Roche Ramps Up Global Supply of Xofluza Amid Surging Influenza Drug Demand in China

Recently, influenza has once again come into the public eye, and the supply situation of related antiviral drugs has also drawn considerable attention.

On January 11, reporters from The Paper learned from Roche China that recently, the market demand for the company's innovative influenza antiviral drug Xofluza (generic name: baloxavir marboxil) has significantly increased in both hospital and prescription retail sectors. To ensure the medication needs of patients during the flu season, Roche has swiftly activated contingency plans, mobilized global supply chain resources, and urgently stocked up on Xofluza to guarantee its availability for Chinese flu patients.

The above-mentioned Baloxavir Marboxil is an innovative anti-influenza virus drug under Roche. It is the first anti-influenza drug with an innovative mechanism of action approved in 20 years, and also another innovative drug in the anti-influenza field by Roche after Tamiflu (Oseltamivir). Therefore, some people call it "Super Tamiflu" or "Super Flu Drug".

Previously, media reports claimed that baloxavir marboxil was selling well, with some pharmacies charging over 100 yuan more than hospitals. At the time, Roche publicly responded that the price hikes in certain drug distribution channels were market-driven and not a result of Roche's actions. In its latest response, Roche China stated that the drug has now been officially included or temporarily procured by more than 1,600 hospitals across China. Meanwhile, the company is actively exploring collaborations with internet healthcare platforms to facilitate home delivery of medication for flu patients. Platforms such as Meituan Medicine, JD Health, Dingdang Fast Medicine, and Alibaba Health’s large pharmacy all offer supplies of Xofluza.

Influenza is a respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. Besides Baloxavir Marboxil, common anti-influenza drugs also include the neuraminidase inhibitor Oseltamivir. Recently, the sales of Oseltamivir have also increased significantly.

Previously, data obtained by The Paper from 1 Pharmacy showed that, on a week-over-week basis, sales of cold medicines on 1 Pharmacy's B2B platform increased by 30% from January 1 to January 7, 2024, compared to December 25 to December 31, 2023. Sales of antipyretic and analgesic drugs increased by 27.6%, cough suppressants, expectorants, and anti-asthmatics by 34.8%, and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs by 34%. Notably, Oseltamivir Phosphate Capsules saw a month-over-month increase of 38% in December compared to November.

Moreover, on 1 Pharmacy Network's B2C pharmaceutical platform, the sales of oseltamivir, a representative anti-influenza virus drug, surged significantly. The overall sales in November increased nearly fivefold compared to October, with the daily average sales in November reaching six times that of October.

Oseltamivir phosphate manufacturers in China includeDongyang LightMedicine (1558.HK),BrightGene Bio-Medical Technology(Maintain Rights)(688166). On December 8, 2023, BrightGene Bio-Medical Technology responded to investors, stating that the company's Oseltamivir Phosphate Dry Suspension was awarded a bid in the eighth round of China’s national centralized drug procurement. The winning bid price was 15.99 yuan per box, with a first-year agreed procurement volume of 431,324 bottles. As an antiviral drug, Oseltamivir requires rapid response capabilities to meet market demand in a timely manner. The company will fully leverage its integrated advantage in active pharmaceutical ingredients and formulations, maintain tight production schedules, quickly respond to market needs, and ensure full market supply.

Editor: Wang Qilin