BEIJING -- China on Friday launched this year's negotiations on medicines to be covered by the national medical insurance system, with 168 drugs having entered the bidding process.

This year's batch represents the broadest range of medicines to date, including anti-tumor drugs and drugs for both rare and chronic diseases, according to the National Healthcare Security Administration.

The final results of the negotiations are expected to be announced around December.

Medicines approved via the bidding session will be incorporated into the country's catalog of medicines covered by national medical insurance, which is updated on a yearly basis.

Current data shows that more than 80 percent of new drugs are included in the catalog within two years after their marketing.

The catalog currently features 2,967 medicines, encompassing all areas of clinical treatment.