China’s Public Payer Challenged To Support Domestic Innovative Drug Market

But Deficit Too Big?

One Chinese biotech executive is entertaining hopes of China’s domestic market for novel drugs growing to CNY300bn ($41bn). However, the country’s public payer spent just CNY90bn on such products in 2023 and is expected to increase expenditure to more than CNY100bn this year.

China domestic market
Can China’s public payer prop up the domestic novel drug market? • Source: Shutterstock

As pharma firms in China feel they can’t get enough of the reimbursement coverage for innovative drugs provided by the National Basic Medical Insurance Fund, the country’s single public payer, one question remains to be answered – how much should the fund pay to help create a domestic market that could support the growth of the novel drug sector?

Key Takeaways
  • One Chinese biotech executive is hoping for a China domestic novel drug market with combined annual revenues of CNY300bn ($41bn), roughly double the current size.

  • Other domestic pharma execs are looking to the country’s public payer to help prop up market growth

While this question has yet to gain broad traction, one industry insider is trying to approach it in a different manner. Yinxiang Wang, chairman and CEO of Beijing-based Jacobio Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip 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

Chinese Firms Build Obesity Clinical Pipeline But Face Wider Hurdles

 
• By 

Despite the ability to initiate clinical trials quickly and having strong manufacturing capacity, Chinese companies are facing multiple challenges in the obesity space.

Transient FY26 For Syngene But Momentum In China +1 Projects

 

As biopharma derisks its business with China ‘rebalancing’ strategies, Syngene could convert majority of such pilots into full program contracts amid a challenging FY2025. The CRDMO also expects business discussions pertaining to a newly acquired US biologics site to mature into commercial opportunities.

Zai’s R&D Head Touts ‘Beauty’ Of Novel Internal Assets

 

Two potentially first-in-class molecules signify Zai Lab’s renewed drive for the in-house discovery of drugs that it requires “to be innovative, differentiated and to have the potential to make a big difference for patients,” its global R&D head tells Scrip.

CSPC’s Global-First Monospecific ADC Promising In Advanced NSCLC

 
• By 

CSPC’s SYS6010, the first monospecific EGFR-targeting antibody-drug conjugate in the clinic for advanced NSCLC, has shown Phase I promise, but could face close competition with another China-originated bispecific.

More from Focus On Asia

DIA Korea: Medical Turmoil, Global Factors Blunt Korea’s Trial Edge

 
• By 

DIA Korea hears how multiple domestic and global factors are affecting the environment for clinical trials in South Korea, and what actions may be taken to address this.

Zai’s R&D Head Touts ‘Beauty’ Of Novel Internal Assets

 

Two potentially first-in-class molecules signify Zai Lab’s renewed drive for the in-house discovery of drugs that it requires “to be innovative, differentiated and to have the potential to make a big difference for patients,” its global R&D head tells Scrip.

CSPC’s Global-First Monospecific ADC Promising In Advanced NSCLC

 
• By 

CSPC’s SYS6010, the first monospecific EGFR-targeting antibody-drug conjugate in the clinic for advanced NSCLC, has shown Phase I promise, but could face close competition with another China-originated bispecific.