Category Archives: Central Gov.

Policy Analysis & Guidance: China Reclassifies Two Traditional Medicines as OTC Drugs

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China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has announced the reclassification of two traditional Chinese medicines—Jingqian Shu Granules and Fufang Taizishen Oral Liquid—from prescription to over-the-counter (OTC) status. The move, effective immediately, reflects Beijing’s ongoing efforts to streamline pharmaceutical access while maintaining safety standards.

Policy Breakdown

  • Regulatory Framework: The decision follows the Prescription and Non-Prescription Drug Classification Management Measures (Trial), issued by the former SFDA. The NMPA mandates that drug holders revise packaging and package inserts by December 27, 2025, aligning with the Drug Registration Management Measures.
  • Market Impact: The shift could unlock broader consumer access, particularly for Jingqian Shu (targeting premenstrual syndrome) and Fufang Taizishen (addressing pediatric anemia and poor appetite). Analysts estimate a potential 25–30% increase in sales volume post-conversion.
  • Compliance Deadlines: Manufacturers must file revised package inserts with provincial authorities by year-end, with all new batches produced post-filing required to use updated labels.

Industry Implications
Pharmaceutical firms stand to benefit from reduced distribution barriers, though heightened emphasis on consumer education is critical. “This transition demands robust self-regulation to prevent misuse,” said Zhang Wei, a senior analyst at China Pharmaceutical Research Institute. Companies like Tong Ren Tang and Yunnan Baiyao may leverage OTC status to expand into e-commerce channels, potentially capturing an additional $150 million in annual revenue.

Consumer Health Angle
The move democratizes access to menstrual health and pediatric care solutions. Jingqian Shu addresses symptoms like premenstrual mood swings and breast tenderness, while Fufang Taizishen targets childhood anemia—a condition affecting 12% of Chinese children under six.

Global Context
China’s OTC market grew 18% in 2024, reaching $28.7 billion. The NMPA’s proactive stance on OTC expansion parallels trends in the EU and U.S., where regulatory harmonization could facilitate cross-border market entry for Chinese OTC products.

Looking Ahead
The December 2025 deadline will test industry agility. Investors should monitor compliance costs versus market expansion potential, with a focus on companies already positioned in OTC distribution networks.

For full regulatory details, refer to the attached variety list and OTC instruction template.-China Health Reform Pulse

Policy Source: https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/xxgk/ggtg/ypggtg/ypqtggtg/20250403164528182.html

Policy Analysis and Guidance: China Approves Elbasvir for HCV Treatment

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China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved Elbasvir, an innovative 1-class drug developed by YiChang HEC ChangJiang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. This drug, to be marketed under the brand name Dongyinghe, is indicated for the treatment of adult chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in genotypes 1, 2, 3, and 6, including patients with compensated liver cirrhosis. The approval highlights China’s ongoing commitment to enhancing pharmaceutical innovation and regulatory efficiency.

Key Policy Highlights

  1. Innovative Treatment Option
    • Indication: Elbasvir is approved for use in combination with netasavir capsules to treat HCV infections, offering a new therapeutic choice for patients.
    • Patient Population: Targets both treatment-naïve and interferon-treated patients, expanding accessibility to effective therapy.
  2. Regulatory Efficiency
    • Approval Process: The rapid approval reflects NMPA’s efforts to accelerate the market entry of innovative drugs, aligning with global regulatory standards and practices.
  3. Market Implications
    • Therapeutic Landscape: Elbasvir’s entry diversifies treatment options for HCV, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing the disease burden.
    • Competitive Edge: The drug’s approval underscores China’s progress in developing domestically innovated therapies competitive with international standards.

Policy Orientation and Industry Implications
The approval of Elbasvir underscores China’s strategic focus on:

  • Innovation Support: Encouraging domestic R&D of first-in-class drugs to address unmet clinical needs.
  • Regulatory Streamlining: Accelerating approval processes to bring novel therapies to market faster.
  • Public Health Impact: Enhancing treatment accessibility and outcomes for HCV patients, contributing to public health goals.

Conclusion
Elbasvir’s approval marks another milestone in China’s journey toward becoming a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation. This development not only benefits HCV patients by providing a new treatment option but also signals China’s growing capability in developing and regulating innovative therapies. Stakeholders in the healthcare sector should leverage this momentum to drive further advancements in drug development and regulatory science.-China Health Reform Pulse

Policy Source: https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/zhuanti/cxylqx/cxypxx/20250327113342139.html

Policy Analysis and Guidance: China Approves Innovative Anti-Influenza Drug Masutrelavir for Market

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China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved the innovative anti-influenza drug Masutrelavir (brand name: 伊速达) developed by Jiangxi Kerui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. This first-in-class drug offers a new treatment option for influenza patients, highlighting China’s progress in pharmaceutical innovation and regulatory efficiency.

Key Policy Highlights

  1. Innovative Mechanism of Action
    • Target: Masutrelavir is a polymerase acidic protein (PA) inhibitor, distinguishing itself from traditional neuraminidase inhibitors by intervening earlier in the viral life cycle to prevent mature virus formation.
    • Clinical Efficacy: Phase III clinical trial data published in Nature Medicine showed significant reductions in symptom resolution time and viral load, with excellent safety and low resistance rates.
  2. Regulatory Efficiency
    • Approval Timeline: The rapid approval reflects NMPA’s commitment to accelerating the market entry of innovative drugs, aligning with global regulatory standards.
  3. Market Implications
    • New Treatment Option: Masutrelavir provides a one-dose treatment regimen, enhancing patient compliance and offering a competitive edge over existing therapies like oseltamivir and baloxavir.
    • Market Stabilization: The drug’s entry is expected to diversify treatment options and potentially stabilize the influenza medication market.

Policy Orientation and Industry Implications
The approval underscores China’s strategic focus on:

  • Innovation Support: Encouraging domestic R&D of first-in-class drugs.
  • Regulatory Streamlining: Accelerating approval processes for high-impact innovations.
  • Public Health: Enhancing treatment accessibility and outcomes for influenza patients.

Conclusion
Masutrelavir’s approval marks a significant step in China’s journey toward becoming a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation. Stakeholders in the healthcare sector should leverage this momentum to drive further advancements in drug development and regulatory science.-China Health Reform Pulse

Policy Source: https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/zhuanti/cxylqx/cxypxx/20250327113047141.html