NPPA caps prices of 51 critical drug formulations

Sep 22,2023

51 drug formulations, including linagliptin-metformin hydrochloride tablets, a combination medication used to treat high blood sugar levels brought on by type 2 diabetes, and rosuvastatin-clopidogrel, another combination medication used to prevent heart attack and stroke, have had their ceiling prices set by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). Retail costs for linagliptin (2.5 mg) and metformin hydrochloride (500 mg) tablets have been fixed by the pricing authority at Rs 8.97 for a 150-mg capsule. The combined cost of clopidogrel (75 mg) and rosuvastatin (20 mg) has been set at Rs 18.95.

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed the ceiling price of 51 drug formulations, including linagliptin-metformin hydrochloride tablets, a combination drug used to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes, and rosuvastatin-clopidogrel, another combination drug used to prevent heart attack and stroke.

The pricing authority has set the retail prices for linagliptin (2.5 mg) and metformin hydrochloride (500 mg) tablets at Rs 8.97 for a 150-mg capsule. The price  of rosuvastatin (20 mg) and clopidogrel (75 mg) has been fixed at Rs 18.95.

"In case the retail price of any of the above formulations is not complied with, as per instant price notification, then the concerned manufacturer/marketing company shall be liable to deposit the overcharged amount along with interest thereon under the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order 2013, read with the Essential Commodities Act, 1955," the NPPA said in its order issued on September 15.

Recently, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority also extended the ceiling price fixation for orthopaedic knee implants for a year till September 15, 2024. Officials said this has been made to ensure the implants are affordable and to stop fleecing of patients.

Source: The Economic Times