Ensure production, adequate stock of methylprednisolone, heparin, dexamethasone: NPPA directs pharma cos
New Delhi: Through a recent notification, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has directed State Drug Controllers (SDCs) to issue instructions to all the concerned manufacturers to ensure the availability and production of methylprednisolone, heparin (enoxaparin) up to July 31, 2020, and dexamethasone til August 15, 2020, for Covid-19 management.
The directive is with reference to Union health ministry's letters dated, March 18, 2020, June 24, 2020, June 27, 2020, and June 29, 2020, regarding the requirement and availability of drugs across the country as part of the clinical treatment protocol of COVID-19.
Director-General of Health Services (DGHS) has also informed the requirement for the same to NPPA as;
S.No | Drug Name | Quantity | Period (Up to) |
| 1. | Methyl Prednisolone | 138710 vials | 31.072020 |
2. | Heparin (Enoxaparin) | 3015442 vials (40mg), 1407206 vials (60mg) | 31.07.2020 |
| 3. | Dexamethasone | 33 lakh tablet (6mg) | 15.08.2020 |
The manufacturers of these drugs have been directed to ensure the production and adequate quantity (Quantity indicated above) and to take proactive steps to maintain adequate stock and ensure supply across the country.
Further, the manufacturers will also be responsible to make available adequate stocks across the country and whenever and wherever short supply is reported.
Besides, they will have to immediately intimate details regarding :
- Production/Sale of above-mentioned drugs the last 2 years(FY. 2018-19,2019-20)
- Stock lying with your Company as on date
- Production Schedule for the next six months
- Details of suppliers from whom you are sourcing API for above-mentioned drugs and problems, if any, being faced in such sourcing
- Details of procurement orders placed by state governments
- Additional details may also be provided in the format enclosed.
For instance, Methylprednisolone is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood disorders, severe allergic reactions, certain cancers, eye conditions, skin, kidney, intestinal, lung diseases and immune system disorders. It may also be used with other medications in hormone disorders.
Major Manufacturer of Mythyl Prednisolone are;
Sr. No. | Company | Market Share% |
1 | PFIZER LTD | 43.41% |
2 | SUN PHARMA LABORATORIES LTD. | 28.92% |
3 | NEON LABORATORIES LTD | 8.44% |
4 | INTAS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD | 7.67% |
5 | ZYDUS CADILA | 5.85% |
6 | Others | 5.71% |
Heparin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the formation of blood clots. It is used to treat and prevent blood clots caused by certain medical conditions or medical procedures. It is also used before surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots
Major Manufacturer of Enoxaparin Inj. includes;
Sr. No. | Company | Market Share% |
1 | BHARAT SERUMS & VACCINES LTD | 18.89% |
2 | SANOFI INDIA LTD. | 18.07% |
3 | EMCURE PHARMACEUTICALS LTD | 13.41% |
4 | CIPLA LTD. | 8.49% |
5 | ABBOTT HEALTHCARE PVT. LTD | 6.75% |
6 | Others | 34.40% |
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood/hormone/immune system disorders, allergic reactions, certain skin and eye conditions among others.
Major Manufacturer of Dexamethasone reads;
Sr. No. | Company | Market Share% |
1 | Wochardt LTD. | 15.85% |
2 | CADILA PHARMACEUTICALS LTD | 1.53% |
3 | ZYDUS CADILA | 80.20% |
For official notification, click on the following link-
https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/pdf_upload-131522.pdf
