According to the 881st issue of China's influenza surveillance weekly report (Week 44, 2025) by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as of November 2, 2025, influenza activity has risen in southern provinces and most northern provinces. A total of 347 influenza-like outbreaks were reported nationwide.

Unlike previous flu seasons, 2025 has been hailed as the "first year of domestic innovative flu drugs" by the industry. Surveys in Beijing pharmacies reveal that many consumers are inquiring about and purchasing domestically developed innovative flu medications.

Fu Yifu, a special researcher, noted: "The rapid progress in domestic flu drug innovation reflects China's growing pharmaceutical capabilities. In recent years, strengthened policy support and active corporate innovation have jointly driven this development."

Multiple domestic flu drugs have been approved this year: - In March, Masuradavir tablets (brand name "Yisuda"), developed by Jiangxi Kerui Pharmaceutical Co., a subsidiary of Qingfeng Pharmaceutical Group, were approved. - In May, Angladivir tablets (brand name "Anruiwei"), developed by Guangdong Zhongsheng Ruichuang Biotech, a subsidiary of Zhongsheng Pharmaceutical, received approval. - In July, Jikeshu (brand name "Maxiluoshavir tablets"), a collaborative drug by Hubei Jichuan Pharmaceutical and Nanjing Zhenxiang Pharmaceutical, was approved.

Several other pharmaceutical companies are accelerating their flu drug development. For instance, Healthgen Pharmaceutical Group stated that its Maxicavavir capsules are in the final review stage, aiming for approval before the peak flu season to meet clinical demand.

Ding Zhenyu, a senior investment advisor, commented: "Flu drugs were long dominated by imports, with oseltamivir once holding over 80% market share. The launch of domestic alternatives provides a 'Chinese solution,' ensuring supply and improving efficacy through differentiated technology. This could reshape the import-dominated market."

Beyond R&D, domestic firms are enhancing commercialization efforts. Zhongsheng Pharmaceutical focuses on academic engagement, digital service upgrades, and key project implementation, while Jichuan Pharmaceutical leverages online sales channels, including JD Health.

Policy support has been crucial. In 2025, the National Healthcare Security Administration and National Health Commission issued measures to boost innovative drugs, covering R&D incentives, insurance inclusion, clinical application, and payment mechanisms.

Ding added: "Many domestic flu drugs aim for医保 inclusion, potentially lowering prices. Their breakthrough extends beyond flu treatment, as Chinese firms also innovate in oncology, infectious diseases, neurology, and metabolic disorders, advancing toward a 'strong R&D nation' in pharmaceuticals."