During a recent interview, we explored key updates in China’s healthcare sector from September 23 to September 29, 2023.
**Industry Highlights:**
– **Heilongjiang Province Joins the Sanming Procurement Alliance:** On September 24, representatives from Heilongjiang signed agreements to become part of the Sanming Procurement Alliance during its sixth joint meeting in Sanming City. This initiative aims to enhance collective drug procurement, now expanding to include 13 cities from Heilongjiang.
– **Artificial Heart Surgery Covered by Beijing Health Insurance:** The Beijing Medical Insurance Bureau announced on September 24 that the costs associated with the implantation of left ventricular assist devices will now be reimbursed under basic health insurance. Four hospitals, including Anzhen Hospital and Fuwai Hospital, will provide this service.
– **Changes in National Health Committee Leadership:** On September 27, the Ministry of Human Resources announced new appointments for the National Health Commission, designating Shen Hongbing and Guo Yanhong as deputy directors, while relieving Wang Hesheng and Yu Xuejun of their roles.
**Corporate Developments:**
– **Kanglong Pharmaceutical Abandons High-End Generics Expansion:** On September 24, Kanglong made headlines by announcing a strategic shift in its nearly 1.5 billion RMB funding, moving away from innovative drug and anti-tumor projects to instead bolster large-volume infusion capabilities, reflecting changes in the competitive landscape of national drug procurement policies.
– **Kuadi Enters Medical Dressing Market:** On September 24, Kuadi, a brand under Huaxi Bio, entered the medical dressing market, unveiling three new series of devices utilizing hyaluronic acid and recombinant collagen.
– **Chuangjian Medical Approved for New Third Board Listing:** On September 26, Chuangjian Medical revealed its plans to list on the New Third Board, boasting an impressive 61% revenue growth to 283 million RMB this year.
– **China Resources Sanjiu to Invest 7 Billion RMB:** On September 28, China Resources Sanjiu announced its intention to invest up to 7 billion RMB in bank wealth management products to effectively manage idle funds.
– **Laobai People’s Chairman Released from Detention:** On September 29, Laobai People confirmed that Chairman Xie Zilong was released from detention, enabling him to resume his responsibilities following investigations by the Hunan Provincial Supervision Commission.
**Drug and Medical Device Approvals:**
– **First Domestic Lisdexamfetamine Transdermal Patch Approved:** On September 25, Beijing Tide Pharmaceutical’s lisdexamfetamine patch was granted market authorization, designed to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
– **Global First COPD Targeted Drug Approved in China:** On September 27, Sanofi’s Dupilumab received approval for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), marking it as the world’s first targeted treatment for this condition.
**Public Concerns:**
– **Quality Issues in Drug Production:** The Jiangsu Provincial Drug Administration issued a notice on September 25 regarding twelve batches of drugs from companies like XiuZheng Pharmaceutical that failed to meet quality standards.
– **Medicare Fraud Investigations in Heilongjiang and Guangxi:** On September 26, the National Medical Insurance Bureau reported irregular hospitalization rates across several hospitals, suggesting potential fraud. Investigations have been launched in Heilongjiang and Guangxi.
– **Suspension of Over 90% Stake in Four Rings Biology:** On September 28, Four Rings Biology disclosed that a significant portion of shares held by its actual controller has been frozen, raising concerns about stock ownership.
These developments give us a clear view of the dynamic changes and regulatory adjustments shaping the healthcare landscape in China.
