Core Viewpoint - The recent round of national drug procurement has resulted in 4,163 products from 1,020 companies being shortlisted, covering 316 commonly used drugs across 26 therapeutic areas, with only 21 original drugs selected, representing less than 10% of the total [1][2]. Group 1: Procurement Details - The procurement aims to reduce drug prices and patient burdens while reallocating saved healthcare funds to innovative drugs [2]. - The procurement process involved 51,000 medical institutions, with a high selection rate of 93% and an average of 14 companies selected per product [2][3]. - The results of this procurement are expected to be implemented by the end of March 2026, with a procurement cycle lasting until the end of 2028 [2]. Group 2: Original Drug Participation - The selected original drugs include various formulations from companies like Bristol-Myers Squibb, Sanofi, and Bayer, with some previously shortlisted in earlier rounds [3]. - Notable original drugs that did not participate in this round include AstraZeneca's gefitinib and Sanofi's clopidogrel, which had previously been selected [4][3]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The phenomenon known as "patent cliff" has led to significant declines in sales and profits for original drugs post-patent expiration, making it challenging for them to maintain market share without substantial price reductions [6]. - Some original drug companies have reduced or dissolved their sales teams for products affected by procurement policies, yet many still find market opportunities outside public hospital procurement [7]. - Cross-national pharmaceutical companies are increasingly focusing on innovative drug development while divesting mature product lines to local firms [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - The recent round of national drug procurement in China has resulted in 1,020 companies winning bids for 4,163 products, covering 316 commonly used drugs across 26 therapeutic areas, with original research drugs making up less than 10% of the selected products [3][5]. Group 1: Procurement Results - The procurement process involved a high participation rate, with a selection rate of 93% and an average of 14 companies winning bids for each product [5]. - The selected original research drugs include various formulations such as oral and injectable forms, with notable companies like Merck, Sanofi, and Bayer involved [6]. - Some original research drugs that previously won bids in earlier rounds did not secure selection in this round, indicating a shift in market dynamics [6][7]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The introduction of national drug procurement has led to significant price reductions for original research drugs, which now face competition from generics, resulting in a phenomenon known as the "patent cliff" [9]. - Despite the challenges, many original research drugs maintain a presence in the market, particularly in outpatient settings, leveraging brand strength [10]. - Some multinational pharmaceutical companies are divesting mature product lines to focus on innovative drug development, reflecting a strategic shift in response to the evolving market landscape [11][12].

Core Viewpoint - The recent round of national drug procurement has resulted in 4,163 products from 1,020 companies being shortlisted, with only 21 original drugs selected, indicating a significant shift in the pharmaceutical market dynamics in China [1][2]. Group 1: Drug Procurement Overview - The new round of procurement involves 316 commonly used drugs across 26 therapeutic areas, including anti-infection, anti-tumor, and cardiovascular treatments [1]. - The procurement process has a high selection rate of 93%, with an average of 14 companies winning bids for each product [2]. - The results of this procurement are expected to be implemented by the end of March 2026, with a procurement cycle lasting until the end of 2028 [2]. Group 2: Impact on Original Drugs - Original drugs are facing challenges in maintaining high profits and market share post-patent expiration due to increased competition from generic drugs [6]. - Some original drugs, despite not being selected in the procurement, continue to find market opportunities outside public hospitals due to their brand strength [1][7]. - The absence of original drugs in the procurement does not equate to their market exit; they may still be prescribed in specific hospital settings [7]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Strategies - The phenomenon known as "patent cliff" is causing significant declines in sales and profits for original drugs once their patents expire [6]. - Many original drug companies are reducing or dissolving their sales teams for products affected by the procurement policies [7]. - Some multinational pharmaceutical companies are divesting mature product lines to focus on innovative drug development and market entry [8][9][10].