The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has approved a 50% increase in the ceiling prices of Carboplatin and Cisplatin injections, two critical cancer medicines, citing escalating raw material costs and supply concerns. The decision aims to prevent shortages and ensure the continued availability of these life-saving drugs.
Price Revision Details
The ceiling price of Carboplatin 10 mg/ml injection has been raised from Rs 60.49 per ml to Rs 90.74 per ml. Similarly, the ceiling price of Cisplatin 1 mg/ml injection has been revised from Rs 7.26 per ml to Rs 10.89 per ml. These revised prices will be reviewed after six months or earlier if necessary.
Reason for Price Hike
NPPA invoked its extraordinary powers under Para 19 of the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO), 2013, during its 147th meeting on Thursday. The authority noted that concerns over shortages of Carboplatin and Cisplatin had been raised on multiple platforms. Manufacturers reported sharp increases and volatility in the prices of active pharmaceutical ingredients, making production commercially challenging.
While affordability remains important, the regulator emphasized that access to life-saving medicines cannot be jeopardized. Discussions with manufacturers were held to address supply concerns and ensure continued availability of these drugs, which are widely used in first-line chemotherapy for several cancers.
Other Approved Price Revisions
In addition to the cancer drugs, NPPA approved a one-time 50% increase in the ceiling prices of anti-tetanus immunoglobulin 250 IU and 500 IU injections after manufacturers flagged viability concerns. The authority also revised ceiling prices of BCG, measles, and measles-rubella vaccines, citing their public health importance and the limited number of manufacturers.
Application Review Process
Of the 82 applications seeking upward price revisions under Para 19 of DPCO, only four formulations were approved. The remaining 78 applications were deferred for additional information. The regulator stated that the move aims to prevent shortages and ensure supplies of life-saving medicines and vaccines.
A gazette notification has been issued for the decision, which was taken at NPPA's 147th meeting. The authority invoked its extraordinary powers to revise prices of formulations considered critical for public health.
