaching 2.13 million boxes in 2024 alone [5]. - The drug's sales have grown at a compound annual growth rate of 343.2% since its approval, with hospital sales reaching 170 million yuan and retail sales at 156 million yuan in 2022 [5]. - The company has faced severe cash flow issues, leading to temporary layoffs and reduced salaries for employees [2]. Group 4: Alternative Treatments and Market Landscape - Despite the supply issues with GV-971, other established treatments for Alzheimer's disease, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists, remain available [6]. - Newer drugs like Eli Lilly's donanemab and Eisai's lecanemab have also entered the market, providing additional options for patients [7]. - The Alzheimer's drug development landscape is characterized by high investment and risk, with over $100 billion invested globally, yet only one drug successfully launched from over 200 clinical trials [8][9].