BEIJING, April 16, 2026 — China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has intensified enforcement against price manipulation and monopoly practices in the pharmaceutical sector, warning that protecting drug prices and safeguarding healthcare funds remain top regulatory priorities.
Speaking at a press briefing held by the State Council Information Office on April 15, Yao Lei said the authority is strengthening both price oversight and antitrust enforcement to maintain fair competition and protect patients’ access to medicines.
Focus on drug pricing and supply
According to Yao, regulators are working with the National Healthcare Security Administration to improve drug pricing mechanisms and enforce strict regulatory “red lines” against unlawful conduct in the sector.
SAMR has established what it describes as a “full-chain price supervision system”, covering all stages of the pharmaceutical supply chain—from raw material circulation and drug manufacturing to wholesale distribution and sales through hospitals, pharmacies and online platforms.
Regulators are also strengthening integrated oversight of both online and offline pharmacy sales, targeting violations such as failure to clearly display prices and deceptive pricing practices.
Intensified antitrust enforcement
The authority said combating monopolistic conduct in pharmaceuticals remains a key enforcement priority. Investigations focus particularly on shortage medicines, emergency drugs and commonly used medications, which directly affect patients’ access to treatment.
SAMR said it responds quickly to potential violations by opening investigations and handling cases swiftly once evidence emerges.
Authorities have also adopted a “triple-penalty” approach, targeting not only companies involved in monopolistic behaviour but also organisers of cartels and responsible individuals.
Billions in fines since 2023
Since 2023, regulators have handled 12 antitrust cases involving pharmaceutical monopolistic agreements or abuse of market dominance, imposing fines and confiscations totaling more than 2.4 billion yuan (about $330 million).
In addition, authorities reviewed 28 pharmaceutical merger transactions in 2025, ensuring that market consolidation does not undermine fair competition.
China has also strengthened compliance guidance for the industry through the Antitrust Guidelines for the Pharmaceutical Sector, issued by the Anti-Monopoly and Anti-Unfair Competition Commission of the State Council.
Officials said the tougher enforcement is aimed at maintaining order in pharmaceutical markets while protecting patients’ rights and ensuring the security of public healthcare funds.
Source: https://www.samr.gov.cn/xw/mtjj/art/2026/art_1614340ed3bd457589f991777cf7d4fa.html
