In China, the price of a GSK antibiotic has risen 50-fold amid rumors of a supply disruption
In China, the price of the antibiotic "Zinnat," developed by the British company GSK, has skyrocketed to approximately 1,500 yuan (about $218) per package amid rumors of a supply shortage. Previously, the drug cost around 30 yuan, resulting in a significant price increase.
Source — Caixinglobal
The reason was the appearance online of a document stating that Zinnat would be withdrawn from the Chinese market starting in July 2024 as part of GSK’s product line optimization. At the same time, the company decided not to comment on this information.
The antibiotic "Zinnat" has been in use for nearly 40 years and has already lost its patent protection, giving way to generics. About 30 generics are registered in China, with procurement prices dropping as low as 7 yuan.
Currently, the original drug has practically disappeared from the market—only old stocks with expired shelf lives remain on sale.
GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, known for the development and production of medicines and vaccines. It has a long history and significant influence on global pharmaceutical markets.
Thus, the sharp rise in prices for “Zinnat” in China is linked to the likely cessation of its supply, market shortages, and the lack of comments from the company. This poses significant challenges for patients and the pharmaceutical market in the country.
In the future, we should expect continued uncertainty regarding the drug’s availability and a possible change in GSK’s supply policy in China.
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