Disappearing Prescriptions: China Corruption Campaign Prompts Physician Caution

Costly Cancer Drug Use Under Scrutiny

While there are already restrictions on the prescribing of cancer drugs in China, oncologists in the world’s second-largest pharma market are also now being expected to strictly avoid off-label use, especially of costly imported therapies from multinationals.

RX form
Physicians increasingly cautious about cancer drug prescriptions amid massive China anti-corruption crackdown • Source: Shutterstock

As China’s national anti-corruption campaign enters a new stage and goes deep into the local level, physicians in the country are becoming increasingly cautious about issuing prescriptions for high-value drugs, particularly in the oncology area.

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

More from China

China Plans Clinical Data Protection By Product Category For First Time

 
• By 

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 

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?

 

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letter, the separate issue of underrepresentation of US patients in multiregional trials is looming large after new FDA draft guidance last year.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 

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 

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 

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 

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?