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