The National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) held a press conference to mark the completion of the delayed 2022 National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) update. A total of 111 new drug listings were added, while three drugs were removed from the list. This year’s adjustment is expected to save RMB 90 billion (USD 13.3 billion) in expenditure costs for patients over the next two years, with a focus on ensuring access to COVID-19 treatments.
Key Statistics and Trends
A total of 147 drug products participated in negotiations and price bidding, including renewal negotiations for existing listings. Out of these, 121 drugs successfully secured their place on the NRDL, achieving a record-high success rate of 82.3%. For new listings, the average price cut was 60.1%, in line with recent NRDL update trends. The updated NRDL now includes 2,967 drug varieties, comprising 1,586 western medicines, 1,381 Chinese patent drugs, and 892 traditional Chinese medicines in ready-to-use forms.
Direct Additions and Negotiations
Three non-exclusive drugs already priced via the national volume-based procurement (VBP) program were added directly to the NRDL without negotiations or pricing competition. Meanwhile, 17 non-exclusive drugs underwent a price bidding process to set the national reimbursement price benchmark. Direct price negotiations were held for 91 exclusive drugs.
Focus on COVID-19 and Rare Diseases
The NHSA prioritized ensuring access to COVID-19 treatments, with azvudine and traditional medicine “lung cleanser granules” included following price talks. Additionally, 21 out of 25 drugs in the first COVID-19 Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines were granted coverage. The update also ensured the inclusion of 7 rare disease drugs, 22 pediatric drugs, and 2 essential drugs. Notably, Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Reblozyl (luspatercept), the world’s first erythroid maturation agent for thalassemia, was added to the NRDL.
Company Highlights
Swiss giant Novartis secured seven listings/renewals and seven new indications, including one new listing for Kesimpta (ofatumumab) for multiple sclerosis. Other successful products included Cosentyx (secukinumab), Xolair (omalizumab), Tafinlar (dabrafenib), Mekinist (trametinib), Afinitor (everolimus), and Revolade (eltrombopag olamine). Japan-headquartered Takeda added three new entrants: Takhzyro (lanadelumab), Alunbrig (brigatinib), and Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin). US firm AbbVie introduced Rinvoq (upadacitinib) and Venclexta (venetoclax), along with a new indication for Ozurdex (dexamethasone). Eli Lilly’s Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Olumiant (baricitinib) were renewed, while Tyvyt (sintilimab) gained two new first-line indications. Merck’s bisoprolol and amlodipine were newly listed, and Erbitux (cetuximab) secured coverage for a new indication.
Future Outlook
With the completion of this year’s NRDL adjustment, the NHSA has now carried out five consecutive years of updates since its foundation, adding 618 drugs to the list while removing those with unclear efficacy, targets of clinical abuse, or otherwise redundant. This continuous effort underscores the NHSA’s commitment to improving patient access to essential medications while ensuring cost-effectiveness.-Fineline Info & Tech
