Generic glut may prompt price action on diabetes meds

The Centre may be looking at fixing the retail price for several combinations of antidiabetic medications such as empagliflozin, after a rise in generic versions of the drug led to subsequent price drops.

- SANKET KOUL

While price revision lists by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) include several diabetes drugs, combinations of empagliflozin have been prominently mentioned in the past three months.

In June 2025, the authority fixed retail prices of 25 variations of the drug marketed by different companies. This figure was 36 and 18 combinations in April and May, respectively, indicating that many generic brands have come up since the drug went off-patent in March this year.

Originally made by German drugmaker Boehringer Ingelheim, the molecule saw the entry of big Indian pharmaceutical players such as Mankind, Alkem, and Torrent within days of losing its patent protection.

While the last count was at about 100 new brands, experts believe that many more are expected to be launched.