1. Pink Sheet
  2. >>Geography
  3. >>Asia
  4. >>China

How Paxlovid Approval May Influence China's Pandemic Policies

New Focus on Treatments Not Vaccines?

 
• By Brian Yang

In a surprise move, China has conditionally approved Pfizer’s oral COVID-19 antiviral Paxlovid, a development that may have far-reaching consequences for the country's pandemic policies and domestic drug developers. 

Paxlovid EUA dispensing information
CHINA APPROVES PFIZER'S PAXLOVID BUT 'COVID ZERO' POLICY SHIFT NOT IN SIGHT • Source: Nielsen Hobbs; the Pink Sheet | Paxlovid EUA dispensing information

China's approval of Pfizer Inc.'s oral antiviral Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir), announced on 11 February, marked the first approval in the country of a COVID-19 drug from a foreign firm, and the move is expected to pave the way to potential easing of some of the most restrictive pandemic control measures in the world.

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Pink Sheet for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from China

China Plans Clinical Data Protection By Product Category For First Time

 
• By Xu Hu

After almost seven years, China’s NMPA has once again published draft measures for clinical trial data protection, opening these up to public comments. While specific protection periods by drug category are proposed, some clarifications are still needed.

China Approvals Rise But Conditional-To-Full Conversion Slips

 
• By Xu Hu

A new annual report from China's CDE shows a rise in overall product approvals but a fall in the transition rate for conditional to full approvals, possibly signalling more stringent requirements.

Elevar/Hengrui’s Second US CRL A Bad Omen For Multiregional Trials In Asia-Dominant Cancers?

 
• By Dexter Jie Yan

While CMC glitches linger over a US NDA for Elevar/Hengrui’s novel liver cancer combination following a second complete response letter, the separate issue of underrepresentation of US patients in multiregional trials is looming large after new FDA draft guidance last year.

China Signals Commercial Insurance, Biotech And Foreign-Owned Hospitals As Policy Priorities

 
• By Xu Hu

The main 2025 policy priorities for China's government as outlined in an annual report will include the strengthening of commercial insurance for innovative drugs and opening up cell and gene therapy and the hospital sector to foreign investment.

More from Asia

Japan Identifies Drugs ‘In Urgent Need’ Of Development

 
• By Lisa Takagi

Artesunate for malaria, TB drug pretomanid and omadacycline for pneumonia and skin infections are among the drugs identified by Japanese regulatory authorities in urgent need of domestic development.

US Tariff Impact On Korea Dissected As Country Gears For Presidential Election

 
• By Jung Won Shin

Analysts expect a limited impact on South Korean pharma from US tariffs, even if imposed at a later date. Meanwhile, the early June domestic presidential election is set to determine the direction of policies in the sector.

Trump Tariffs: Indian Pharma Dodges Bullet, But Sword May Remain

 
• By Vibha Ravi

Trump announced a 26% reciprocal tariff on India, but a country-agnostic exemption of pharmaceuticals implies that the interests of Indian firms are protected for now. What is Indian pharma’s business exposure and what is domestic industry saying?