* Cancellation of registrations sent to 10 companies: NMRA * 10 drugs noted by NMRA not under price controls: Pharma Chamber By Maheesha Mudugamuwa The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has issued cancellation of registrations notices of 10 pharmaceuticals last week for increasing prices of several drugs without the prior approval of the authority, NMRA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kamal Jayasinghe told The Morning. He said it was compulsory to obtain prior approval from the authority to increase drug prices according to the National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015. As explained by Dr. Jayasinghe, companies had increased prices of medicines during the past few months, violating the conditions of registration issued by the authority and causing much hardships to patients, especially in the backdrop of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the importers who have been issued notices of licence cancellations for 10 medications and supplements by the NMRA are Hemas Pharmaceuticals (Pvt.) Ltd., A. Baur and Co. (Pvt.) Ltd., Euro Asian Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd., Pettah Pharmacy (Pvt.) Ltd., and Robert Hall and Co. (Pvt.) Ltd. The 10 medications and supplements embroiled in the pricing controversy include an anti-histamine (Zeos 10 mg), a high blood pressure drug (Herbesser SR 100 mg), anti-convulsants (Rivotril 0.5 mg and Levitoz 5 mg), a dementia medication (Dozil 5 mg and 10 mg), an anti-fungal cream (Daktacort cream), a drug against worm infestations (Vermox 100 mg and 500 mg), an antiseptic (Betadine cream), a vitamin C supplement (XonCe), and a calcium supplement (Calcivita). Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) has denied the allegation levelled by the NMRA, claiming that the 10 drugs referred to in the notice do not fall within the category of price-controlled essential drugs. There are now 74 such price-controlled essential drugs. As it was reported, the SLCPI in a statement has stated that they have not violated any price regulations as mentioned by the NMRA and the industry was compelled to marginally adjust prices of the drugs mentioned, which do not fall within the category of price-controlled drugs. “...While the increase in the maximum retail price (MRP) of certain medicines was inevitable with the challenging situation of the rupee vs. dollar depreciation, SLCPI’s utmost endeavour is to ensure a regular supply of drugs, which is needed in full supply more than ever and in great demand in combating the Covid-19 situation,” the statement read. “While all pharma importers have implemented an annual increase in the prices of non-controlled medicines, adjusted to the devaluation of the rupee, what is most disturbing is that the NMRA has selectively issued cancellation notices to just five importers, which displays a dangerous discriminatory trend,” the statement added, raising more concerns.