Pharma pricing body NPPA caps prices of 39 new medicines. Check full list

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, has notified the retail prices of 39 new drug formulations under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013.

The notification, issued on July 8, 2026, fixes the ceiling retail prices for medicines used in treating diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, infections, eye disorders, respiratory illnesses, pain management, vitamin deficiencies, cancer, and clot-related emergencies.

Among all the notified medicines, Tenecteplase (TNK-TPA) injection, used as a life-saving clot-busting drug during heart attacks and strokes, is the costliest, with a retail price of 60,238.27 per vial.

WHAT THE NPPA ORDER SAYS

The order has been issued under paragraphs 5, 11, and 15 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, empowering the NPPA to fix retail prices of new drugs introduced in the market.

The prices mentioned in the notification represent the maximum retail price (excluding GST, wherever applicable) that manufacturers can charge.

Manufacturers are required to:

• Sell medicines at or below the notified retail price.

• Issue revised price lists in Form-V.

• Submit price details through the Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System (IPDMS).

• Ensure compliance with DPCO provisions.

MOST EXPENSIVE DRUG IN THE LIST

The highest-priced medicine notified is:

Tenecteplase is an emergency medicine used to dissolve blood clots during:

• Acute heart attack (myocardial infarction)

• Certain cases of stroke

• Other thrombotic emergencies

Because it is a biotechnology-derived injectable medicine used in emergency care, it commands a significantly higher price than routine medicines.

DIABETES MEDICINES FEATURE PROMINENTLY

A substantial number of formulations in the notification are aimed at managing diabetes.

These include combinations containing:

• Glimepiride

• Metformin

• Sitagliptin

• Empagliflozin

• Dapagliflozin

The fixed retail prices range from 8.85 to 19.30 per tablet, depending on the formulation and strength.

Some of the approved formulations include:

• Glimepiride + Metformin SR

• Sitagliptin + Metformin + Glimepiride

• Empagliflozin + Sitagliptin + Metformin ER

• Dapagliflozin + Telmisartan

• Aspirin + Atorvastatin

• Atorvastatin + Ezetimibe

These medicines are commonly prescribed for diabetes patients who also suffer from hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

HEART, BP AND CHOLESTEROL DRUGS ALSO INCLUDED

The notification covers several medicines used to manage cardiovascular disorders.

These include combinations involving:

• Telmisartan

• Amlodipine

• Bisoprolol

• Nebivolol

• Olmesartan

• Cilnidipine

• Chlorthalidone

• Spironolactone

Prices vary from approximately 10 to 21 per tablet, depending on the formulation.

The list also includes lipid-lowering combinations such as:

• Atorvastatin + Ezetimibe

• Aspirin + Atorvastatin

• Aspirin + Atorvastatin + Clopidogrel

• Clopidogrel + Aspirin + Atorvastatin

These medicines are widely prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

ANTIBIOTICS AND INFECTION TREATMENTS

Several anti-infective medicines have also been brought under the latest price notification.

These include:

• Amoxicillin + Potassium Clavulanate

• Chloramphenicol eye drops

• Trypsin-Chymotrypsin combinations

• Vitamin D3 oral solution

The retail prices are intended to ensure affordability while maintaining access to commonly prescribed therapies.

EYE CARE MEDICINES NOTIFIED

The NPPA has also fixed prices for ophthalmic formulations such as:

• Nepafenac + Moxifloxacin eye solution

• Chlorpheniramine + Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose eye drops

• Netarsudil + Latanoprost ophthalmic solution

These medicines are used for:

• Eye infections

• Inflammation after surgery

• Dry eyes

• Glaucoma management

The Netarsudil + Latanoprost ophthalmic solution is priced at 362.57 per ml, making it one of the higher-priced formulations after the Tenecteplase injection.

VITAMINS, CHILDREN'S MEDICINES AND OTHER FORMULATIONS

The notification also includes:

• Vitamin D3 Oral Solution

• Cetirizine Hydrochloride Drops

• Clobazam Suspension

• Imatinib Oral Solution

• Polmacoxib tablets

• Torsemide + Spironolactone tablets

• These formulations cater to both paediatric and adult patients.

• COMPANIES COVERED UNDER THE NOTIFICATION

• The notified formulations involve products manufactured or marketed by several pharmaceutical companies, including:

• Windlas Biotech

• Alkem Wellness

• Synokem Pharmaceuticals

• Pure and Cure Healthcare

• Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals

• Medley Pharmaceuticals

• Mankind Pharma

• Aristo Pharmaceuticals

• Sun Pharma Laboratories

• Emcure Pharmaceuticals

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  Safetab Life Science

• Torrent Pharmaceuticals

• Cipla

• Beta Drugs

• Ravenbhel Healthcare

• German Remedies

• Indoco Remedies

• Plea Laboratories

• Malik Lifesciences

• Primus Remedies

Many formulations are manufactured by one company and marketed by another, a common practice in India's pharmaceutical sector.

LOWEST-PRICED MEDICINES

Among the least expensive formulations notified are:

• Clobazam Oral Suspension – 2.80 per ml

• Aspirin Gastro-Resistant + Atorvastatin Capsules – 3.67 per capsule

• Torsemide + Spironolactone Tablets – 3.71 per tablet

• Clopidogrel + Aspirin + Atorvastatin Capsules – 6.37 per capsule

These prices aim to make essential medicines more affordable for patients requiring long-term therapy.

WHAT HAPPENS IF COMPANIES VIOLATE THE PRICES?

The notification makes it clear that manufacturers and marketing companies cannot sell these formulations above the notified retail prices.

If any company charges more than the approved price:

• It must deposit the overcharged amount.

• Interest may also be recovered.

• Action can be taken under the Essential Commodities Act and provisions of the DPCO.

Retailers are also required to display updated price lists prominently at their premises.

WHY THIS ORDER MATTERS

Drug pricing remains a key public health issue in India, particularly for patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, who require lifelong medication.

By fixing retail prices of these new formulations, the NPPA aims to:

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  Prevent excessive pricing of newly introduced medicines.

• Improve affordability for patients.

• Promote transparency in pharmaceutical pricing.

• Ensure uniform pricing across the country.

• Strengthen access to essential medicines under the DPCO framework.

The latest notification adds another set of regulated formulations to India's price-controlled medicines, helping ensure that critical treatments from everyday diabetes tablets to emergency clot-busting injections remain available at government-approved retail prices.