NPPA Panel Defers Decision on Separate Price Cap for Cementless Knee Implants

New Delhi: The Multidisciplinary Committee (MDC) has decided to undertake further deliberations on requests from knee implant manufacturers and importers seeking the creation of a separate price category for cementless knee implants. The Committee has directed that subject experts and applicant companies be invited for detailed discussions in the next meeting.

The matter was taken up during the 75th meeting of the Multidisciplinary Committee of Experts held on 11 February 2026, where manufacturers and importers reiterated their demand to distinguish cementless knee implants from existing price-controlled categories.

The Committee noted that the matter had earlier been deliberated in the 68th MDC meeting (03 June 2025) and the 69th MDC meeting (03 July 2025). During those meetings, the Committee had sought the following information and documents from applicant companies:

i. Studies/Surveys/Published literature in support of their claims.

ii. DCGI approval copy (import and manufacturing licenses).

iii. MRP of both cemented and cementless knee implants as sold in other countries.

iv. Data of landed cost, Price to Dealer (PTD)/ Price to Hospital (PTH), Price to Retailer (PTR) and MRP of cemented and uncemented hip implant from the applicant companies as well as other companies.

Earlier, the Medical Dialogues Team had reported that NPPA had previously fixed ceiling prices for knee implants through a notification issued under Para 19 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013 vide S.O. 2668(E), dated 16th August 2017.

Citing Clause 9(b) of the notification, the Committee reiterated that all manufacturers must comply with the notified ceiling prices irrespective of implant type. However, manufacturers of uncemented implants may approach NPPA with supporting documents for the fixation of a separate ceiling price or retail price.

In line with this provision, companies sought a distinct price category specifically for cementless knee implants.

The Committee also recalled its 48th meeting decision dated 14 August 2017, which clarified that innovative or superior products not falling under prescribed categories may explore pricing provisions under Para 11(3) & (4) of DPCO, 2013.

During the June 2025 deliberations, the MDC decided to co-opt subject experts from leading medical institutions to examine the matter in detail in line with the cementless knee implants. Experts were proposed to be drawn from institutions such as AIIMS, MAMC, Sports Injury Centre (Safdarjung), prominent charitable hospitals, and NIPER.

At its most recent deliberation, the Committee noted that information/documents have been submitted by applicant companies (except data relating to hip implant by M/s. Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd.).

Further, the Committee was informed that M/s. Meril Life Science Pvt. Ltd. vide email dated 14.01.2026 requested withdrawal for the 3D-Printed Uncemented knee implant by stating that its product has already been launched in the market, within the ceiling price prescribed by NPPA.

Following discussions, the Committee deliberated upon the matter and directed the invitation of subject experts and companies in the next MDC meeting for further deliberations.