Beijing’s municipal Healthcare Security Administration (HSA) bureau has released details of the initial quote and Chinese market price for Hainan Simcere Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd’s recently approved small-molecule COVID-19 therapy, SIM0417. The drug will be launched at RMB 750 (USD 111) per box, with an ex-factory price including tax (or CIF import price) ranging from RMB 705 to 720 (USD 104.39 to 106.61) per box. The raw materials cost is set at RMB 334.53 (USD 49.54) per box.
SIM0417: Next-Generation COVID-19 Therapy
SIM0417 is positioned as a potential next-generation oral COVID-19-specific drug, demonstrating strong inhibitory effects against various COVID-19 variants. Preclinical animal models have shown that the drug has good antiviral activity and a favorable safety profile, particularly against the key protease 3CL necessary for the replication of the novel coronavirus.
Market Pricing and Competitive Landscape
In comparison, other COVID-19 therapies currently on the market include Pfizer’s Paxlovid, MSD’s molnupiravir, and Genuine Bio’s azvudine. These treatments are priced at RMB 1,890 (USD 279.86), RMB 1,500 (USD 222.11), and RMB 445 (USD 65.89) per treatment course, respectively. Notably, azvudine is priced at RMB 540 (USD 79.96) pre-NRDL and RMB 350 (USD 51.83) post-NRDL. The launch of SIM0417 at a lower price point highlights its potential as a more accessible treatment option in the evolving COVID-19 therapy market.-Fineline Info & Tech
