Health★ Must Know

NPPA Caps Retail Prices of 39 New Drug Formulations Under DPCO 2013

By TestNeeti Editorial TeamPublished Saturday, 11 July 2026 2 min readSource: India TodayArticle 3 of 11

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 ceiling retail prices for medicines treating diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, infections, eye disorders, respiratory illnesses, cancer and clot-related emergencies. The costliest medicine is the Tenecteplase (TNK-TPA) injection (50 mg), a clot-busting drug used during heart attacks and strokes, priced at Rs 60,238.27 per vial. Many formulations target diabetes, with combinations of glimepiride, metformin, sitagliptin, empagliflozin and dapagliflozin priced between Rs 8.85 and Rs 19.30 per tablet. Manufacturers must sell at or below the notified prices and comply with DPCO provisions.

Key Facts & Details

9 points

1
The NPPA notified retail prices of 39 new drug formulations under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013.
2
The notification was issued on July 8, 2026, covering diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, infections, eye disorders, respiratory illnesses and cancer medicines.
3
The Tenecteplase (TNK-TPA) injection (50 mg), a clot-busting drug for heart attacks and strokes, is the costliest at Rs 60,238.27 per vial.
4
Diabetes combinations featuring glimepiride, metformin, sitagliptin, empagliflozin and dapagliflozin are priced between Rs 8.85 and Rs 19.30 per tablet.
5
The prices are the maximum retail price (excluding GST) that manufacturers can charge, issued under paragraphs 5, 11 and 15 of the DPCO, 2013.
6
Manufacturers must issue revised price lists in Form-V and submit details through the Integrated Pharmaceutical Database Management System (IPDMS).

Deep Dive

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The NPPA functions under the Department of Pharmaceuticals within the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
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Cardiovascular combinations covered include telmisartan, amlodipine, bisoprolol and lipid-lowering mixes such as atorvastatin + ezetimibe.
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Anti-infective medicines such as amoxicillin + potassium clavulanate and chloramphenicol eye drops were also brought under price control.

Exam Focus

Which regulator capped the retail prices of 39 new drug formulations under the DPCO 2013 in July 2026, and which was the costliest drug?

Exam Relevance & Angle

Actions by regulatory bodies like the NPPA are frequently tested in health and governance GA, with examiners focusing on the regulator's name, parent ministry, the governing order (DPCO 2013) and standout figures. The 39 formulations count and the Tenecteplase at Rs 60,238.27 per vial are the most quizzable specifics here.

Target Exams

SBI POIBPS POSSC CGLRRB NTPCUPSC CSEState PCS

Background & Context

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) was established in 1997 as an independent regulator under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, to fix and revise prices of controlled bulk drugs and formulations and to monitor drug availability. It exercises its powers under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), first framed under the Essential Commodities Act and most recently revised in 2013. Price control aims to keep essential medicines affordable while allowing manufacturers a reasonable return. Drugs on the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) are subject to ceiling prices, while the NPPA can also fix prices of new formulations introduced to the market.