CHINA has blocked British drugmaker GSK from participating in its national drug procurement programme from Oct 31, 2022 to Apr 29, 2024, state television CCTV reported on Monday (Oct 31).

CCTV said authorities had decided to do so after a batch of dutasteride soft capsules supplied by GSK failed a recent quality check by the National Medical Products Administration.

GSK did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Beijing runs a national scheme where global pharmaceutical companies and Chinese generic drugmakers vie to sell their products in bulk at public hospitals. REUTERS