Li Xu brought up Wang Xingguang’s case and those of other recent patients, offering a detailed explanation of the pharmacological properties of Sour Jujube Seeds, particularly their ability to "moisten the lungs and nourish the yin."

"The main characteristic of this year’s flu virus is pathogenic heat obstructing the lungs and impairing their purifying and descending functions. In the later stages, this depletes the lung yin, leading to dryness in the lungs and a dry cough. Sour Jujube Seeds can nourish liver blood to suppress the lung heat, while also directly moistening the lung yin to stop the cough. It’s practically tailor-made for this condition."

"I adapted the principles behind the Ma Xing Gan Shi Tang Extract Decoction to create this improved formula," Li Xu explained.

Ding Kaifang nodded repeatedly as he listened.

He had also read many books on traditional Chinese medicine over the past six months.

While he was no match for Li Xu, he had a basic understanding.

Not to mention, Li Xu had proven time and again that his formulas were highly effective.

Ding Kaifang was more concerned with the commercial prospects.

"So, is this formula effective against all types of flu?"

Li Xu shook his head. "President Ding, this is the exact risk I wanted to emphasize. The Sour Jujube Seeds Soup I’ve developed is a new formula, and as of now, it’s effective against this particular type of flu virus. We all know that viruses mutate. It’s possible that by next year, this strain will have changed, and the formula may no longer be as effective."

Far from being discouraged, Ding Kaifang’s eyes lit up. "Doctor Li, even if it only works on this year’s strain, that’s still incredible! Do you have any idea how many people have the flu across the country right now? Especially the children. Once they develop pneumonia, their parents are frantic. If we could launch a super-effective drug like this, think of what a relief it would be for countless families."

He grew more excited as he spoke. "Besides, this isn’t just about making money. Doctor Li, think about it! If our Sour Jujube Seeds Soup can be promoted nationwide and effectively control this year’s flu epidemic, imagine what a huge boost that would be for the reputation of Ding’s Pharmaceutical Factory! That’s the kind of advertising no amount of money can buy. Even if the virus mutates next year and our drug becomes ineffective, we’ll have at least earned a stellar reputation and immense goodwill this year. For the factory’s long-term development, that’s a priceless treasure."

"What’s more," Ding Kaifang’s mind was working quickly, "right now, no one wants Sour Jujube Seeds. But if we develop the Sour Jujube Seeds Soup, it’s guaranteed to drive up sales of the seeds. Next year, the price of Sour Jujube Seeds might get driven up again. By then, even if the soup is no longer effective against the flu, it won’t matter."

Li Xu nodded. Ding Kaifang’s business acumen was truly beyond his own.

He was focused more on his responsibilities as a doctor and the rigor of the medicine’s efficacy, while Ding Kaifang analyzed it from the macro perspective of the business world.

"Alright, President Ding. If you think it’s feasible, that’s all that matters. However, bringing a new drug to market requires approval, and that process can be slow," Li Xu reminded him.

Ding Kaifang waved a hand confidently. "Approval is a necessary step, but we can use the fast-track channel and apply for special clearance. I’ll pull some strings to make sure the process moves as quickly as possible. Our goal is simple: fast approval, fast production. Let’s solve this year’s flu problem first and worry about the rest later."

The two grew more excited as they talked, quickly reaching an agreement.

Ding Kaifang decided then and there. First thing tomorrow morning, he would assemble the pharmaceutical factory’s R&D and legal teams to begin the new drug application process and start preparing the production lines.

...

「Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in America, at the Jide Biopharmaceutical Company Headquarters.」

It was nighttime in Dragon Country, but daytime in America.

Sunlight streamed through massive floor-to-ceiling windows, spilling into James Oliver’s spacious office.

He wore an impeccable custom-tailored suit and held a steaming cup of coffee, a confident smile on his face.

Sitting across from him was the company’s chief scientist, Professor George, a bespectacled scholar.

"George, is there anything you’d like to add regarding the effectiveness of our newly developed Tamiflu Granules against the latest global strain of influenza A?"

James asked calmly, setting down his coffee cup.

Professor George pushed up his glasses and answered with scholarly precision, "James, according to our clinical trial data from multiple countries, the Tamiflu Granules have demonstrated an exceptional inhibitory effect on the currently circulating strain of influenza A. It not only effectively shortens the course of the illness and alleviates symptoms, but it’s also highly effective at preventing complications. It’s safe to say that this is the most effective anti-influenza drug available anywhere in the world right now."

James nodded in satisfaction. "Excellent. So, what are your thoughts on entering the Dragon Country market? I hear their flu epidemic has also been quite severe lately."

Professor George considered this for a moment. "Dragon Country has a massive population and enormous market potential. But they also have their own unique system of traditional Chinese medicine. Some of their traditional herbal formulas can sometimes be quite effective in treating colds and fevers."

Hearing this, James gave a dismissive laugh. "Herbal medicine? George, you’re being a bit too cautious. Even if those ancient herbs have some effect, they lack the rigorous validation of modern science. Our Tamiflu Granules, on the other hand, have been certified by the world’s top laboratories and through strict clinical trials. They are a true scientific achievement."

He lifted his coffee, took a small sip, and asked nonchalantly, "Do you think Dragon Country is capable of developing a Western medicine comparable to Tamiflu, one that’s specifically effective against the current flu virus, in such a short amount of time?"

Professor George shook his head and answered with certainty, "At present, given Dragon Country’s level of biopharmaceutical technology, it would be nearly impossible for them to independently develop a new Western antiviral drug comparable to Tamiflu Granules in such a short time. That would require an immense investment of manpower, resources, and time. It’s not something that can be done overnight."

"Well, there you have it," James said confidently. "So, George, you have nothing to worry about. For our Tamiflu, the Dragon Country market will be a blue ocean."

Professor George’s brow furrowed slightly. He couldn’t shake a feeling of unease. "But what if one of their herbal formulas just happens to be effective against this particular flu virus? I’ve heard that some of the traditional doctors in Dragon Country are extremely experienced."

James burst out laughing, cutting Professor George off. "George, you’re adorable. Don’t worry, we already have a strategy for that."

Professor George’s curiosity was piqued. "Oh? And what strategy is that?" he asked.

James set his coffee cup on the table, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.

"In Dragon Country, they have a saying: ’praise them to death’."

He said, enunciating each word with a conspiratorial edge, "This time, we’re going to use that very concept to give their ’herbal medicine’ a warm welcome."

Professor George looked on, not quite understanding.

James didn’t elaborate, only offering a knowing smile.

He had already set his plan in motion.

Now, all he had to do was wait for it to bear fruit.