National Health Commission: The new National Essential Medicines List will include the selection and adjustment of innovative drugs.

Director of the Drug Administration Department of the National Health Commission Gong Xiangguang stated that in recent years, China's drug research and development has rapidly progressed, with a large number of innovative drugs being introduced to the market for various diseases such as tumors, neurological disorders, and immune system diseases, providing more choices for the public. The update of the National Essential Medicines List this time attempts to include innovative drugs in the selection range, paving a feasible path for more innovative drugs to be included in the essential medicines list in the future. During the adjustment process, based on the functional positioning of essential medicines, high clinical value, a large audience, and suitability for use in healthcare institutions at all levels were used as the basis for selection criteria. After strict technical consultation and review by experts, four types of domestic Class I new drugs were finally included, including three chemical drugs and biologics, as well as one traditional Chinese medicine. Next, the National Health Commission will promote the standardized application of innovative drugs in line with the development of the pharmaceutical industry, so that the results of medical research and development in innovation can better and more quickly benefit the people. Additionally, in accordance with the "Management Measures for the National Essential Medicines List," the time from the market launch of innovative drugs to inclusion in the essential medicines list will be shortened during the regular dynamic adjustments and optimizations of the essential medicines list, in order to support the development of innovative drugs.