'CYLET-2.5: DCA Telangana seizes breast cancer drug sold at exorbitant prices

Hyderabad: Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has seized a consignment of anti-cancer drugs which was sold at an exorbitant price in the market.

'CYLET-2.5 (Letrozole Tablets IP 2.5 mg), primarily utilized in breast cancer treatment, was found to be sold at a price significantly exceeding the ceiling price set by the central government.

During the raids, officials seized batches of 'CYLET-2.5 Tablets' manufactured by Stepan Life Sciences Pvt Ltd., Haryana. The investigation revealed that the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of Rs. 199/- for a strip of 5 tablets exceeded the ceiling price mandated by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). It clearly violates the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.

The seized batch, labeled as batch No. SHT-204-2 with manufacturing and expiry dates of November 2023 and October 2025 respectively, violated MRP. Marketed by Cynak Life Sciences, the product's inflated price caught the attention of Drugs Control Administration officials.

Stringent Action to Follow:

K. Someshwar and G. Surender, Drugs Inspectors of Nalgonda and Suryapet respectively, spearheaded the raid, ensuring swift enforcement of regulations.

Director General V.B. Kamalasan Reddy emphasized that further investigation would be conducted, and appropriate legal action would be taken against all offenders involved in the price violation.

Drugs Control Administration of Telangana has urged the public to report any suspicions or complaints regarding illegal pharmaceutical activities. The toll-free number, 1800-599-6969, remains operational from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm on all working days.

Officials stated that any deviation from the mandated ceiling prices for essential medicines, as per the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, will be met with stringent enforcement measures to maintain accessibility and affordability for needy patients.