During the critical period from 2016 to 2024, significant progress has been made in the R&D and marketing of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine, with 29 (excluding extracts) approved for marketing. It is particularly gratifying that 27 of these new drugs have been included into China's National Reimbursement Drug List (Category B).
I. Top 10 Sales Volume of New Drugs of Traditional Chinese Medicines List Released
After reviewing the approval status and medical insurance coverage of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine, let's shift our focus to their market performance. Here is the Top 10 Sales Volume of New Drugs of Traditional Chinese Medicine List from 2016 to 2024:
It can be seen that Jinhua Qinggan Granules tops the list with sales volume of RMB 259 million. As the first traditional Chinese medicine drug developed and validated through evidence-based medical standards, including randomized, double-blind, multi-center, placebo-controlled tests, this Chinese patent medicine has been proven effective both in China and in the globe, playing a crucial role in fields of treating colds and influenza. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a recommended Chinese patent medicine by the National Health Commission, it gained widespread public recognition. Lianhua Qingke Tablets comes in second with sales volume of RMB 129 million, known for their effectiveness in clearing away lung heat, resolving phlegm, and relieving cough.
Compared to the sales volume of innovative drugs of chemicals and biological drugs, however, there is still a long way to go for the new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine in this top 10 list. For instance, in 2023, Anlotinib, one of the leading innovative drug of chemicals, generated sales volume of RMB 3.66 billion, and numerous innovative biological drugs also significantly outperformed new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine in terms of sales volume. The best-selling new drug of traditional Chinese medicine, Jinhua Qinggan Granules, has a sales volume that is not even one-tenth of that of the innovative drug of chemicals Anlotinib. Moreover, the entry threshold for the Top 10 is merely RMB 10 million, whereas the threshold for the Top 10 innovative chemical and biological drugs reaches RMB 1.4 billion, highlighting a significant disparity.
II. Jinhua Qinggan Granules and Lianhua Qingke Tablets: Secrets behind Leading Sales Volume
Jinhua Qinggan Granules and Lianhua Qingke Tablets have secured leading positions in the top 10 sales volume of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine, and their success is no accident.
From a market performance perspective, since being approved for marketing in 2016, Jinhua Qinggan Granules has seen consistent growth in sales volume. In 2023, its sales volume soared to RMB 259 million, securing a significant position in the market for cold and influenza drugs. The National Health Commission's endorsement of this Chinese patent medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly increased its popularity, leading many patients to proactively purchase it during the influenza season. Lianhua Qingke Tablets approved for marketing in 2020, achieving sales volume of RMB 133 million in 2022, followed by a dip to RMB 129 million in 2023. Despite this minor drop, it is making its mark in the cough medicine market. During peak respiratory disease season, many pharmacies consider it as their top recommended cough remedy.
In terms of applicable conditions, Jinhua Qinggan Granules are used to treat common colds and influenza, particularly for patients with wind-heat invading lung syndrome based on traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation. The medication effectively alleviates symptoms such as fever, headache, and generalized body aches. During influenza season, many pati...
(All Rights Reserved)