AstraZeneca: Delhi HC stays NPPA coercive steps on ₹151 Cr overcharge

AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd has received an order from the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi, directing the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) not to take coercive steps concerning alleged overcharging on Symbicort Turbuhaler 160/4.5. This follows a notice from NPPA for overcharging under DPCO, 2013, for the period May 2016 to November 2025. The High Court's order, dated October 29, 2026, stays any action until the next hearing on January 11, 2027. The order effectively prevents NPPA from recovering approximately ₹151,19,66,035 (₹151.20 Crore), which includes the alleged overcharged amount and interest up to October 30, 2026. The company had challenged the NPPA's demand before the High Court.