Key facts
- China's national bulk-procurement program will now include originator drugs.
- The 12th round of the program opens for bids on July 31.
- The tender will encompass 65 medicines for critical treatment areas.
- The initiative aims to manage price competition while ensuring hospital access to branded drugs.
China is expanding its national bulk-procurement program to include more brand-name drugs, allowing originator medicines to re-enter after missing initial bidding rounds. This move aims to balance the need to control prices with ensuring continued access to essential branded medications in hospitals.
The 12th iteration of the program is set to open bids on July 31. It will cover a total of 65 medicines, targeting treatments for cancer, central nervous system disorders, cardiovascular conditions, and endocrine diseases. The National Joint Procurement Office released the relevant procurement documents on Tuesday.