The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed the retail prices of 70 new drug formulations, potentially making these medicines cheaper for consumers in India. This decision was made during a recent meeting where the NPPA considered applications from pharmaceutical companies.

The price fixation includes:

- 58 new drug formulations, such as:

- Paracetamol infusion from Dr. Reddy's Laboratories

- Combination tablets for hypertension and telmisartan from Ipca Laboratories and Mankind Pharma

- Antibiotic combinations from Natco Pharma and Torrent Pharmaceuticals

- Antiallergic and asthma medication from Sun Pharmaceuticals

- 12 drugs launched by companies without prior price approval from the NPPA

- Ceftazidime and avibactam powder for infusion from Zyphars Pharmaceuticals, priced at Rs. 1,572.59 per vial

The NPPA sets retail prices based on the lowest of three prices: worked-out price, claimed price, and launched price. This guarantees that crucial medications remain within the reach of those who need them.

The fixed prices include various combinations of medications for:

• Hypertension

• Diabetes

• Antibiotics

• Asthma and allergies

Pharmaceutical companies like Dr. Reddy's, Glenmark, Ipca Laboratories, and Sun Pharmaceuticals are affected by this price revision.

The NPPA's decision aims to make essential medicines more affordable for Indian consumers, promoting healthcare accessibility and affordability.

Note: DPCO stands for Drugs Prices Control Order, which regulates drug pricing in India. Para 5 and 15 of DPCO 2013 empower the NPPA to fix retail prices of new drug formulations.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Vaishnavi Dalvi/MSM)