The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has recently fixed the retail prices of 42 common drug formulations under the Drugs Prices Control Order (DPCO) of 2013. This decision, made on August 28, 2025, aims to ensure affordability and transparency in the pharmaceutical sector, aligning with the NPPA's mission to regulate drug prices and make essential medicines accessible to all.

The fixed retail prices include several anti-diabetes, anti-hypertension, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Some specific examples of drugs with newly fixed retail prices include:

• Meropenem and sulbactam for injection (an antibacterial injection for skin and abdominal infections)
• Ceftriaxone 1000 mg and tazobactam 125 mg injection
• Mycophenolate Mofetil 750 mg tablets
• Clarithromycin 1000 mg extended-release tablets
• Ofloxacin and metronidazole oral suspension
• Cefixime and ofloxacin oral suspension

The retail prices of particular strengths of various drugs used to address hypertension and diabetes have also been fixed. These include combinations of telmisartan and amlodipine, amlodipine and bisoprolol fumarate, and rosuvastatin, aspirin, and clopidogrel. Prices for combinations of dapagliflozin, glimepiride & metformin hydrochloride extended release, empagliflozin, linagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended release tablets, and empagliflozin, sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended release tablets have also been fixed.

While the NPPA considered 43 applications for retail price fixation of new drugs, the decision regarding Indoco Remedies' application for a specific strength of amoxycillin and potassium clavulanate tablets was deferred. This deferral allows for re-examination of data before retail price fixation, as the matter is currently under examination.

Manufacturers are required to submit their price list in Form-V through the Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System (IPDMS) to NPPA. Copies of the price list must also be submitted to State Drug Controllers and dealers. Manufacturers must also possess the necessary licenses from Central/State Licensing Authorities to comply with these price guidelines. Retailers and dealers are obligated to prominently display the price list to ensure it is accessible to customers.

Any manufacturer or marketing company found to be non-compliant with the prescribed prices will be required to deposit the excess amount charged, along with interest, as per the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.