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Karnataka DC to begin investigation into pricing violations of anti-cancer drug Rituximab 500mg
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Nandita Vijay, Bengaluru
September 14 , 2023
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Karnataka drugs controller BT Khanapure has stated that his department will immediately start investigations into the pricing violations of the anti-cancer drugs highlighted by the Bangalore District Chemists & Druggists Association and Suvarna Karnataka Chemists & Druggists Association.
The two associations led by B Thirunavukkarasu as president, made a random purchase of Rituximab 500mg injection used in the treatment of cancer.
There are several brands of this molecule Rituximab available in the market but only three were picked up by the BDCDA & SKCDA. The first is Mabtas 500 manufactured and marketed by Intas Pharmaceuticals. This drug is priced at Rs. 38,046.96 MRP. The billing rate is Rs. 7,215. The profit is Rs. 30,831.96 and the percentage of profit is 427 per cent.
The second is Maball 500 manufactured and marketed by Hetero Biopharma. The drug is priced at Rs. 35,826.50. The billing rate is Rs. 7,350. The profit is Rs. 28,476.50. The percentage of profit is 387 per cent.
The third is Nfiera 500, manufactured and marketed by Zydus Celexa. This drug is priced at Rs. 38,047.00. The billing rate is Rs. 7,120. The profit is Rs. 30,927.00 and the percentage profit is 434 per cent.
The two Associations immediately called on Karnataka drugs controller Khanapure and discussed their concerns about the exorbitant MRP & inflated margins ranging from 387 per cent to 434 per cent of the above anti-cancer drugs.
Thirunavukkarasu noted that such exorbitant pricing format is India’s biggest anti-cancer drug scam. A video presentation on YouTube was circulated on the India Pharma Channel.
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Further, Thirunavukkarasu pointed out that with the presence of the Karnataka Price Monitoring & Resources Unit Society set up under the aegis of National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority, Department of Pharmaceuticals since 2020 with the purpose to ensure quality medicines are available at affordable prices, such an incident on high pricing at the cost of cancer patients should never be happened.
Hence BDCDA & SKCDA requested Karnataka drugs controller Khanapure to immediately investigate into the exorbitant MRP, excessive margins and to send recommendations to NPPA for fixation of ceiling prices of entire anti-cancer drugs.
Besides, Thirunavukkarasu also is requesting the NPPA to bring all anti-cancer drugs under NLEM. Currently, these drugs have a GST of 12 per cent and going by the exorbitant cost of treatment, government should look at total abolition of tax for which a request has been made to the Ministry of Finance.
Khanapure said the speedy investigation is on and the needful would be done to ensure there will be no violation in pricing on drugs.
Speaking to Pharmabiz, Khanapure said, it is a fact that BDCDA & SKCDA came in for a discussion and highlighted the pricing violations. But we are yet to formally receive a written communication on their concerns of exorbitant cancer drug pricing.
However, Karnataka drugs control department has clearly indicated to BDCDA & SKCDA that after the investigation all the facts will be brought to the notice of NPPA. Also it is NPPA which fixes the prices of medicines and the state drugs control department’s responsibility is only to keep tabs on the violations and take the necessary action. Further our role is also to ensure high quality and affordable medicines are accessible to all patients, pointed out Khanapure.
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