AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited has received a demand notice from the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) for alleged overcharging under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 (DPCO, 2013).
Key Details of Demand Notice
- Issuing Authority: National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)
- Date of Receipt: July 27, 2026
- Demand Amount: ₹79,97,457/- (inclusive of interest calculated up to August 10, 2026)
- Payment Deadline: Within 30 days from the date of receipt of the notice
Alleged Violations
The NPPA alleges that the company sold/marketed Betaloc-50 (Metoprolol 50 mg tablets) at an MRP higher than the ceiling price notified under DPCO, 2013. Specifically, the company allegedly failed to implement revised ceiling prices on stocks available in the market following two notifications:
- Notification S.O. 644(E) dated March 2, 2016
- Notification S.O. 1352(E) dated June 2, 2016
The alleged overcharging occurred during the period of June to July 2016.
Financial Impact
The direct financial impact is quantified as ₹79,97,457/- inclusive of interest calculated up to August 10, 2026. This amount represents the demanded recovery of the alleged overcharged amount along with applicable interest.
Company Response
The company is currently reviewing the demand notice and will take appropriate steps in accordance with applicable law.