Government launches affordable diabetes drug Sitagliptin

New Delhi: The government launched Friday diabetes drug ‘Sitagliptin’ and its combinations at rates as low as Rs 60 per pack of 10. The diabetes drug will be sold at generic pharmacy stores,’ Janaushadhi Kendras’.

The Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) has included new variants of ‘Sitagliptin’ and its combination across its Jan Aushdhi Kendras, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers said in a statement. The maximum retail price for a pack of 10 Sitagliptin phosphate tablets 50mg is Rs 60, while the same for Sitagliptin phosphate tablet 100mg is Rs 100. The ministry said that the drug can control blood sugar levels very effectively.

Combination of Sitagliptin and Metformin Hydrochloride tablets of 50mg/500mg is priced at Rs 65 for a pack of 10 and Sitagliptin Metformin hydrochloride tablets of 50mg/1000mg strength comes for Rs 70 for the same quantity.

“All these diabetes variant medicine variants are available at 60 per cent to 70 per cent lesser prices than branded variants as they are available in price band of Rs 162 to Rs 258 at other medical stores,” the statement said.

PMBI CEO Ravi Dadhich launched ‘Sitagliptin’, which is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, it added.