22 drugs in the market without approval, govt sends notices to pharma companies

New Delhi: The government has issued notices to the pharma companies which introduced 22 drugs in the market without prior approval of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister for the Chemicals & Fertilizers, Mr D V Sadananda Gowda in the Parliament.

The companies that have been issued notices include the pharma majors such as Biocon, Cipla, Dr Reddy’s and Lupin.

“The NPPA regularly takes action against such companies as per provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 (DPCO) which has been issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.  The NPPA has so far issued demand notices for an amount of Rs 101 crore against defaulting companies. Out of this, an amount of Rs. 5.56 crore has been recovered and demand notices amounting to Rs. 89.31 crore are under litigation,” explained Mr Gowda.

Cases of new drugs are identified from the market-based data being referred to by the NPPA. In addition, new drug cases are also identified through complaint or information received from other sources, said the Minister.