Downward, Eastward or Inward? Blockbuster Film Puts Cancer Drug Prices In China Spotlight

Bagging a $200m box office in its opening week in China, "Dying to Survive" is a sentimental movie about a Chinese businessman selling cancer drugs smuggled from India but unapproved in China that sees his life taking a drastic turn, from convicted felon to a Robin Hood-like hero as he helps those in need. The Chinese film authority’s clearance for the screening of the movie and the smash success signal three key messages about the future potential direction of oncology drugs in the country.

"Dying to Survive" poster at a Chinese movie theater • Source: Scrip

Already facing official pressure to cut drug prices, makers of high-priced cancer products in China have another potential crisis to deal with: rising public resent over the lack of access to cancer drugs, stirred up by a widely popular movie.

"Dying to Survive" is based on a true story.A Shanghai-based businessman selling Indian herbs, Lu Yong, found himself in the...

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