May 13, 2021|
Report Shows Opportunities for China’s Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Development
by Vivian Yang
Fast delivery speed and comprehensive choices are two core advantages of pharmaceutical e-commerce that have prompted a large amount of people in China to habitually purchase medicines online, said the Report on China Pharmaceutical E-Commerce Industry Research 2021.
The report was released on May 11 in Beijing by China’s leading medical industry-focused media and research platform VCBeat Research, in collaboration with JD Health.
The combination of online and offline operations and the readiness of last-mile delivery services on the market enables pharmaceutical e-commerce to cover all kinds of cases for users whenever and wherever they need medicine. A survey in the report on medicine buyers showed that 46.6% of respondents will buy medicine only when they get sick. Going online to order medicine can quickly answer their urgent need.
At the same time, common medicines for family use and medicines for long-term use account for 25.4% and 25.9% of users’ online medicine purchases respectively. Together with the government’s loosening of prescription medicine sales via the Internet, pharmaceutical e-commerce is facing an enormous opportunity to expand its market size, providing comprehensive medical products at competitive prices to customers in China.
The report also highlighted the importance of medical service in advancing the industry to the next level. It found that more than 70% of surveyed users expressed willingness to pay for doctor consultation service online, with nearly 40% willing to pay a higher price to access veteran experts.
The outbreak of COVID-19 gave a strong boost to the development of the industry, doubling its market size from RMB 100 billion yuan to 200 billion yuan over the past year. This presents enormous opportunities for pharmaceutical companies to embrace these online platforms and their digital marketing solutions as a critical channel to reach end-users, the report said.
“The report aims to showcase a comprehensive status of China’s pharmaceutical e-commerce industry development and analyze the innovation models it is incubating,” said Han Hao, senior researcher of VCBeat Research. “For JD Health, we have observed that the company’s development in many aspects ranging from full-category expansion, omni-channel operations to healthcare services and more, are all an active response to the changing needs of users in China.”
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)
JD Upgrades Chatbot’s Functions for Merchants
