The trend is pertinent in case of drugs not under the Drug Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO) and introduced after 1993, whose prices have dropped by over 50-70 per cent from their introductory level.
The development assumes significance as domestic pharmaceutical companies till date have prospered piggy-backing on new drug launches.
Now, with prices of new products (which have essentially been the growth drivers) dipping and with the product patent regime just round the corner, domestic pharmaceutical companies have to re-design their growth model.
Pharmaceutical industry organisations are also positioning the trend as a strong case against price control.
