Introduction: China's National Essential Medicines List (NEML) is a key policy document within the national drug supply security system. Medicines included in the NEML receive policy support in areas such as clinical use priorities, medical insurance reimbursement, and availability in primary healthcare facilities. On July 9, 2026, the NEML was updated for the fourth time, eight years after the previous revision. The latest update places greater emphasis on medicines for chronic and common diseases. Honglin Pharmaceutical's RoToFier^® Glipizide Extended Release Tablets have been officially included in the updated NEML, highlighting national recognition of their clinical value and controlled-release formulation technology.

1. A Well-Deserved Inclusion: RoToFier^® Added to China's National Essential Medicines List

On July 9, 2026, China's National Health Commission, National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and National Disease Control and Prevention Administration jointly issued the National Essential Medicines List (2026 Edition), effective from September 1, 2026.

Following this update, the number of Honglin Pharmaceutical products included in the NEML has increased from four to five. Among them, the key product RoToFier^® Glipizide Extended Release Tablets has been newly included in the list. This inclusion is expected to further enhance patient access and product availability across healthcare institutions, particularly in primary care settings.

2. A Testament to Strength: Clinical Advantages and Proven Track Record of RoToFier^®

Glipizide is a second-generation sulfonylurea oral hypoglycemic agent with well-established glucose-lowering efficacy and a low incidence of adverse reactions. Our product, RoToFier^® Glipizide Extended Release Tablets, utilizes advanced controlled-release formulation technology, enabling the active ingredient to be released at a constant rate over a 24-hour period. This effectively avoids the peak-to-trough fluctuations in plasma drug concentration associated with conventional immediate-release formulations, thereby supporting stable glycemic control while helping to reduce the risk of hypoglycemic events. With once-daily dosing, it also supports improved long-term medication adherence in patients.

RoToFier^® Glipizide Extended Release Tablets passed China's Generic Drug Consistency Evaluation in January 2021, demonstrating quality and therapeutic equivalence to the reference listed drug. In June 2021, the product was selected for China's National Volume-Based Procurement (VBP) program, and subsequently won bids in multiple provincial and municipal centralized procurement programs. In February 2026, it was selected in the follow-up round of the National VBP program for products with expiring agreements. Supported by consistent product quality and reliable supply, RoToFier^® provides a safe, effective, and accessible treatment option for patients with diabetes, representing a high-quality domestically developed controlled-release formulation.

3. A Growing NEML Portfolio: Multiple Honglin Pharmaceutical Products Included in the NEML

With a long-standing focus on chronic disease management, Honglin Pharmaceutical remains committed to improving access to essential medicines in China. Five of our products are now included in the 2026 Edition of the National Essential Medicines List. The newly added RoToFier^® Glipizide Extended Release Tablets support glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. In the cardiovascular therapeutic area, JUPOPINE^® Nifedipine Controlled-Release Tablets and Detrilin^® Isosorbide Mononitrate Sustained-Release Capsules (II) continue to support the long-term management of hypertension and coronary heart disease. JUPOSHU^® Amlodipine Besylate Tablets, a commonly used antihypertensive, and JUPOPHON^® Ibuprofen Sustained-release Capsules, a widely used anti-inflammatory and analgesic, also remain included in the National Essential Medicines List.

JUPOPINE^®, RoToFier^®, JUPOSHU^®, and JUPOPHON^® have all passed China's Generic Drug Consistency Evaluation , demonstrating quality and therapeutic equivalence to their originator products. With expertise in extended-release and controlled-release technologies, Honglin Pharmaceutical has developed a portfolio of NEML-listed products covering common chronic diseases, including hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes, and remains dedicated to providing high-quality treatment options for healthcare providers and patients.

Honglin Pharmaceutical — NEML-Listed Products

4. What Is the "National Essential Medicines List"?

(1) Origins of the Essential Medicines Concept

The concept of essential medicines was first introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO), referring to medicines that satisfy the priority health needs of a population. In 1977, the WHO published the first Model List of Essential Medicines. China responded proactively, publishing its first National Essential Medicines List in 1982, followed by five rounds of adjustments through 2004.

(2) The Development of China's National Essential Medicines System

China's National Essential Medicines System is an institutional framework for the coordinated management of essential medicines across the entire process, including selection, production, distribution, use, reimbursement, and monitoring. Following the launch of a new round of healthcare reform in 2009, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council called for the establishment of a medicines supply security system based on the National Essential Medicines System. Nine government departments, including the then Ministry of Health and the National Development and Reform Commission, jointly issued the Implementation Opinions on Establishing the National Essential Medicines System, which, for the first time, established a comprehensive policy framework to support essential medicines across multiple areas. China defines essential medicines as medicines that meet basic healthcare needs, are available in appropriate dosage forms, are reasonably priced, can be reliably supplied, and are equitably accessible to the public. In 2018, the General Office of the State Council issued the Opinions on Improving the National Essential Medicines System, further establishing the central role of essential medicines, strengthening their management and use within healthcare institutions, and requiring public healthcare institutions at all levels to ensure the availability of essential medicines and prioritize their use.

(3) Policy Benefits of the National Essential Medicines System

Over years of implementation, China's National Essential Medicines System has been continuously strengthened and refined, with its core functions reflected in six areas: "prioritizing essential healthcare needs, supporting disease prevention and treatment, ensuring supply, promoting priority use, assuring quality, and reducing the financial burden on patients." Complemented by policies such as  the tiered diagnosis and treatment system and preferential medical insurance reimbursement, essential medicines generally receive higher reimbursement rates than non-essential medicines, helping to reduce patients’ medication-related financial burden. Following the launch of healthcare reform in 2009, the National Essential Medicines List underwent three updates in 2009, 2012, and 2018. The 2026 Edition marks the fourth revision.

Source: National Essential Medicines List (2026 Edition)

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