Nov. 28 was a major day for Chinese innovative drug makers, as publication of the country’s latest National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) revealed new additions to the national health plan. The list includes essential medications for Chinese citizens that are eligible for reimbursement, making them more accessible. Such inclusion marks a pivotal achievement for products that make the cut, enhancing their market presence and brand visibility, and providing a new revenue source with major potential.
The latest results showed a record 574 drugs applied to negotiate their inclusion this year, the highest number in three years, including 162 that moved on to the actual bidding process. In the end, 91 drugs successfully secured a place on the list. One of those was Nefecon, developed by Everest Medicines (1952.HK), the world's first IgAN etiological treatment drug fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
With the negotiations now in their seventh year, the medical insurance system, aiming to encourage development of needed drugs, is increasingly inclined to include products that are highly innovative or in urgent demand.