The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has revised/fixed the prices of 70 formulation packs. The prices have been fixed for the first time in the case of 12 formulation packs. In the case of 50 packs, the price has been reduced ranging from 0.16 % to 51.44 %. The revision in prices was warranted due to a cut in price of scheduled bulk drug. In the case of eight packs, prices have been increased ranging from 0.94 % to 5.02 % due to upward revision in the prices of scheduled bulk drugs.
The formulations for which prices have been revised / fixed are insulin used for the treatment of diabetes, pencillin (anti-biotic) and ICHQ based formulation used in the treatment of bacterial infection. The other formulations for which the prices have been fixed are based on Vitamin C as single ingredient and in combination with other vitamins used in the treatment of diseases caused by the deficiency of vitamins.
The companies whose products have been come under the consideration of NPPA for price revision include Eli Lilly and Co (India) Pvt Ltd., Lark Labs, Abbott Laboratories (India) Ltd, Pharmacia India, Albert David, American Remedies, Anglo French Drugs & Industries Ltd., Aristo Pharma, Wyeth Lederle, E Merck India Ltd., East India Pharmaceutical Works Ltd, Fourts India, J K Drugs & Pharma, Mapra Labs, Raptakos Brett & Co Ltd., Smith Stanistreet Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Stadmed, Solus, Unichem, Wockhardt, Sarabhai Chemicals Ltd., Dr Reddy's Lab Ltd, Biotech Pharma, IDPL and Unisankyo.
Of the 70 formulation packs, ceiling prices (exclusive of excise duty and local taxes etc) have been fixed in respect of 31 packs. The non-ceiling prices (inclusive of excise duty but exclusive of local taxes) have been fixed in respect of the 33 packs and six packs are ceiling confirming packs. The prices have been fixed / revised in accordance with the provisions of the Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO) 1995 and as per the established criteria and guidelines.
NPPA has informed that the prices would become effective within 15 days from the date of the notification in the official gazette.