Feb 28, 2022|
JD Health Launches All-Round Service for Patients with Rare Diseases
by Vivian Yang
Ahead of this year’s World Rare Diseases Day on February 28th, JD Health announced its strategy for building an ecosystem to provide all-round services for people with rare diseases in China, helping them better access medical treatment, medications, healthcare management and financial support.
The approach is an elevation from JD Health’s Rare Diseases Care Project which was launched last February. It is estimated that the project has provided medication and healthcare support to more than 24,000 patients with rare diseases in the past 12 months.
Ceremony for the launch of JD Health’s All-Round Service for Patients with Rare Diseases
JD Pharmacy, the medicine retailing channel of JD Health, offers nearly 70 percent of approved medicines for rare diseases in China, making it the most comprehensive online retailer in this regard, according to JD Health’s announcement during the launch ceremony held in Beijing on February 27th.
The company has been actively promoting the supply of rare disease medicines through close cooperation with pharmaceutical companies at home and abroad. For instance, last year, JD Pharmacy became the initial online distributor for Novartis’ Mayzent® (siponimod), an innovative drug for multiple sclerosis (MS), and Takeda’s FIRAZYR, a newly imported injection for acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE).
JD also developed an integrated proprietary cold-chain delivery service for rare diseases medicines, which will be sent from JD’s warehouse to patients’ door steps. By the end of December 2021, JD’s self-operated delivery service has covered more than 200 cities across China.
Meanwhile, a patient recruitment center was set up on JD Pharmacy to connect patients with clinical trials and support the acceleration of new medicine development. Patients can also submit their medicine requests to a wish list on JD Health which helps to guide the company as it explores further cooperation with pharmaceutical companies to push forward the market approval process.
A roundtable discussion on companies’ roles in treating rare diseases with partners from pharmaceutical companies
On the life and financial support side, JD Health has been providing fund application, healthcare consultation, patients’ activities and knowledge sharing events together with the Illness Challenge Foundation and other rare disease patients organizations. So far four patient groups with different types of rare diseases, including hereditary epidermolysis bullosa, neuromyelitis optica, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and idiopathic pulmonary hypertension have been benefiting from these services on a regular basis.
With the goal to accelerate diagnosis, JD Health works closely with pharmaceutical companies, foundations and other partners to explore new services such as inviting renowned doctors for telemedicine consultations, offering online healthcare courses on rare diseases, providing gene testing, and building up online training section for doctors on the grassroots level to help them on rare disease diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
“Rare diseases are not only a medical issue but more a social issue,” said Enlin Jin, CEO of JD Health at the ceremony. “We have joined hands with many partners to continuously explore multiparty co-payment and public welfare assistance models, and we hope that this progress and these initiatives will realize our original intention, which is to create tangible value for the course of rare disease prevention and treatment.”
Jin said the JD Health’s “medical treatment + medicine + service + payment” ecosystem for rare diseases will continue to be improved to serve patients and arouse more public awareness and support.
Dec 12, 2024|
JD Health Debuts Merck’s New Diabetes Medication GLUCOPHAGE® XR (Reduce Mass) Online in China
On December 10, JD Health, in collaboration with Merck, a globally renowned biopharmaceutical leader, began offering GLUCOPHAGE® XR (Reduce Mass), the metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, and became the first online pharmacy in China to provide the new antidiabetic medication developed by Merck. This launch signifies a major milestone in the partnership between JD Health and Merck, which is dedicated to enhancing the online availability and accessibility of innovative treatments for type 2 diabetes patients in China, thereby offering them a more convenient and effective medication experience.
GLUCOPHAGE® has been a cornerstone in the treatment of type 2 diabetes for over 60 years worldwide. The latest version of this medication is designed to enhance patient adherence by reducing the long-term burden of medication administration while maintaining its therapeutic benefits. The use of GSD sustained-release technology extends the time the medication remains in the stomach, reduces gastrointestinal irritation, and improves drug absorption. Additionally, the tablet is now smaller, has reduced volume by 30%, and has been transitioned from a capsule to a round shape, making it easier to swallow. It requires only once-daily administration, significantly enhancing patient convenience and safety.
To celebrate the online launch collaboration, JD Health and Merck hosted a special release event for the new medication at the 7th China International Import Expo in November. This event followed their partnership agreement in September, which also marked the opening of Merck China’s self-operated flagship store on JD.com.
With a large user base, robust supply chain, and rich medical service resources, JD Health has become a preferred partner to launch many chronic disease medications online. By seamlessly integrating online and offline resources, JD Health ensures that new drug information reaches the right users swiftly, offering convenient purchasing options and improving drug accessibility and usage efficiency. Additionally, JD Health’s extensive logistics network ensures timely and secure delivery of medications, enhancing user experience and building trust.
(vivian.yang@jd.com)
Nov 7, 2024|
CIIE 2024: JD.com to Expand Imports of Specialty Brands, Strengthen Healthcare Partnerships, and Enhance Logistics
At the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) on November 5, JD Super, the supermarket division of JD.com, announced a major initiative to broaden its selection of imported specialty. Over the next three years, JD Super plans to introduce over 1,000 new international brands to meet the increasing demand for high-quality, diverse imported goods.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Quality Imports
According to JD Worldwide’s “White Paper on 2024 China Cross-Border Consumption Trends,” more than 80% of Chinese consumers are interested in imported products, with many prioritizing authenticity, quality, and fast delivery. In response, JD has significantly expanded its range of international offerings. During the ongoing Singles’ Day Grand Promotion, sales of cross-border products have surged, with more than 600 brands experiencing a sales increase of over 100% compared to last year.
Strengthening High-Quality Food Partnerships
Demonstrating JD.com’s commitment to sourcing high-quality products, JD Super signed a new procurement agreement at CIIE with Huadong Foods and Teys, a major Australian beef brand under Cargill. Under this agreement, JD Super and Huadong Foods will procure $50 million of Teys beef throughout 2025. This partnership underscores JD’s strategy of collaborating with trusted suppliers to provide high-quality, affordable beef to Chinese consumers.
Delivering Authentic Global Goods Efficiently
JD Logistics has built a robust logistics network that spans bonded, direct mail, and overseas warehouses, facilitating fast deliveries of imported items across categories such as electronics, fashion, beauty, food, and baby products. In many major cities, delivery times have been reduced to under 48 hours.
For instance, JD Super’s partnership with Raub of Malaysia enables the import of Musang King durians, which are harvested at peak ripeness and air-shipped with cold chain logistics for delivery within 24 hours. Additionally, JD.com also secured an early supply of Chilean cherries, available since October, which can be delivered in as little as 30 minutes in many areas through JD NOW, its on-demand retail service.
JD.com’s “JD National Pavilions” program, which features over 150 country-themed flagship stores from more than 70 countries and regions, continues to be a cornerstone of its import strategy. Supported by embassies and reputable organizations, this initiative offers Chinese consumers access to premium products and cultural experiences from around the world. In April, JD launched the JD National Pavilion of Mali, introducing popular items like shea butter and garnering over 40,000 followers.
Expanding Healthcare and Logistics Partnerships
JD Health is also making strides at CIIE by strengthening partnerships with leading global healthcare companies, including Merck, Bayer, and Roche. As “China’s premier online health access point,” JD Health is committed to integrating digital and physical healthcare resources to improve access and convenience for patients.
Key collaborations include initiatives with Haleon to promote brain health and anti-aging for the “silver economy,” with MSD China on a digital diabetes management model, and with Teva Pharmaceuticals to provide patient education for conditions such as tardive dyskinesia (TD) and Huntington’s disease (HD).
On the logistics front, JD Logistics announced plans to double its overseas warehouse space by 2025 and expand its network of bonded and direct mail warehouses. JD Express now serves over 60 countries, enhancing cross-border delivery efficiency and supporting both brands and consumers.
Through these efforts, JD.com reaffirms its commitment to sourcing and delivering authentic, high-quality imported products to Chinese consumers, supported by an advanced supply chain that ensures a superior shopping experience.
(vivian.yang@jd.com)
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