NPPA fixes retail price of 39 drug formulations

New Delhi, Jul 11: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has capped the retail price of 39 essential drug formulations, including those used in the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and HIV, under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.
In a notification, the drug price regulator fixed the maximum retail price, exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST), for each specified medicine. The list covers several fixed-dose combinations widely prescribed in clinical practice.
Among the key drugs are Amlodipine, Telmisartan and Metoprolol Succinate tablets used for blood pressure management, priced at Rs 12.03 per tablet, and Empagliflozin, Sitagliptin and Metformin Hydrochloride (ER) tablets for diabetes, with prices ranging from Rs 14.88 to Rs 17.17 per tablet depending on the strength.
The notification also covers a Tenecteplase injection (50 mg), used in the management of acute myocardial infarction, with a fixed retail price of Rs 60,238.27 per vial. Additionally, a Combikit of Darunavir, Ritonavir and Dolutegravir tablets for HIV treatment has been priced at Rs 330.40 per kit.
Other formulations include various combinations of Atorvastatin with Ezetimibe, Clopidogrel, and Aspirin, as well as Telmisartan with Clorthalidone and Cilnidipine, used for cardiovascular conditions.
The NPPA order said any other existing manufacturer launching the same new drug within twelve months of the publication of the notification shall also do so at a retail price not exceeding the specified ceiling price, subject to filing of Form-IA on IPDMS 2.0 within one month of launch.
The manufacturers may add GST only if it has been paid or is payable to the government on the retail price, the notification said.
As per the order, all retailers and dealers shall display the price list and supplementary price list, if any, on a conspicuous part of their premises for easy access to consumers.
The drug price regulator cautioned that any non-compliance with the fixed retail prices would invite action, including recovery of overcharged amount along with interest, under the provisions of the DPCO, 2013 read with the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
The notification has been issued in exercise of the powers conferred by paragraphs 5, 11 and 15 of the DPCO, 2013. (KNS)