(Yicai) Jan. 8 -- Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche has shifted the priority of its influenza drug to the Chinese market to meet the increasing demand from the massive flu outbreak that is sweeping the country.

Roche places great importance on ensuring the supply of Baloxavir Marboxil in China during the winter season, the company’s Chinese branch said in a statement yesterday, adding that the global production capacity of Baloxavir Marboxil, which is sold under the brand name Xofluza, has been redirected to the Chinese market.

The supply of Xofluza in the Chinese market is sufficient, as the medicine is available in about 7,000 hospitals nationwide, Roche China noted. Moreover, patients can buy Xofluza on online platforms, such as JD.Com and Meituan Medicine, if they have a prescription.

The Influenza A index has been on the rise in various Chinese cities, according to a report by Meituan Medicine. Over the week ended Jan. 5, the Influenza A detection rate in Shanghai, Beijing, and Hangzhou reached 49 percent, 40 percent, and 35 percent, respectively.

Searches for Xofluza on Meituan Medicine increased more than three-fold that week compared to the previous seven days. As a result, reports about drug shortages began circulating on Jan. 6.

Meituan Medicine promptly addressed the reports and clarified that the supply of flu medicines, including Xofluza, was relatively sufficient on the platform.

Xofluza is available for purchase on several online platforms today, Yicai found. Prices are relatively stable, as the drug is on sale for CNY235 (USD32) per two-20-gram-tablet box on JD Pharmacy, Meituan Medicine, and Alibaba Health Pharmacy.

Editor: Futura Costaglione