The National Health Commission (NHC), National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA), National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), and other bureaus have jointly released a third list of drugs recommended for generic development. This list comprises a total of 41 drugs, which are now open for public comment for a period of 5 days. With the release of this latest batch, the NHC has cumulatively released 91 drugs recommended for generic development, aiming to enhance access to essential medicines.
Inclusion of Clobazam and Other Essential Drugs
Among the drugs listed is clobazam, a pediatric seizure therapy temporarily imported from France and originally developed by Sanofi. Notably, Humanwell Healthcare’s first generic version of clobazam has already been approved in China, highlighting the country’s commitment to expanding treatment options for pediatric conditions. The drug’s inclusion in the list further underscores the government’s focus on promoting the development of generics for pediatric use.
Impact on Pharmaceutical Industry
The release of this list is expected to encourage pharmaceutical companies to invest in the development of generic versions of these essential drugs. By doing so, the Chinese government aims to increase competition, reduce prices, and improve the availability of medicines for patients, particularly in underserved areas.-Fineline Info & Tech