China’s Drug Regulator Blocks Public Access to Data Amid Controversy Over Quality

Analysts found discrepancies in the drug approval database after doctors warned of the poor quality of bulk buy domestic generic drugs.

An ambulance driver walks into the busy emergency area of a hospital in Shanghai, China, on Jan. 13, 2023. Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

China’s drug regulator has blocked the public from accessing drug data after independent analysts found discrepancies in the database.

Chinese doctors from top hospitals recently said bulk buy domestic generic drugs are ineffective compared to imported drugs. The nationwide controversy has led to concerns that the drug regulator’s approval of some generic drugs could be based on fraudulent clinical trial results.