The 2024 National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) unveiled by China's National Healthcare Security Administration adds 91 new drugs, highlighting an effort to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability. This updated list will take effect on January 1, 2025, and includes significant price reductions, averaging 63%, with an estimated patient cost saving of over 50 billion yuan (approximately $6.95 billion USD) for 2025.
Diabetes and Cardiovascular Management
A key highlight is the inclusion of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist marketed under the brand name Ozempic by Novo Nordisk. This medication is approved for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes patients and for those with low cardiovascular risk. This move reinforces the focus on chronic disease management through innovative drugs.
Lipid-Lowering Agents
The list also addresses hypercholesterolemia with the addition of drugs like tafolecimab (Sintbilo, Innovent Biologics). These therapies reflect an emphasis on tackling cardiovascular health issues, a growing concern in China’s aging population. Other agents like elotumab, aliximab, and toleximab enhance therapeutic diversity in lipid management.
Advancements in Oncology
Oncology features prominently, with several high-impact drugs gaining approval. zanubrutinib, a BTK inhibitor by BeiGene, treats hematologic cancers like mantle cell lymphoma. Similarly, abemaciclib (Verzenio, Eli Lilly), a CDK inhibitor, is now available for patients with early and metastatic breast cancer.
Another notable addition is daratumumab (Darzalex, Janssen), a monoclonal antibody for treating multiple myeloma, which is included in both injection and subcutaneous forms.
China has also expanded access to zebetuzumab and repatuzumab, while PD-L1 inhibitors like Tislelizumab (BeiGene) and Sintilimab (Innovent Biologics) now cover more cancers, reflecting a strong focus on immunotherapy.
Neurology
The list also features ozanimod (Zeposia, Bristol Myers Squibb) for managing multiple sclerosis.
Rare and Chronic Disease Drugs
Rare diseases received attention with the inclusion of Nefecon (TARPEYO, Everest Medicines), the first treatment approved for IgA nephropathy, a chronic kidney disorder.
Immune and Inflammatory Disorders
Drugs targeting autoimmune and inflammatory conditions include interleukin inhibitors like tirekizumab, siltuximab, and satlizumab.
For autoimmune diseases, belimumab (Benlysta, GSK) is now reimbursable for systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis.
C5 inhibitors
Additionally, eculizumab (Soliris, Alexion Pharmaceuticals), an advanced therapy for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, has been included, highlighting efforts to treat life-threatening conditions. Also, Novartis' iptacopan is included in the list.
With over 70% of new drugs sourced domestically, the country is showcasing its growing pharmaceutical capabilities. Moreover, the average 63% price reduction promises to significantly alleviate patient expenses, saving an estimated 50 billion yuan annually.
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