Govt collaborates with Pharma Industry to lower prices of Rare Disease Medicines

The government collaborates with Pharma Industry to negotiate pricing agreements with prominent pharmaceutical companies such as Sanofi, Sarepta, and Roche.

The Health Master

August 18, 2023

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Last Updated on January 9, 2024 by The Health Master

Govt collaborates with Pharma Industry

In a significant move aimed at easing the burden on patients afflicted by rare diseases, the government collaborates with Pharma Industry to negotiate pricing agreements with prominent pharmaceutical companies such as Sanofi, Sarepta, and Roche.

These discussions come as a response to mounting concerns over the prohibitively high costs of drugs, which have left many patients without access to essential treatments.

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Progressive Negotiations for Affordable Medicines:

The government, cognizant of the urgency of the matter, has informed the Delhi High Court about the ongoing negotiations it is engaged in with several pharmaceutical companies.

These negotiations primarily revolve around the pricing and availability of medicines, a key consideration in ensuring that patients receive the necessary treatment without being burdened by exorbitant costs.

This development comes in the wake of a series of petitions filed by patients and caregivers of individuals suffering from rare diseases, highlighting the pressing need for accessible and reasonably priced medications.

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Empowering the National Rare Diseases’ Committee (NRDC):

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Delhi High Court established the National Rare Diseases’ Committee (NRDC), comprising five eminent members, to facilitate the effective implementation of the government’s rare diseases policy.

The core objective of this committee is to guarantee the equitable distribution of the policy’s benefits to patients grappling with rare diseases.

Engaging Key Players in the Pharma Industry:

A pivotal step in this process was the recent interaction between the NRDC and leading pharmaceutical companies on July 17.

Notable industry players like Sanofi, Sarepta, and Roche were engaged in discussions with the committee to explore collaborative solutions aimed at making rare disease therapies more accessible.

The government provided an update to the court regarding these discussions, shedding light on the proactive measures taken to address this critical issue.

Forward Momentum and Transparency:

The NRDC is set to present a comprehensive report outlining the advancements achieved in its negotiations with pharmaceutical companies at the forthcoming hearing scheduled for September 1.

This step underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability throughout this process.

Advocating for Tax Benefits:

Drawing attention to an additional dimension of the matter, activists have put forth a demand for tax exemptions for drugs that have received approval from India’s drug regulatory authority and are readily available within the country.

This request amplifies the broader objective of making these medications more affordable and accessible to patients in need.

Addressing Customs Duty and GST:

The government’s legal representatives conveyed to the court that they have taken the initiative to raise concerns about customs duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) pertaining to these critical medications.

Awaiting feedback from the finance ministry, the government remains optimistic about providing the court with a comprehensive update on the resolution of these issues during the upcoming proceedings.

In conclusion, the government’s proactive approach to engaging with pharmaceutical giants like Sanofi, Sarepta, and Roche signifies a positive stride toward making high-cost drugs for rare diseases more affordable.

Through ongoing negotiations, policy implementation, and regulatory advocacy, the aim is to ensure that no patient is denied essential treatment due to financial constraints.

The upcoming hearing on September 1 promises to shed further light on the progress made in this crucial endeavor.

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