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Chinese medicine drop pills market
In the past, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) had clear advantages in managing chronic diseases but was not suitable for emergency treatment. Initially, TCM preparations were mostly in the form of pills, powders, ointments, and elixirs. Over time, they evolved into second-generation dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, oral liquids, and injections. With the development of new administration routes, proprietary TCM products like drop pills (e.g., Quick Rescue Pills and Compound Danshen Dripping Pills) and injectables (e.g., Qing Kai Ling Injection) have started to be used as emergency medications. Therefore, promoting innovation in TCM pharmaceuticals is not only essential for the development of traditional Chinese medicine itself but also a strategic need for companies to gain a competitive edge in the market.
Drop pills represent a revolutionary advancement in TCM formulations. According to Gu Haiou, Chief Engineer at Beijing Tongrentang Technology Co., Ltd., drop pills are produced by extracting the active ingredients from traditional herbal medicines using modern technology and then manufacturing them similarly to chemical drugs. The concept of drop pills was first introduced into TCM production in the late 1970s with the development of Su Bing Pills by the Shanghai Pharmaceutical Industry Research Institute. These pills are easy to take and swallow, especially when placed under the tongue, making them particularly effective for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions. They dissolve quickly, usually within one minute, and bypass the liver's first-pass effect, leading to faster absorption and action. As a result, many drop pill preparations are now widely used in emergency treatment for heart and brain-related conditions, such as Su Bing Drop Pills, Guanxin Suhe Drop Pills, Suxiao Jiuxin Pills, and Compound Danshen Drop Pills. These products are well-accepted by both clinicians and patients, offering more options for clinical practice.
Tongrentang’s Guanxin Suhe Drop Pill, for instance, was developed in the mid-1980s based on the original Damai Pill formula. The company currently has four drop pill products in its portfolio. Yang Xiaohong, Director of the Chief Engineer’s Office at Tianjin No. 6 Chinese Medicine Factory, mentioned that compared to traditional honey pills, drop pills may have a smaller taste, but modern extraction techniques have significantly improved their efficacy. This innovation has led to a multiplier effect in performance and acceptance.
Lu Lizhu, Director of the Pharmacy Department at Guang’anmen Hospital of the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, emphasized the unique role of TCM in treating acute illnesses. She noted that drop pills have propelled TCM into a new technological stage, achieving the long-sought "three smalls," "three effects," and "five conveniences": small dosage, low toxicity, minimal side effects; long-lasting, fast-acting, and highly effective; and convenient production, storage, transportation, use, and portability.
The production process of drop pills is relatively simple. Compared to traditional pill-making methods, there is no dust in the workshop, which is beneficial for worker safety. The equipment is straightforward to operate, the production cycle is short, and it allows for continuous and automated production, resulting in high efficiency and lower costs. The appearance of the final product is also better, with consistent pellet weights and accurate dosing. Currently, drop pills can be made into spherical, olive-shaped, or elliptical forms.
Despite their success, drop pills still face challenges. It is reported that Tianjin No. 6 Chinese Medicine Factory was among the first domestic manufacturers to industrialize drop pills. The first drop pill product, Quick-Acting Rescue Heart Pill, was launched in 1983. Today, the factory has seven approved drop pill products, with the Quick-Acting Rescue Heart Pill generating over 600 million yuan in sales last year, growing at an average annual rate of about 13%. Tasly’s Compound Danshen Drop Pills reached 900 million yuan in sales last year, becoming a top-selling product in the Chinese medicine market. Due to this success, many pharmaceutical companies are optimistic about the future of drop pills.
Looking ahead, Gu Haiou from Tong Ren Tang emphasized that the company places great importance on the development of drop pills and considers it a key focus for future growth. There are currently two or three drop pill products in research, all showing promising clinical results. Tianjin No. 6 Chinese Medicine Factory has also set plans to develop drop pills across five categories: cardiovascular and cerebrovascular, anti-viral colds, gynecology, hypoglycemic agents, and health care, aiming to meet diverse market demands and become a leading manufacturer of high-quality drop pills in China.
Initially, the market was not very receptive to drop pills as a dosage form, and promoting them was challenging. However, increasing acceptance of modern botanical drugs has led to widespread recognition of drop pills in China. For example, Compound Danshen Drop Pills have even been exported to Russia as pharmaceutical products.
Yang Xiaohong pointed out that drop pills are not suitable for large populations but work best for groups of 2 to 6 herbs. Due to their nature, most drop pills on the market come in three common specifications: 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg. Some products, like the company’s Borneol Chuanxiong JiuXin Wan, contain only two herbs.
Professor Long Zhixian, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and former president of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, emphasized that the choice of dosage form should be based on the characteristics of the disease. Not all TCM products are suitable for making into drop pills, and different conditions may require different modes of administration.
One major challenge remains: the difficulty in obtaining suitable equipment for industrialized production. Companies producing drop pills often develop their own machines. For example, Tianjin No. 6 Chinese Medicine Factory has developed three generations of drop pill machines, each with its own patent. However, specialized manufacturers of drop pill equipment are rare globally, and China’s pharmaceutical machinery industry is still developing.
Experts suggest that to further promote the development of drop pills, relevant authorities should establish national standards for drop pill equipment as soon as possible. This would ensure quality control and provide the necessary tools for companies to produce high-quality drop pills. With proper support, drop pills can continue to play a vital role in both traditional and modern healthcare systems.