The National drug pricing regulator (NPPA) has capped prices of 51 essential formulations, including those used for the treatment of cancer, pain, heart conditions and skin problems. The prices have been slashed in the range of 6 to 53 per cent.

Prices have been capped for colon or rectal cancer treatment drug oxaliplatin (injection 100mg), Japanese encephalitis vaccine and measles rubbela vaccine. Ceiling prices of drugs including anaesthetic sevoflurane, Phytomenadione (Vitamin K1) and tuberculosis prevention medicine BCG vaccine have been revised.

In separate notifications, the drug price regulator has notified ceiling prices of 13 formulations, while revising the same for 15 formulations. Retail prices of 23 essential formulations have also been notified.

In respect of medicines that are not under price control, manufacturers are allowed to increase the maximum retail price by 10 per cent annually.