NPPA Caps Prices of 39 New Medicines Under DPCO 2013; Check Full Drug List

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has notified the retail prices of 39 new drug formulations under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013, aiming to make essential medicines more affordable and ensure uniform pricing across India.

The latest notification, issued on July 8, 2026, covers medicines used to treat diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, infections, respiratory illnesses, eye disorders, vitamin deficiencies, pain management, cancer, and emergency clot-related conditions.

Among the newly notified medicines, Tenecteplase (TNK-TPA) Injection (50 mg) has emerged as the costliest drug, with a government-approved retail price of ₹60,238.27 per vial.

Key Highlights

• NPPA has fixed retail prices for 39 new drug formulations under DPCO 2013.
• The notification includes medicines for diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure, cancer, eye disorders, and infections.
• Tenecteplase Injection is the most expensive medicine on the list at ₹60,238.27 per vial.
• Drug manufacturers cannot sell these medicines above the notified retail prices.
• Companies violating the pricing norms may face penalties under the DPCO and Essential Commodities Act.

NPPA Releases New Price Notification for 39 Medicines

The latest order has been issued under Paragraphs 5, 11, and 15 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, empowering the NPPA to regulate the retail prices of newly introduced medicines.

The notified prices represent the maximum retail price (MRP), excluding GST wherever applicable, that pharmaceutical companies are allowed to charge.

Manufacturers have been directed to:

• Sell medicines at or below the notified retail price.
• Publish revised price lists in Form-V.
• Upload pricing details through the Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System (IPDMS).
• Ensure full compliance with DPCO provisions.

Tenecteplase Becomes the Costliest Drug on the List

The highest-priced formulation in the latest notification is:

Tenecteplase is a biotechnology-derived medicine primarily used in medical emergencies to dissolve blood clots during:

• Acute heart attacks
• Certain types of stroke
• Other life-threatening thrombotic conditions

Its advanced manufacturing process and emergency use contribute to its significantly higher cost compared to routine prescription medicines.

Diabetes Medicines Dominate the Notification

A large share of the newly notified formulations is aimed at treating Type 2 diabetes and related metabolic disorders.

The list includes combinations containing:

• Glimepiride
• Metformin
• Sitagliptin
• Empagliflozin
• Dapagliflozin

Retail prices for these medicines generally range between ₹8.85 and ₹19.30 per tablet, depending on the formulation and dosage strength.

Some of the approved combinations include:

• Glimepiride + Metformin SR
• Sitagliptin + Metformin + Glimepiride
• Empagliflozin + Sitagliptin + Metformin ER
• Dapagliflozin + Telmisartan
• Aspirin + Atorvastatin

Heart, Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Medicines Included

The notification also covers several medicines prescribed for cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.

These formulations contain medicines such as:

• Telmisartan
• Amlodipine
• Nebivolol
• Bisoprolol
• Olmesartan
• Cilnidipine
• Chlorthalidone
• Spironolactone

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

The list also includes cholesterol-lowering medicines like:

• Atorvastatin + Ezetimibe
• Aspirin + Atorvastatin
• Aspirin + Atorvastatin + Clopidogrel
• Clopidogrel + Aspirin + Atorvastatin

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

Antibiotics, Eye Care and Other Medicines Also Covered

The NPPA notification extends to medicines used for infections, eye care, pain relief, and nutritional deficiencies.

Some of the notified formulations include:

Antibiotics and Infection Treatments

• Amoxicillin + Potassium Clavulanate
• Trypsin-Chymotrypsin combinations
• Chloramphenicol eye drops

Eye Care Medicines

• Nepafenac + Moxifloxacin Eye Solution
• Chlorpheniramine + Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Eye Drops
• Netarsudil + Latanoprost Ophthalmic Solution

Among these, Netarsudil + Latanoprost has been priced at ₹362.57 per ml, making it one of the most expensive formulations after Tenecteplase.

Other Formulations

The notification also covers:

• Vitamin D3 Oral Solution
• Cetirizine Hydrochloride Drops
• Clobazam Suspension
• Imatinib Oral Solution
• Polmacoxib Tablets
• Torsemide + Spironolactone Tablets

These medicines cater to both adult and paediatric patients.

Major Pharmaceutical Companies Covered

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

• Mankind Pharma
• Sun Pharma Laboratories
• Cipla
• Torrent Pharmaceuticals
• Emcure Pharmaceuticals
• Alkem Wellness
• Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals
• Windlas Biotech
• Aristo Pharmaceuticals
• Indoco Remedies
• Beta Drugs
• Synokem Pharmaceuticals
• Medley Pharmaceuticals
• German Remedies
• Pure and Cure Healthcare
• Safetab Life Science
• Ravenbhel Healthcare
• Primus Remedies
• Plea Laboratories
• Malik Lifesciences

Lowest-Priced Medicines in the Notification

Some of the most affordable medicines in the latest list include:

What Happens if Companies Violate the Price Cap?

The NPPA has made it clear that pharmaceutical companies cannot sell the notified medicines above the approved retail price.

Companies found violating the pricing rules may face:

• Recovery of the overcharged amount
• Interest on the excess amount collected
• Action under the Essential Commodities Act
• Proceedings under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013

Retailers have also been instructed to prominently display updated price lists at their premises.

Why the NPPA Order Is Important

The latest pricing notification is expected to improve affordability for millions of patients suffering from chronic illnesses that require long-term treatment.

By regulating the prices of newly introduced medicines, the NPPA aims to:

• Prevent excessive pricing of essential medicines
• Improve access to life-saving treatments
• Ensure transparent and uniform pricing across India
• Protect consumers from unreasonable drug costs
• Strengthen implementation of the DPCO framework

The move is particularly significant for patients managing diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic conditions that require continuous medication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the NPPA's latest notification about?

The NPPA has fixed the retail prices of 39 new drug formulations under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013.

Q2. Which medicine is the most expensive in the latest NPPA list?

Tenecteplase (TNK-TPA) Injection (50 mg) is the costliest medicine, priced at ₹60,238.27 per vial.

Q3. Which diseases are covered under the latest price notification?

The medicines cover diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, infections, respiratory illnesses, eye disorders, cancer, vitamin deficiencies, pain management, and clot-related emergencies.

Q4. Can pharmaceutical companies charge more than the notified price?

No. Manufacturers and marketers are prohibited from selling these medicines above the retail prices fixed by the NPPA.

Q5. What action can be taken against companies violating the price cap?

Companies may be required to refund the excess amount with interest and can face legal action under the Essential Commodities Act and DPCO provisions.