DRAP Approves Prices for 35 Life-Saving Medicines

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan has issued an official notification determining maximum retail prices for 35 advanced life-saving pharmaceutical products, including medicines used in the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and typhoid.

According to industry stakeholders, the regulatory approval will now permit pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers to initiate commercial production and importation of the approved medicines, although their availability within the domestic market may require an estimated one to two months.

The notification further clarified that the newly approved maximum retail prices will not automatically apply to pharmaceutical products already registered under the Drugs (Licensing, Registration and Advertising) Rules, 1976, except in cases where such applicability is expressly specified.

Officials stated that pharmaceutical companies had submitted applications for registration and price determination of approximately 80 advanced medicines during the past two years, while the remaining 45 products are expected to be reviewed during a subsequent regulatory phase.

Kamran Nasir, senior vice chairman of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, stated that the notification would enable manufacturers to proceed with production activities and import arrangements following prolonged delays in regulatory price approvals.

Industry representatives further observed that delays in pricing determinations had significantly limited patient access to several high-priority therapies, compelling many individuals to depend on costly imported medicines or unregulated smuggled alternatives.

The notification is also expected to strengthen Pakistan’s pharmaceutical export sector by allowing local manufacturers to commercially market the approved medicines in international markets.

Separately, Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal recently stated that Pakistan is approaching Level 3 certification from the World Health Organization, a development expected to support expansion of pharmaceutical exports.

Additionally, Pakistani pharmaceutical companies have signed 10 memorandums of understanding with Chinese firms relating to local production of active pharmaceutical ingredients, vaccine cooperation initiatives, and technology transfer arrangements.