The National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) has completed a review of the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) adjustment formality review results for retagliptin and ambroxol. Both drugs, first approved for marketing in China in June 2023 and July 2019 respectively, have been deemed eligible for the filing requirement stipulating “new generic name drugs approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for marketing between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2023,” thereby passing the formality review.
NRDL Adjustment Process and Drug Eligibility
The NHSA released the 2023 NRDL negotiation preliminary formality review list on August 18, 2023, which included a total of 390 drugs that passed the preliminary formality review. On September 1st, the final formality review list was released, with oxiracetam and cefdinir being removed from the list, along with the aforementioned retagliptin and ambroxol.
Implications for Drug Reimbursement and Access
The inclusion of retagliptin and ambroxol in the NRDL signifies a significant step towards improving access to these medications for patients in China. The NRDL plays a crucial role in determining which drugs are covered by national insurance, thereby influencing patient out-of-pocket costs and the affordability of treatments.-Fineline Info & Tech
