The National Health Commission said on Jun 20 that pharmaceutical companies will be encouraged to develop 34 kinds of generic drugs, including those used in the treatment of AIDS and leukemia, to reduce the burden on patients.

The commission published the catalog of drugs the companies will be encouraged to develop, register and produce as part of efforts to cut the cost of drugs and ensure their supply.

It said it will publish the catalog every year, and generic drugs that have passed biological equivalence testing will be given priority in government procurement.

The 34 kinds of drugs, able to be sold after the expiry of their patents, were proposed by experts recommended by the commission and four other departments. Some of the drugs were in short supply in hospitals, the commission said.