Core Insights - The shift from imported original research drugs to domestic generics and innovative drugs is significant, with the market share of imported original cancer drugs in top-tier hospitals dropping from 68% in 2021 to 34% in 2024, while domestic generics and innovative drugs now account for 66% [1][5][10] - The decline of imported original drugs is attributed to aggressive pricing strategies by multinational pharmaceutical companies and the cost advantages of domestic generics [1][6][10] - Patients are increasingly accepting domestic drugs, with many reporting satisfactory treatment outcomes and reduced financial burdens [4][12] Industry Dynamics - Multinational pharmaceutical companies are accelerating localization efforts, expanding production bases, and upgrading R&D centers to balance cost and innovation [2][13] - The Chinese government's policies, including centralized drug procurement and price negotiations, are effectively reducing drug prices and reshaping the market landscape [10][16] - The acceptance of domestic drugs is growing among patients, driven by improved quality and increased awareness [5][12] Market Trends - The usage of imported original cancer drugs has significantly decreased, with one hospital reporting a drop from over 200 units per month to around 50 units, while the usage of domestic innovative drugs has more than doubled [4][5] - The market for imported original drugs is facing challenges, with a low bid success rate in centralized procurement, leading to many companies withdrawing from public hospital markets [6][10] - The trend of patients preferring cost-effective domestic drugs is supported by studies showing equivalent efficacy and safety compared to original drugs [12][16] Future Outlook - The pharmaceutical industry is expected to continue evolving, with multinational companies adapting their strategies to maintain market presence through innovation and collaboration with local firms [13][14] - The Chinese market is becoming increasingly competitive, with domestic companies focusing on differentiated innovation to capture market share [11][14] - Ongoing reforms in the healthcare system aim to ensure that patients have access to a wider range of affordable and high-quality medications [16]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a significant shift in the pharmaceutical market in China, where the market share of imported original research cancer drugs in top-tier hospitals is projected to drop from 68% in 2021 to 34% in 2024, while the combined share of domestic generic and innovative drugs is expected to rise to 66% [5][10]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The transition from imported original drugs to domestic alternatives reflects deeper changes in the pharmaceutical market, driven by cost advantages of domestic generics and innovations [1][6]. - In the first half of 2025, over 30 original research drugs from multinational companies are expected to withdraw from the market, including those from Takeda, Pfizer, and GlaxoSmithKline [1]. - The declining market share of imported drugs is attributed to multinational companies' pricing strategies and the competitive pricing of domestic generics [6][10]. Group 2: Patient Perspectives - Many patients are initially hesitant to switch from imported to domestic drugs due to concerns about efficacy and safety, as illustrated by the experiences of patients like Ms. Zhou and an elderly male patient [3][4]. - However, some patients have reported positive outcomes after switching to domestic drugs, noting both cost savings and effective treatment [4][12]. Group 3: Policy and Regulatory Environment - The article discusses the impact of national drug procurement policies, which have significantly reduced the market presence of imported original drugs, with a low winning rate of 3.7% in recent procurement rounds [6][10]. - The ongoing reforms in the healthcare payment system, including DRG and DIP models, are pushing hospitals to prioritize lower-cost drugs, further squeezing the space for imported original drugs [10][12]. Group 4: Industry Adjustments - Multinational pharmaceutical companies are adapting by localizing their operations, including expanding production bases and upgrading research centers in China [13][14]. - Companies like Sanofi and Roche are shifting their focus towards innovative drugs and adjusting their product portfolios in response to market changes [8][14]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The article emphasizes the need for a transparent and competitive market environment to foster the development of high-quality, reasonably priced drugs, whether domestic or imported [16]. - The ongoing evolution in the pharmaceutical landscape suggests that both multinational and domestic companies will continue to adapt their strategies to meet changing patient needs and regulatory requirements [9][16].