NPPA Announces Landmark 25%-30% Price Drop on Vital Medications, Bringing Relief to Indian Consumers
- 23-Feb-2024 3:21 PM
- Journalist: Xiang Hong
The most recent announcement from the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), the central regulatory agency overseeing drug prices in India, suggests a significant 25%-30% decrease in the prices of at least twelve medications. These include commonly used treatments for cardiac diseases, inflammation, duodenal ulcers, and bacterial infections. This reduction, noted as the highest in recent memory, comes as part of the NPPA's ongoing efforts to regulate pharmaceutical costs.
The revised maximum retail prices for certain medications have been announced, reflecting a positive change for consumers. A strip of 10 Bilastine and Montelukast tablets, addressing various allergic conditions such as inflammation, itching, and rashes, will now be available at a maximum retail price of Rs 175, down from the previous Rs 189. Additionally, a combination drug containing aceclofenac, paracetamol, and serratipetid, aimed at alleviating pain and swelling in conditions like muscle pain, joint pain, and post-operative pain, will see a reduction of at least Rs 12 for a strip of 10 tablets. Furthermore, a combination drug comprising amlodipine and bisoprolol, used to manage blood pressure, will now be priced at Rs 84.50 instead of the earlier Rs 88 for a strip. These adjustments are expected to provide cost relief to consumers seeking these essential medications.
The NPPA has unveiled alterations in the pricing of 39 formulations, heralding additional price reductions. This move by the NPPA is geared towards enhancing the affordability of essential medicines for the populace in India.
Sl. |
Name of the Formulation / |
Manufacturer & Marketing |
Retail Price |
1 |
Paracetamol and Dicyclomine Hydrochloride Tablets |
M/s Prosperity Drugs Pvt. Ltd. / M/s Torrent |
2.12 |
2 |
Albendazole & Ivermectin Suspension |
M/s. Prochem Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. / M/s Indoco Remedies |
1.36 |
3 |
Amoxycillin and Potassium Clavulanate Oral Suspension |
M/s Alps Communication Pvt. Ltd. / M/s Aristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. |
3.17 |
4 |
Cefuroxime Axetil & Potassium Clavulanate IP Tablets |
M/s Theon Pharmaceuticals Ltd. / M/s Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. |
56.98 |
5 |
Amoxycillin and Potassium Clavulanate Tablets IP |
M/s Brooks Laboratories Ltd. / M/s German |
40.03 |
6 |
Zolpidem Tartrate Prolonged release tablets |
M/s Abbott India Limited |
14.12 |
7 |
Zolpidem Tartrate Prolonged |
M/s Abbott India Limited |
11.41 |
8 |
Meropenem and Sulbactum for Injection |
M/s Aqua Vitoe Laboratories / M/s FDC Limited |
1584.2 |
9 |
Rosuvastatin + Clopidogrel Capsules |
M/s Pure and cure Healthcare Pvt. |
19.21 |
10 |
Diclofenac Diethylamine, Virgin Linseed Oil, Methyl Salicylate, Menthol & Capsacin Gel |
M/s Curetech Skincare / M/s J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. |
3.41 |
11 |
Omeprazole & Domperidone Capsules IP |
M/s Innova Captab Limited / M/s Eris Healthcare Pvt. |
6.18 |
12 |
Linagliptin, Metformin Hydrochloride (Extended Release) Tablets |
M/s Synokem Pharmaceuticals Limited / M/s Mankind Pharma Limited |
9.18 |
13 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride |
M/s Exemed Pharmaceuticals / M/s Micro Labs Limited |
11.61 |
14 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Mascot Health Series Pvt. Ltd. / M/s Lupin Limited |
13.35 |
15 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Exemed Pharmaceuticals / M/s Abbott Healthcare Pvt. |
13.35 |
16 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Synokem Pharmaceuticals Ltd. / M/s Mankind Pharma Limited |
13.35 |
17 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Exemed Pharmaceuticals / M/s Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited |
13.35 |
18 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Exemed Pharmaceuticals / M/s Emcure Pharmaceuticals Limited |
13.35 |
19 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Exemed Pharmaceuticals / M/s Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited |
13.35 |
20 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Exemed Pharmaceuticals / M/s Eris Lifesciences Limited |
13.35 |
21 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Synokem Pharmaceuticals Ltd. / M/s Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited |
13.35 |
22 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Exemed Pharmaceuticals / M/s Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited |
13.35 |
23 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Exemed Pharmaceuticals / M/s Micro Labs Limited |
13.39 |
24 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Exemed Pharmaceuticals / M/s Abbott Healthcare Pvt. |
15.03 |
25 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Exemed Pharmaceuticals / M/s Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited |
15.03 |
26 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Synokem Pharmaceuticals Ltd. / M/s Mankind Pharma Limited |
15.03 |
27 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Mascot Health Series Pvt. Ltd. / M/s Lupin Limited |
15.03 |
28 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Exemed Pharmaceuticals / M/s Emcure Pharmaceuticals Limited |
15.03 |
29 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Exemed Pharmaceuticals / M/s Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited |
14.30 |
30 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Synokem Pharmaceuticals Ltd. / M/s Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited |
14.30 |
31 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Exemed Pharmaceuticals / M/s Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited |
15.03 |
32 |
Sitagliptin Phosphate, Metformin Hydrochloride and Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Exemed Pharmaceuticals / M/s Eris Lifesciences Limited |
15.03 |
33 |
Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride Extended Release and |
M/s Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited |
15.15 |
34 |
Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride Extended Releaseand Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited |
13.47 |
35 |
Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride Extended Releaseand Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited |
16.00 |
36 |
Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride Extended Releaseand Glimepiride Tablets |
M/s Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited |
14.50 |
37 |
Linagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride (ER) Tablet |
M/s Exemed Pharmaceuticals Ltd. / M/s USV Private Limited |
14.37 |
38 |
Linagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride (ER) Tablet |
M/s Synokem Pharmaceuticals Ltd. / M/s Emcure Pharmaceuticals Limited |
14.72 |
39 |
Linagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride (ER) Tablet |
M/s Exemed Pharmaceuticals Ltd. / M/s Abbott Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. |
11.61 |
In a previous development, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) had established the maximum retail prices for 19 formulations, encompassing crucial medications such as a cancer drug and a hypertension treatment, as per a notification dated January 3. Specifically, the hypertension medication Metoprolol Succinate Extended Release & Cilnidipine Tablets, produced by Pure and Cure Healthcare Pvt Ltd. (Subsidiary of Akums Group) and Cipla Limited, will now have a capped price of Rs 10. Furthermore, a combination of Amoxycillin and Potassium Clavulanate Tablets, manufactured by Theon Pharmaceuticals Ltd and JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited, will carry a ceiling price of Rs 40.03 per tablet.
The changes in prices could greatly alter the dynamics of competition within the pharmaceutical sector, compelling companies to reassess their pricing tactics to stay ahead and profitable. Furthermore, adherence to the new pricing regulations set by the NPPA is imperative for pharmaceutical firms, possibly requiring adjustments in manufacturing, supply chain management, and distribution strategies to comply with the updated pricing structures. Moreover, the price shifts in the Indian pharmaceutical market may catalyze conversations on pricing strategies elsewhere, prompting global pharmaceutical players to review their pricing strategies and sparking broader dialogues on healthcare affordability and accessibility worldwide.
According to ChemAnalyst's analysis, there are anticipated price reductions in the coming months. Major manufacturers are consistently lowering prices, recognizing the potential of the Indian market. This proactive strategy not only enhances accessibility to essential medications for consumers but also reinforces the competitive stance of these manufacturers in India's dynamic pharmaceutical landscape.