Core Viewpoint - The eleventh batch of national organized drug procurement has officially opened for bidding, involving 55 drug varieties across various therapeutic areas, indicating a continued effort to regulate drug prices and improve accessibility for patients [1][2]. Group 1: Procurement Details - The procurement includes drugs for infection, oncology, asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders [1]. - The bidding process began with material pre-checks and company sign-ins at 7:00 AM, followed by the acceptance of submissions until 10:30 AM, with results expected later the same day [1][2]. Group 2: Industry Participation - There was a noticeable presence of company representatives at the event, with some expressing that the number of participants was lower than in previous rounds, but the number of products being bid on was higher, indicating increased competition [2]. - Companies view successful bidding as a significant opportunity to gain market access, referring to it as a "larger market entry ticket" [2]. Group 3: Policy and Regulation Changes - Since 2018, the national government has conducted 10 rounds of drug procurement, covering 435 drug types, which has proven effective in addressing high drug prices and improving medication accessibility [2]. - The new procurement rules emphasize stability in clinical practices, quality assurance, prevention of excessive competition, and measures against collusion among related companies [3]. Group 4: Quality Control and Competition - The procurement process has optimized reporting methods, allowing medical institutions to report either by generic name or brand, with 77% of 46,000 institutions opting for brand reporting [3]. - Quality control measures have been enhanced, requiring companies to demonstrate production experience and compliance with quality standards over the past two years [3]. - New mechanisms have been introduced to encourage healthy competition, including revival options for both successful and unsuccessful bids, while measures are in place to prevent collusion among related companies [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the 11th batch of national organized drug procurement, highlighting its focus on transparency, quality assurance, and competitive pricing mechanisms in the pharmaceutical industry [3][10][13]. Group 1: Procurement Details - The 11th batch of drug procurement includes 55 varieties, covering treatment areas such as anti-infection, anti-tumor, asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular, and neurological drugs [3]. - The procurement process involved a two-round revival mechanism, allowing more companies to qualify, which is expected to extend the bidding time compared to previous batches [10]. - Since 2018, the national level has conducted 10 batches of drug procurement, covering 435 drugs and nearly 800 companies, involving over 2,000 representative products [10]. Group 2: Principles and Optimizations - The procurement adheres to principles of stabilizing clinical use, ensuring quality, preventing excessive competition, and avoiding collusion [10][11]. - The reporting method for medical institutions has been optimized, allowing them to report either by generic name or specific brand, with 77% of the 46,000 institutions reporting by brand [10]. - Quality standards have been raised, requiring that production lines have no GMP violations in the past two years [10]. Group 3: Transparency and Competition - A significant highlight of this procurement is its emphasis on transparency, with the procurement office publicly explaining the selection rules and conducting online sessions for medical institutions [13]. - On average, 14 companies have applied for each variety, indicating that most companies are expected to qualify, although competition may be fierce for some varieties with a high number of bidders [13][15]. - The National Medical Insurance Administration issued a warning in August for companies to conduct cost-benefit analyses and maintain rational pricing in light of high competition [15].