ASSESSMENT OF ANTI-DIABETIC DRUG PRICES: BRAND VARIATIONS AND DPCO COMPLIANCE

India, the “diabetes capital” of the world, 74 million diabetics with a prevalence of ~8.7% among the adult population. People require lifelong treatment for diabetes. Six of the top 10 drugs sold in India are anti-diabetes brands. For most multinational drug makers the diabetes market has been highly lucrative. Objective: This study was undertaken to compare the price of anti-diabetic branded drugs with the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) price list. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study. The price of different branded anti-diabetic drugs (included in NLEM) was obtained from drug compendia and different pharmacy stores situated in five zones of Ahmedabad. A comparison was done between the price of branded drugs in compendia, Pharmacy store, and DPCO ceiling price to find out price variation and price range. Results: A total of 8 anti-diabetic drugs included in NLEM were analyzed. Total 198 brands were available in CIMS/IDR out of which 77(39%) brands were above the ceiling price. Out of the total 38 brands available in pharmacy stores, 18 (53%) brands were above the ceiling price. Percentage variation between minimum and maximum price in IDR/CIMS was 39.1%-676.5% and 3.4%-900% variation was seen at pharmacy stores. Conclusion: A wide variation in the price range of different anti-diabetic branded drugs is observed. Strict implementation of price control regulations of anti-diabetic drugs is recommended.