AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd has announced that it received a Show Cause Notice from the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), Department of Pharmaceuticals, on September 11, 2025, regarding alleged overpricing of its Symbicort Turbuhaler inhalation powder.
According to the disclosure filed with the stock exchanges, the NPPA has alleged that the company marketed or manufactured certain batches of Symbicort Turbuhaler (60 doses each) at prices exceeding the notified ceiling between April 2016 and July 2025. The regulator has given AstraZeneca 30 days to respond to the allegations.
Financial implications
The NPPA has raised a claim of ₹60.49 crore plus interest against AstraZeneca Pharma. However, the company has disputed the claim and stated that the overall financial implication cannot be determined at this stage.
Next steps
The matter has not yet been filed in any court or tribunal. AstraZeneca Pharma India confirmed that it is reviewing the notice and will submit its response within the stipulated time frame.
This regulatory development comes at a time when the pharmaceutical industry continues to face heightened scrutiny over compliance with drug pricing regulations in India.
