In a game-changer move, Indian drug companies, with the help of government agencies, have managed to develop medicines for four rare diseases in just a year, bringing down the cost of treatment by up to 100-fold. ‘Made in India’ drugs for Tyrosinemia Type 1, Gaucher’s Disease, Wilson’s Disease, and Dravet-Lennox Gastaut Syndrome– four rare diseases– are now available at drastically cheaper rates, as Indian pharma companies are now producing them reducing the reliance on expensive imported formulations, according to Union Health Ministry officials.
The slashing of prices comes as the Central Government has prioritised action related to 13 rare diseases along with sickle cell anemia. The much-needed initiative was taken in July 2022 after thorough discussions were held with academia, pharma industries, organisations, CDSCO, Department of Pharmaceuticals.
Now, drugs for four of these diseases -Tyrosinemia Type 1, Gaucher’s Disease, Wilson’s Disease and Dravet-Lennox Gastaut Syndrome – along with sickle cell Anemia have been approved and are being manufactured indigenously.
The cost of the imported Trientine capsules used in the treatment of Wilson’s disease comes to Rs 2.2 crore per annum but with the drug being manufactured indigenously, it will be available for Rs 2.2 lakh. T
The cost of the imported Cannabidiol (oral solution)used in the treatment of Dravet-Lennox Gastaut Syndrome comes at Rs 7-34 lakh per annum but due to indigenous manufacturing, it will be available at 1-5 lakh per annum.
The commercial supply of Hydroxyurea Syrup used in the treatment of sickle cell anemia is likely to begin by March 2024 and the tentative price would be Rs 405 per bottle. The cost of this oral suspension is 840 USD (Rs 70,000) per 100 ml from abroad.
All these drugs were not manufactured in the country till now.