ObjectivesTo systematically review the concept, definition, development, operation mechanism, function, efficacy, advantages and challenges of pharmacy benefit management (PBM), in order to provide evidence for its introduction and application in China.MethodsPubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang Data and CBM databases were searched to collect literatures on researches, policies, and applications related to PBM from January 1st, 2000 to January 1st, 2017. Two researchers independently screened literatures, extracted data and used the AHRQ evaluation list to evaluate the quality of the observational studies, then qualitative method was used to review literature.ResultsA total of 12 researches were included. The results showed that PBMs had played an important role in negotiation discounts with drug manufacturers, supervising drug circulation and doctors' prescription behaviors, delivering health management services for patients, prescription payments with highly information-oriented systems, etc., which, as a result, could reduce the medication burden of patients with superior diseases management.ConclusionsChina's attempt to adopt a PBM model must take full account of practical conditions, which involves health management system, pharmaceutical market environment and social culture. It cannot merely emulate the PBM model of the United States. With consideration of local conditions, China can explore a suitable path for its own PBM model.