Healthcare Costs Slashed: NPPA Cuts Prices of 65 Critical Drugs for Diabetes, Cholesterol

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has announced the retail prices for 65 newly introduced drug formulations and has set ceiling prices for 13 additional formulations. As part of this update, the authority has also revised the ceiling prices of seven existing drugs to reflect a 0.00551% price increase in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM), which is linked to changes in the wholesale price index (WPI) for 2024. These adjustments were finalized in the NPPA’s 128th meeting on December 12.

The newly fixed prices apply to medications for conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, bacterial infections, and pain management. Meanwhile, the revised ceiling prices affect vaccines for diseases like rabies, tetanus, and measles, among others, as noted in multiple NPPA notifications.

Revising and fixing prices is a standard practice for the NPPA, which is entrusted with regulating drug prices in India. The authority ensures that pharmaceutical prices comply with the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) and monitors the prices of both controlled and non-controlled drugs.

The recent government notification also specifies the retail prices for key fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs. For instance, atorvastatin and ezetimibe tablets, used to treat high cholesterol and reduce “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels, have been priced. FDCs integrate two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) into a single dosage form.

Other FDCs listed include combinations of amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate, used to treat bacterial infections such as sinusitis, and gliclazide and metformin hydrochloride, used in the management of Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, dietary supplements like Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) tablets and antifungal itraconazole capsules are also included in the price revision.

The NPPA also updated the ceiling prices for 20 drugs. Among these, 13 are new formulations, including injectable immunoglobulins for rabies, tetanus, measles, and BCG vaccines. Seven other drugs had their prices adjusted to reflect the WPI rate changes. These include injectable thiamine (Vitamin B1), lignocaine (local anesthetic), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) tablets, and clarithromycin (antibiotic) in both tablet and liquid forms.

The government has clarified that any manufacturer selling scheduled formulations—whether branded or generic—at prices higher than the newly set ceiling (inclusive of Goods and Services Tax) must lower their prices accordingly.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)