Deciphering E-Pharmacy Discounts For Novartis’s Ceritinib In India

Novartis’s anticancer Spexib was being offered at a hefty 69% discount to patients in India, highlighting what some experts suggest is the striking pricing structure and business practices at e-pharmacies in the country.

Novartis AG’s lung cancer treatment ceritinib has been in the spotlight in India following a hotly contested patent infringement case against local firm Natco Pharma Ltd. Now, an interesting pricing scenario playing out for the product has highlighted the discounting approach and business strategies of e-pharmacies in the country.

Launched in May 2016, Novartis’s ceritinib - sold as Spexib in India (Zykadia internationally) - was recently listed at INR2,416...