The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has notified the retail prices for 71 pharmaceutical formulations, including significant drugs used in the treatment of cancer and diabetes, in line with the Drugs Prices Control Order (DPCO), 2013. This move is aimed at regulating prices to ensure better accessibility and affordability for patients across India.

Key highlights

Retail prices for anti-cancer and antibiotic drugs

• Trastuzumab for Injection (375 mg): The price for each lyophilized vial of trastuzumab (used for cancer treatment) has been set at ₹11,966.64 by Reliance Life Sciences.

• Antibacterial Fixed Dose Combination (FDC): Prices for combinations like ceftriaxone, disodium edetate, and sulbactam for infusion range from ₹447 to ₹1,036.60, with specific formulations marketed by Tyykem Pvt Ltd and Blue Cross Laboratories.

Additional formulations

• A combipack of clarithromycin tablets, esomeprazole tablets, and amoxicillin tablets from Torrent Pharmaceuticals is priced at ₹162.52 per kit.

• The price of Ringer Lactate (non-glass, dual port cap) from Cartel Lifescience has been approved at ₹64.29 per pack (excluding GST).

Diabetes medication price notifications

• 25 anti-diabetes formulations with empagliflozin combinations have been included in the pricing updates.

• Other diabetes formulations containing sitagliptin were also addressed as part of the new price list.

Price deferral and re-examination
The NPPA has deferred the price fixing for diclofenac sodium 75 mg injection by Mankind Prime Labs to re-examine the product data.Regulatory measures and public health impact
The NPPA's decision aims to enhance accessibility to life-saving medications, keeping drug prices in check to reduce the burden on healthcare systems and the public.The latest notification by NPPA reflects continued efforts to regulate drug pricing, especially for critical medications like cancer treatments and anti-diabetes drugs. The initiative ensures affordability and accessibility of essential medicines, contributing to India’s healthcare equity goals.