Regulator to launch drug pricing probe

China's top pricing regulator will launch a wide-ranging drug pricing probe starting June 1, according to an announcement on its website on Friday.

The National Development and Reform Commission said that the investigations, which would be carried out until the end of October, will focus on abnormal price fluctuations and checking behaviors that are suspected to disrupt the market.

The inspections come after a number of domestic and foreign drug firms were summoned by the regulator to collect information earlier this month, according to a source near the regulator who declined to be named due to lack of authorization to speak on this matter.

The industry-wide inspections will be conducted on drug making companies, medical institutions, disease prevention and control centers and related institutions in the industry, the announcement said.

China is pressing ahead with heath care reform and strengthened efforts to improve the public health system, with reducing drug prices listed among key tasks, Premier Li Keqiang stressed during an executive meeting of the State Council earlier this year.