Recently, there has been a significant public outcry over the soaring prices of influenza medications, making them unaffordable for many. As respiratory illnesses surge, the antiviral drug baloxavir marboxil (marketed as Xofluza) has gained considerable attention on social media. However, alongside its efficacy, the high cost of the medication is also a hot topic, with some users even claiming it is "more expensive than gold." Cheaper options are only available via delivery, which can take several days, while same-day delivery comes at a premium, with a 20mg*2 tablets/box package costing around 350 yuan.
E-commerce Platforms Selling at Over 300 Yuan, Pharmaceutical Company Responds
Public records show that baloxavir marboxil, developed jointly by Shionogi and Roche, is approved in China for the treatment of uncomplicated acute influenza in patients aged 12 years and older, with subsequent age expansion. Additionally, the drug remains effective against strains resistant to oseltamivir, earning it the moniker "super flu drug."
According to available data, baloxavir marboxil is a white to light yellow, oval, film-coated tablet. After negotiations with the National Medical Insurance Administration in 2021, the price for a 20mg*2 tablets/box was set at 222.36 yuan per box.
A partial survey of e-commerce platforms and physical pharmacies revealed varying degrees of price hikes, with the drug generally selling between 268 and 398 yuan, representing an increase of 20.53% to 78.98% from the original price. Some online flagship stores are offering the drug at 325 yuan. When asked about the significant price increase, customer service representatives cited rising raw material and production costs, stating that the current price is already quite favorable. They also noted that pricing can vary among different stores due to differences in supply chains and suppliers.
In response to the price increases observed in some channels, Roche Pharmaceuticals stated that they maintain close cooperation with distributors and hospitals to provide stable pricing and ensure a steady supply of the drug. The company emphasized that the price hikes in certain market channels are not a result of Roche's actions but rather a reflection of market dynamics. Roche remains committed to working with all partners to ensure that baloxavir marboxil is accessible to a wide range of influenza patients.
Regulatory Interventions and Guidelines Issued
The National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) has issued guidelines on managing drug prices, which cover a range of pharmaceuticals including chemical drugs, traditional Chinese medicines, biochemical drugs, and more. While anesthetic and first-class psychotropic drugs are subject to government-guided pricing, other drugs are regulated by market forces.
The NHSA guidelines stipulate that drug manufacturers, distributors, and other operators should adhere to principles of fairness, legality, honesty, and quality-price alignment. Prices should reflect changes in production costs and market demand, ensuring reasonable and stable pricing.
In the midst of the high demand for antiflu medications, local market regulatory authorities in several regions, including multiple districts in Shandong Province and Sanshui District in Foshan, Guangdong, have issued reminders and warnings regarding market behavior for antiflu drugs.
The Weifang City Market Supervision and Administration Bureau in Shandong Province noted that during the current flu season, antiflu drugs like oseltamivir phosphate are in high demand. To regulate the market and protect consumer rights, the bureau has issued a reminder to all medical supply operators and related entities. The GaoMi City Market Supervision and Administration Bureau specifically warned against unjustified price hikes, prohibiting significant increases in drug prices without a corresponding rise in production costs.
Similarly, the Sanshui District Market Supervision and Administration Bureau in Foshan, Guangdong, has cautioned against exploiting the flu outbreak to inflate drug prices. Operators are advised to keep the difference between purchase and sale prices within a reasonable range and to avoid spreading false information, hoarding, or engaging in any practices that could drive up prices excessively. The bureau also warned against collusion to manipulate market prices, which could harm the interests of other operators and consumers.