By Kavita Mistry 
India’s National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed prices for 71 drug formulations, including widely used treatments for diabetes, cancer, and pain. Exercising its authority under the Drug (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013, NPPA aims to ensure essential drugs remain accessible and affordable for the general public.
Key Medicines Affected by the New Pricing
The latest price control list includes various formulations and combinations of anti-diabetic drugs, especially those containing Empagliflozin, which went off-patent earlier this year. Prices for these combinations now range from Rs 14 to Rs 31 per tablet, significantly impacting patients managing chronic conditions like diabetes.
Also included is Trastuzumab, a life-saving cancer drug used in treating HER2-positive breast cancer. Manufactured by Reliance Life Sciences, its price has been fixed at Rs 11,966 per vial. Since it is part of the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM), it qualifies as a scheduled drug under the DPCO.
Antibacterial drug Ceftriaxone combinations have also been capped, with prices ranging from Rs 515 to Rs 1,036 per vial. Pain relief and fever medications like paracetamol and mefenamic acid are now priced at Rs 0.66 per ml and Rs 0.94 per ml, respectively, in suspension form.
How Drug Prices Are Regulated in India
Under DPCO, the NPPA regulates the prices of scheduled drugs listed in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM). As per the 2022 NLEM update, there are 384 essential drugs, chosen for their relevance to public health. The prices are calculated based on the average market price to retailers, with a standard margin added. These prices are reviewed annually in line with the Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
Oversight of Non-Scheduled Drugs
For non-scheduled drugs, NPPA does not pre-approve pricing but monitors market prices to prevent unreasonable increases. Manufacturers can raise prices by a maximum of 10% annually. The NPPA retains the authority to intervene in case of excessive pricing or monopolistic practices, ensuring fair access even for non-scheduled formulations.
Conclusion
This price revision marks a critical step toward equitable healthcare in India, particularly for managing endocrine, metabolic, and cardiovascular conditions. By regulating high-cost and essential therapies, NPPA reinforces its commitment to affordability within both the pharmaceutical and public health landscapes.