Drug Pricing

White House economists estimate that President Donald Trump's deals with pharmaceutical companies to drop some of their US prescription drug prices to what they charge in other countries could save USD 529 billion over the next 10 years. The analysis obtained by The Associated Press includes the first economy-wide projections behind a policy at the core of Trump's pitch to voters going into November's midterm elections for control of the House and Senate. Democratic lawmakers have been doubtful about the savings claimed by Trump and these new numbers are likely to trigger additional questions about the data. Cost-of-living issues are at the forefront of voters' concerns and higher energy prices tied to the Iran war have deepened the public's anxiety. Trump has tried in part to address affordability concerns by focusing on his efforts to cut deals with companies so that the cost of prescription drugs in the US would no longer be dramatically higher than in other affluent nations. "

Eli Lilly CEO Dave Ricks slammed the UK's strict drug pricing rules, warning that the country risks losing new medicines and investment unless changes are made to its rebate scheme

The formulations in the new revised rate list include essential drugs such as painkillers, antivirals, antibiotics, antimalarials, and drugs for type 2 diabetes

The company reported a consolidated profit of Rs 35,600 crore ($42.9 million) for the first quarter ended June 30, compared to Rs 702 crore a year ago

The Centre has been mulling on rationalizing drug trade margins for a while now for widely used medicines in an effort to bring down prices

Competitive pricing among firms keeps rates at Rs 1,400-2,490 for full treatment

Despite the muted result and near term worries, the multinational drug major, India's second largest by market share is expected to post strong growth led by power brands and new launches

Price caps on drugs should be weighed carefully

Pharma companies feat the move might hit their pricing strategies and put local firms in a disadvantageous position

For around 140 medicines in the list of essential medicines, the NPPA does not have market data

Earlier govt added 106 and removed 70 medicines from earlier one of 2011 expanding the list to 376 from 348