Percentage Of Price Research Articles

Analysis of fixed dose combinations and price variations of oral antidiabetic agents in the Indian pharmaceutical market

The objective of this study was to analyse the price variations of Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) of oral antidiabetic agents in India to highlight the percentage price variations among different brands offering the same formulations of oral antidiabetic FDCs.Diabetes is a metabolic disorder requiring consistent medication for blood glucose control. The wide cost variation among antidiabetic agents affects patient access and adherence, underscoring the importance of evaluating price differences to support affordable, effective diabetes management.This analytical study was conducted from August to September 2024, reviewing prices of 118 formulations across 34 oral antidiabetic FDCs sourced from the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority’s (NPPA) ‘Pharma Sahi Daam’ a public database. FDCs produced by multiple manufacturers were included, excluding single manufacturers. Microsoft Excel 2021 was used throughout the analysis.Among two-drug combinations, the highest percentage cost variation was observed in glimepiride + metformin (2mg + 1000mg) as 15958.33% and the lowest variation was found with empagliflozin + metformin as 0%. For three-drug combinations, the highest price variation was founded in voglibose + metformin + glimepiride (0.3mg + 500mg + 1mg) as 209900% and the least price variation was found in dapagliflozin + linagliptin + metformin (10mg + 5mg + 500mg) as 0%. The highest brand availability was recorded for glimepiride + metformin with 447 brands, and the lowest for pioglitazone + vildagliptin and teneligliptin + dapagliflozin, with only 2 brands each.This study highlights significant price variations among oral antidiabetic FDCs in India, which can affect patient’s treatment adherence. These findings underscore the need for intervention by regulatory authorities to enforce stricter measures in the pharmaceutical market to manage these price variations.

The performance and costs of XTT, resazurin, MTS and luciferin as viability dyes in in vitro susceptibility testing of Madurella mycetomatis.

in vitro susceptibility testing for the non-sporulating fungus Madurella mycetomatis is performed with a hyphal suspension as starting inoculum and a viability dye for endpoint reading. Here we compared the performance of four different viability dyes for their use in in vitro susceptibility testing of M. mycetomatis. To compare the reproducibility and the agreement between the viability dyes 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfphenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide salt (XTT), resazurin, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium salt (MTS) and luciferin, the in vitro susceptibilities of 14 genetically diverse M. mycetomatis isolates were determined for itraconazole and amphotericin B. The reproducibility, agreement, price and ease of use were compared. Each of the four dyes gave highly reproducible results with >85.7% reproducibility. Percentage agreement ranged between 78.9% and 92.9%. Resazurin was the most economical to use (0.0009 €/minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC]) and could be followed in real time. Luciferin omitted the need to transfer the supernatant to a new 96-well plate, but cost 6.07 €/MIC. All four viability dyes were suitable to determine the in vitro susceptibility of M. mycetomatis against itraconazole and amphotericin B. Based on the high reproducibility, high percentage agreement, price and possibility to monitor in real time, resazurin was the most suited for routine in vitro susceptibility testing in the diagnostic laboratory in mycetoma-endemic countries. Because luminescence could be measured directly without the need to transfer the supernatant to a new 96-well plate, luciferin is suitable for drug-screening campaigns. To determine the in vitro susceptibility testing in the non-sporulating fungus Madurella mycetomatis, a viability dye is needed for endpoint reading. In this study we tested the viability dyes XTT, resazurin, MTS and luciferin for their use in in vitro susceptibility testing. It appeared that they all could be used but there were differences in time to result and costs associated with them.

A study on the price variability of branded medicines and Jan aushadi versions of selected commonly prescribed psychiatric medications in India using a cost-comparative approach and a passive evaluation of the Jan aushadhi scheme in India.

The cost of medications poses a significant financial burden on patients. It limits access and adherence to treatment. Psychiatric disease burden is rising and it needs treatment for long durations. The high cost of branded medicines and lack of access to medicines at affordable prices can limit adherence. A cost comparison study was done to investigate the price difference between branded and Jan aushadhi versions of 20 selected psychiatric drugs was done at the Department of Community Medicine of a Government medical college in Southern India. The average (mean) price of branded medicines of each drug was calculated with minimum, and maximum using online data, and comparison was done by calculating the percentage price difference between branded and Jan aushadhi medicines. The overall percentage price difference between branded and Jan aushadhi medicines was calculated. The overall percentage price difference between the mean price of branded medicine and Jan aushadhi medicine was + 252% for antipsychotics, indicating that the mean branded price was 252% (2.52 times) Jan aushadhi price. Similarly, the overall percentage price difference between the mean branded price and Jan aushadhi price among antidepressants was +277.54%, and the overall percentage price difference between mean branded price and Jan aushadhi was +227.73% for anticonvulsants. Similarly, price differences of maximum and minimum branded prices and Jan aushadhi were high. The study was able to estimate variation in the price of branded drugs and compare the price of branded medicines with Jan aushadhi by estimating price differences. The results of the study are useful in further reference regarding the subject for public, policy makers and healthcare providers. It gives valuable evidence into medication costs in India.

Transitioning to a Hydrogen Economy: Exploring the Viability of Adapting Natural Gas Pipelines for Hydrogen Transport through a Case Study on Compression vs. Looping

The growing importance of hydrogen as an energy carrier in a future decarbonised energy system has led to a surge in its production plans. However, the development of infrastructure for hydrogen delivery, particularly in the hard-to-abate sectors, remains a significant challenge. While constructing new pipelines entails substantial investment, repurposing existing pipelines offers a cost-effective approach to jump-starting hydrogen networks. Many European countries and, more recently, other regions are exploring the possibility of utilising their current pipeline infrastructure for hydrogen transport. Despite the recent efforts to enhance the understanding of pipeline compatibility and integrity for hydrogen transportation, including issues such as embrittlement, blend ratios, safety concerns, compressor optimisation, and corrosion in distribution networks, there has been limited or no focus on pipeline expansion options to address the low-energy density of hydrogen blends and associated costs. This study, therefore, aims to explore expansion options for existing natural gas high-pressure pipelines through additional compression or looping. It seeks to analyse the corresponding cost implications to achieve an affordable and sustainable hydrogen economy by investigating the utilisation of existing natural gas pipeline infrastructure for hydrogen transportation as a cost-saving measure. It explores two expansion strategies, namely pipeline looping (also known as pipeline reinforcement) and compression, for repurposing a segment of a 342 km × 36 inch existing pipeline, from the Escravos–Lagos gas pipeline system (ELPS) in Nigeria, for hydrogen transport. Employing the Promax® process simulator tool, the study assesses compliance with the API RP 14E and ASME B31.12 standards for hydrogen and hydrogen–methane blends. Both expansion strategies demonstrate acceptable velocity and pressure drop characteristics for hydrogen blends of up to 40%. Additionally, the increase in hydrogen content leads to heightened compression power requirements until approximately 80% hydrogen in the blends for compression and a corresponding extension in looping length until around 80% hydrogen in the blend for looping. Moreover, the compression option is more economically viable for all investigated proportions of hydrogen blends for the PS1–PS5 segment of the Escravos–Lagos gas pipeline case study. The percentage price differentials between the two expansion strategies reach as high as 495% for a 20% hydrogen proportion in the blend. This study offers valuable insights into the technical and economic implications of repurposing existing natural gas infrastructure for hydrogen transportation.

PHARMACOECONOMIC STUDY OF VARIOUS BRANDS OF ANTI-EPILEPTIC DRUGS AVAILABLE CURRENTLY IN INDIA

Objectives: (a) Compiling a comprehensive list of the available dosage forms and strengths of various antiepileptic drugs marketed in India. (b) Calculating the percentage cost variation of individual drug formulations produced by different pharmaceutical companies. (c) Evaluating the percentage cost variation of these drugs. Methods: The cost of an exact drug (cost per 10 tablets) in the same strength and amount of forms being manufactured by different companies were got from the latest editions of “Current Index of Medical Specialties” and “Indian Drug Review.” The percentage price difference and cost ratio for each formulation were intended. Result: Among single drugs, the highest price variation was found in the drug pregabalin available in the form of capsules (75 mg and 150 mg), and a cost ratio of 6.64 and 5.87 was calculated which was significant. Among combination drugs, tablet Na valproate+valproic acid with the cost ratio of 1.91 was found to be the highest. Conclusion: Our study shows that there is very high price variation in some of the brands of anti-epileptic drugs. Generic prescribing should be promoted in the whole country by creating awareness and implementing proper regulatory guidelines.

Pharmacoecomonic study of oral antidiabetic drugs available in Indian pharmaceutical market

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder requiring lifelong medication which further adds to comorbidity. Cost of the drug pays an important role in adherence and compliance to the treatment. There is a wide variation in prices of oral hypoglycemic drugs available in Indian pharmaceutical market. Aims and objectives of the study was planned to evaluate cost of oral antidiabetic drugs of various brands currently available in Indian market either as single drug or in combination. Methods: Cost of antidiabetic medications manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies in the same strength and dosage form was obtained from the price list provided by various pharmaceutical companies in current index of medical specialties December 2022-March2023. The cost ratio and percentage price variation for each formulation was calculated and analyzed. Results: Among single antidiabetic drugs, Tab. Metformin 500 mg shows highest percentage price variation (809%) and highest cost ratio (9.09). Among fixed dose combinations, Tab. Glibenclamide 5 mg + Tab. Metformin 500 mg shows highest percentage price variation 300.8% and highest cost ratio 4. Conclusions: Our study shows that there is high price variation for oral anti diabetics. It is important to bring awareness about wide variation in prices so that drug cost can be reduced and made affordable to common man which plays major role in compliance of patient.

The rising cost of rhinologic medications

BackgroundThe high prescription drug cost in the United States may negatively affect patient prognosis and treatment compliance. ObjectiveTo fill the knowledge gap and inform clinicians regarding rhinology medications price changes by evaluating trends in price changes of highly used nasal sprays and allergy medications. MethodsThe 2014-2020 Medicaid National Average Drug Acquisition Cost database was queried for drug pricing information for the following classes of medications: intranasal corticosteroids, oral antihistamines, antileukotrienes, intranasal antihistamines, and intranasal anticholinergics. Individual medications were identified by Food and Drug Administration-assigned National Drug Codes. Per unit, drug prices were analyzed for average annual prices, average annual percentage price changes, and inflation-adjusted annual and composite percentage price changes. ResultsBeclometasone (Beconase AQ, 56.7%, QNASL, 77.5%), flunisolide (Nasalide, −14.6%), budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua, −1.2%), fluticasone (Flonase, −6.8%, Xhance, 11.7%), mometasone (Nasonex, 38.2%), ciclesonide (Omnaris, 73.8%), combination azelastine and fluticasone (Dymista, 27.3%), loratadine (Claritin, −20.5%), montelukast (Singulair, 14.5%), azelastine (Astepro, 21.9%), olopatadine (Patanase, 27.3%), and ipratropium bromide (Atrovent, 56.6%) had an overall change in inflation-adjusted per unit cost between 2014 and 2020 (% change). Of 14 drugs evaluated, 10 had an increase in inflation-adjusted prices, for an average increase of 42.06% ± 22.27%; 4 of 14 drugs had a decrease in inflation-adjusted prices, for an average decrease of 10.78% ± 7.36%. ConclusionThe rising cost of highly used medications contributes to increased patient acquisition costs and may pose barriers of drug adherence to particularly vulnerable populations.

The effect of product quantity on willingness to pay: A meta‐regression analysis of beef valuation studies

AbstractStated preference methods in food economics typically focus on willingness to pay for high food quality of a fixed product quantity, ignoring the role of product quantity on welfare estimates. This study demonstrates that product quantity matters in beef valuation studies both theoretically and empirically. We find that when product quantity can be chosen freely by individuals, the price premium for improved quality per beef product decreases with beef product quantity. A meta‐regression analysis conducted on beef valuation studies shows the extent of the impact of product quantity. When beef product quantity increases by 100 g, the percentage price premium declines by 2−4 percentage points, which differs across model specifications and samples. The implications for willingness to pay estimates and the design of stated preference methods are discussed in line with the results. [EconLit Citations: D10, D60, Q18].

Cost analysis of oral hypoglycemic agents available in Indian pharmaceutical market

Background: Diabetes mellitus is “A metabolic disorder requiring lifelong medication which further adds to. Cost of the drug pays an important role in adherence and compliance to the treatment. There is a wide variation in prices of oral hypoglycemic drugs available in Indian pharmaceutical market. Aims and Objectives: The study was planned to evaluate cost of oral antidiabetic drugs of various brands currently available in Indian market either as single drug or in combination. Materials and Methods: Cost of antidiabetic medications manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies in the same strength and dosage form was obtained from the price list provided by various pharmaceutical companies in current index of medical specialties April–July 2022. The cost ratio and percentage price variation for each formulation was calculated and analyzed. Results: The highest percentage price variation is seen with Tab. Metformin 809% and lowest with Tab. Glibenclamide 5 mg 46.8% while the highest cost ratio is seen with Tab. Metformin 9.09 and and lowest cost ratio Tab. Glibenclamide 5 mg 1.46. Other oral anti diabetic drugs with percentage price variation and cost ratio are Tab. Gliclazide 30 mg–346.7% and 4.46, Tab. Pioglitazone 15 mg 299% and 3.99, Tab. Voglibose 0.2 mg 352% and 4.52. Conclusion: Our study shows that there is high price variation for oral anti diabetics. It is important to bring awareness about wide variation in prices so that drug cost can be reduced and made affordable to common man which plays major role in compliance of patient.

Payer-Negotiated Prices in the Diagnosis and Management of Prostate Cancer in 2022

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among American men. Patients face significant financial costs associated with the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of prostate cancer. Recent federal price transparency rules have attempted to allow patients to comparison shop. The purpose of this study was to evaluate efficacy of such policies for prostate cancer-associated services. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> A cross-sectional analysis of negotiated Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) rates was performed in hospitals across North Carolina. Inclusion criteria were limited to hospitals with greater than 35 beds that provided prostate cancer treatment services (imaging, radiation, and labs). Price transparency was measured by the percentage of hospitals publicizing negotiated rates for each service. Hospital sizes were estimated by bed count and grouped into quartiles. ANOVA testing was used to assess associations between hospital size and BCBS prices for each service. Chi-square analysis was used to compare percentage price transparency between small and large hospitals. <h3>Results</h3> Ninety hospitals were included in this study, with 86.7% of all services displaying negotiated prices. Smaller hospitals (bed size ≤ 150) were less likely to list negotiated prices for all services (81.4% vs. 91.4%, p=0.002). Of the 46 hospitals with gross IMRT charges listed, only 65% included a BCBS negotiated price, which was lower than that for other prostate-cancer related services. There was no apparent association between service price variation and hospital size (Table 1). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Although federal price transparency policies have mandated hospitals to provide accurate price information to patients, such platforms remain difficult to navigate, and smaller hospitals are less likely to comply with these rules. Interestingly, despite the perceived increased negotiating power of larger hospitals, we did not find that larger hospitals command lower BCBS negotiated rates in our study, though these findings are limited due to paucity of negotiated prices listed in smaller hospitals' chargemasters. Additional initiatives are necessary to provide patients with prices in a consistent format to allow true comparison shopping for prostate cancer care services.

A Cost-Variation Analysis of Drugs Available in the Indian Market for the Management of Diabetic Nephropathy.

Background Diabetic nephropathy is associated with polypharmacy and increased out-of-pocket expenditure for the patients. Multiple brands of each prescribed drug are available in the market. Hence, there is a need to evaluate the cost variation of the available brands of prescribed drugs. Methodology All drugs prescribed to the 282 patients with diabetic nephropathy from our previous cross-sectional observational drug utilization study were included. Data regarding the cost of various brands of the prescribed drugs were obtained from Current Index of Medical Specialities (CIMS) android application version 3.1.2 and Indian online pharmacies. The percentage price variation and cost ratio for these drugs were determined. A correlation analysis was conducted between the number of brands and percentage price variation. Results A high percentage price variation (>1,000%) and cost ratio (>10)was observed for 19 out of 39 drugs that were evaluated. The highest price variations were seen with amlodipine (16,799%), metformin (11,240%), and glimepiride (10,525%). The highest cost ratios were seen with amlodipine (168), metformin (113.40%), and glimepiride (106.25%). There was a negligible correlation between the number of brands and percentage price variation. Conclusions The above findings indicate that drug price variations need to be monitored more strictly. The present study may aid physicians in understanding the degree of price variation among medications used for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, thereby necessitating the selection of a P-drug to increase the affordability of drugs for patients.

Dynamics of hierarchical clustering in stocks market during financial crises

We examine the behaviors of stocks in the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) during financial crises from 2008 to 2020 by using a variety of indicators such as average entropy, average correlation, and average Fisher information distance. All of these indicators increased dramatically during a financial crisis, which agreed with the Ulcer index indicating the root mean square of the percentage price drawdown. We investigate the dynamics of the hierarchical tree structure of 37 stocks in SET, using the correlation and the Fisher information distance between stocks in different time windows. The Fisher information distance is more robust, can provide earlier information, and yields a much-slower decay of signal-to-noise ratio as the averaging window size increases. As the hierarchical clustering evolves during a period of a financial crisis, its structure has lower tendency than usual to change the clusters, as evidenced by the low variation of information and anticorrelation of stocks. The dynamic hierarchical using the Fisher information distance gives less-variant clustering and can shed some insight on stock behaviors during a financial crisis.

ConvLSTM Coupled Economics Indicators Quantitative Trading Decision Model

Time series prediction methods based on deep learning have been widely used in quantitative trading. However, the price of virtual currency represented by Bitcoin has random fluctuation characteristics, which is extremely misleading for time series prediction. In this paper, a virtual currency quantitative trading model is established, which uses a convolution long short term memory (ConvLSTM) deep learning method to predict the transaction price, and uses the evaluation model composed of Chandler momentum oscillator (CMO), percentage price oscillator (PPO), stop and reverse(SAR) and other economic indicators to make further decisions. The model quantitatively classifies the random wandering characteristics by fusing economic indicators and extracts the symmetric economic laws among them, making full use of deep learning methods to extract spatial and temporal features within the data. The 2016–2021 Bitcoin value dataset published on Kaggle was used for simulated investment. The results show that compared with other existing decision models, it shows better performance and robustness, and shows good stability in dealing with the interdependence of long-term and short-term data. Our work provides a new idea for short-term prediction of long time series data affected by multiple complex factors: coupling deep learning methods with prior knowledge to complete prediction and decision making.

A study of various existing interventions for the treatment of hypertension in the Indian market under the Jan Aushadhi Scheme: A price control aspect for consideration by Journal of Health Policy &amp; Outcomes Research

Aim: Analysis of the percentage price differences among the widely prescribed antihypertensive drugs available on the Indian retail market and under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) or the Jan Aushadhi scheme. Materials and Methods: The prices of frequently prescribed various antihypertensive brands were collected and organized by using latest Monthly Index of Medical Specialties. The price of 1 dosage form in INR of each brand was extracted. Based on the price of various brands, average price of each drug was calculated and compared with the price of PMBJP drugs. Additionally, literature review was performed to place the results in perspective. Results: The prices of prescribed antihypertensive medicines were analyzed and compared with PMBJP drugs. In monotherapy, Metoprolol 25 mg showed a maximum price difference of 89.08%; in combination therapy, Ramipril 5 mg plus Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg indicates maximum price difference of 90.76%. In addition, Telmisartan 40 mg demonstrate 88.59%, Ramipril 5 mg plus Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg demonstrate 90.76%, Ramipril 5 mg plus Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg and Amlodipine 5 mg indicates 90.38% price variation in one treatment course based on the grading of hypertension. Further, on literature review 11 relevant articles were found which were consistent with the results of this study. Conclusion: The results of our study show huge differences between the prices of PMBJP drugs and branded drugs available in India. It suggests that moving towards PMBJP drugs may lessen the financial strain on the patients and their caregivers. The prescriber should make an informed decision and choose the cheaper antihypertensive drugs to lessen the financial burden on the patient leading to maximum patient adherence.

PHARMACOECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF VARIOUS BRANDS OF COMMONLY PRESCRIBED ORAL ANTIHYPERTENSIVE MEDICINES IN INDIAN MARKET

Objectives: The objective of the study was to analyze the percentage cost variations among various brands of the commonly prescribed antihypertensive medicines in India. Methods: Cost of a particular medicine (cost per 10 tablets) in the same strength and dosage forms being produced by various pharmaceutical companies was taken from Current Index of Medical specialties and Drug Today. Difference between the highest and lowest cost of the same drug manufactured by various pharmaceutical industries was obtained and percentage cost variation was calculated. Results: The percentage variation in the price was above 100% with almost all of the commonly prescribed antihypertensive medicines. The cost of a total of 23 drugs (14 single and nine combination preparations), available in forty nine different formulations were studied. Overall, Amlodipine (5 mg) shows highest price difference of 982.3%, while Nifedipine (5 mg) shows lowest price difference of 39%. Telmisartan + Hydrochlorthiazide (80+12.5 mg) combinations shows highest price variation of 318.9%, while Amlodipine + Losartan (5+50 mg) shows lowest price difference of 50%. Conclusion: The average percentage price difference of the same antihypertensive medicine manufactured by various pharmaceuticals company in India is very huge. Hence, Government, Pharmaceutical companies, prescribing health care workers should educate themselves about huge variation in price of brand drugs in comparison with their cheap generic counterpart to provide maximum benefits with minimum financial burden to the patients receiving antihypertensive drugs.

Price Variation of Injectable Antibiotics Commonly used in Bharatpur, Chitwan

Introduction: High dispersion in price of injectable antibiotics makes choice of drugs difficult for the patients and increase economic burden. Thus, objective of this study is to find outrange of price variation of injectable antibiotics commonly used in Bharatpur, Chitwan. Methods: Descriptive observational study of 30 commonly used injectable antibiotics available in medical stores of Bharatpur, Chitwan was done. Range in price variation of the study items of different pharmaceutical companies was calculated in terms of price percentage difference and price ratio by selecting the highest and lowest price. The effect of rise in number of companies for the same drugs over the prices was also studied subjectively based upon graph. Results: We found that the price percentage difference was greatest (204.82%) for Ceftriaxone 500 mg. The maximum retail price (MRP) of the most expensive brand for Ceftriaxone 500 mg was almost three-fold higher than the MRP of the least expensive brand. The growing number of companies also increased dispersion in the price of drugs. Conclusions: There is wide range of price variation of injectable antibiotic commonly used in the Bharatpur, Chitwan. Increasing number of companies in the market has further widened the range. Policy to regulate the price of injectable antibiotic is needed.

College football attendance in the long run: The Football Championship Subdivision

A balanced panel (61 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) football teams over 38 years) is used to estimate four regression models using time series and panel methods and identify variables that drive per‐game season attendance. Variables are either stationary or co‐integrated. Most coefficients are consistent across models: season win percentage, lifetime win percentage, undergraduate enrollment, and real gas price per mile driven were positive while real state per capita income exerted a negative impact. Unexpectedly, FCS games are inferior goods and greater travel costs raise attendance. Other coefficients displayed inconsistent results: playoff appearances in the last 10 years, county population, and state unemployment rate.

Cost variation analysis of oral anti-diabetic agents available in Indian market

Background: The objective of this study was to analyze cost variations of oral antidiabetic drugs available in Indian market.Methods: An observational study was carried out using CIMS (current index of medical specialities), (July 2020 to October 2020) and 1 mg.com, where difference in the maximum and minimum price of a particular drug, manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies, in the same strength, number and dosage form was compared and the percentage variation in price was calculated. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis.Results: The minimum and maximum percentage price variation for different classes of drugs respectively is as follows- in single drug therapy, the price variation between a sulfonylurea group of drugs glibenclamide (5 mg) shows maximum price variation of 400%, while glipizide (2.5 mg) shows variation of 81.8%. In biguanides, thizolidinediones and DPP4 inhibitor groups of drugs, metformin (500 mg), pioglitazone (30 mg) and vildagliptin show maximum price variation of 334.78%, 307 % and 264.6% respectively. In α- glucosidases inhibitor group of drugs voglibose (0.2 mg) shows maximum price variation of 284%. In meglitinides group of drugs, nateglinide (60 mg) shows maximum price variation of 284.6 %. In combination drug therapy, glimepiride and metformin combination (2+500 mg SR) shows the maximum variation up to 352.8%.Conclusions: The percentage cost variation of different brands of the same drug manufactured in India is very wide and the reason behind marketing a drug should be directed towards maximizing the benefit of therapy and minimizing negative personal and economic consequences.

Price variation analysis of various brands of cephalosporins available in Indian market

Background: Cephalosporins are one of the widely used groups of antibiotics worldwide. The price variation among different brands of same compound is one of the important factors influencing the compliance to treatment. Aim and Objectives: The present study was done with the aim to analyze the price variability pattern among the various brands of cephalosporins available in Indian Market by calculating the percentage price variation. Materials and Methods: Current Index of Medical Specialties July–October 2020 was used to review the prices of different brands of oral and parenteral preparations of cephalosporins with same strength available in Indian market. Cost ratio and percentage price variation among different brands were calculated. Results: In this study, noticeable price variation was found between different brands of cephalosporins. The numbers of brands for same strength formulations marketed by different companies were found to be ranging from 2 to 90 in this study. Among oral cephalosporins maximum percentage price difference was found for cefuroxime 500 mg −1396.53%, whereas the lowest percentage price difference was found to be for cefaclor 500 mg −17.69%. The maximum percentage price difference among the parenteral cephalosporins was found to be for cefuroxime 750 mg −1784.21% and the lowest percentage price difference was found to be for ceftazidime 250 mg + tazobactam 31.25 mg −0.92%. Conclusion: There exists a wide percentage price difference among the brands of cephalosporins marketed by different companies. Clinicians must consider socioeconomic background of their patients, while prescribing to reduce non-compliance and provide economical regimen for their patients.

A big divide in prices of lactobacillus preparations in India

There exists a wide range of variation in the prices of drugs marketed in India and other parts of the world. In the Indian market, various probiotic drugs of different brands, different combinations and different dosage forms are available. To evaluate the cost of Lactobacillus combinations of different brands of one dosage form and difference in cost of different brands of the same dosage form by calculating the percentage variation of cost. The retail cost of different Lactobacillus combinations being manufactured by different companies, in the same dosage form was compared. The difference in the maximum and minimum price of the same dosage form manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies was calculated and the percentage variation in price of same dosage form was calculated. Among Lactobacillus combinations of different dosage forms, the percentage variation in price of powder form, tablet form, capsule form and liquid dosage form were 380.7%, 578.5%, 3446.6% and 338.3% respectively. The average percentage price variation of different brands of Lactobacillus combinations of the same dosage form manufactured in India was very wide. The appraisal and management of selling drugs should be directed towards maximizing the advantages of therapy and minimizing negative personal and economic outcomes.