How Novartis Is Redefining Drug Pricing in India with Inclisiran

In a country where affordability often determines access to life-saving drugs, Novartis has taken a bold step forward. The global pharma giant recently slashed the cost barrier for inclisiran, a next-generation LDL-C lowering therapy, launched in India under the brand name Sybrava.

Priced initially at Rs.1.2 lakh per dose, the drug was inaccessible to most Indian patients. Through a zero-interest EMI model and strategic alliances with local pharma companies, Novartis is now creating a blueprint for equitable drug access in chronic care.

What is Inclisiran (Sybrava)?

Inclisiran is an innovative injectable cholesterol-lowering therapy that targets low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), commonly known as bad cholesterol. Here are some of it’s key features:

• Dosing Advantage: Unlike statins that require daily intake, inclisiran is administered just twice a year (after an initial loading phase).
• For High-Risk Patients: Ideal for those who are statin-intolerant or unresponsive to traditional lipid-lowering medications.
• High Efficacy: Demonstrates sustained reduction in LDL-C, helping prevent cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes.

This makes it a game-changer in cardiovascular disease management, especially in India, where heart disease is a leading cause of mortality.

Why Most Indians Couldn’t Access Inclisiran?

At launch in January 2024, Sybrava was priced at Rs.1.2 lakh per dose—making it prohibitively expensive for most Indian patients. In comparison, the U.S. version (Leqvio) is priced at approximately ?2.9 lakh per dose.

Key Barriers:

• Upfront Cost: A one-time payment of over Rs.1 lakh for chronic therapy is unrealistic for many.
• Long-Term Treatment: Chronic medications must be affordable and sustainable to ensure adherence.
• Low Insurance Penetration: Most Indian patients pay out-of-pocket, worsening access.

Novartis' Zero-Interest EMI Model

To tackle affordability head-on, Novartis partnered with fintech platform Pine Labs to roll out a zero-interest Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) option.

How the EMI Model Works:

This financially inclusive pricing strategy is tailored to fit the income patterns of India’s middle and lower-income households.

Partnerships with Indian Pharma Companies

To expand distribution and lower logistical hurdles, Novartis joined hands with:

• Mankind Pharma
• JB Pharma
• Lupin

Why It Matters:

• Leverages existing domestic distribution networks
• Builds regional trust and awareness
• Enhances availability in urban and semi-urban centers

This is a smart hybrid model of global innovation backed by local execution.

How Sybrava Is Changing Chronic Care in India?

Novartis isn’t just reducing prices—it’s redesigning access.

Impacts on the Indian Healthcare Ecosystem:

• Increased patient adherence to long-term therapies
• Improved cardiovascular outcomes
• Raised bar for industry-wide drug pricing strategies

This move represents a shift from profit-centric to patient-centric models in chronic care, especially critical for diseases like high cholesterol and heart disease.

Lessons for Pharma in Emerging Markets

Novartis’ pricing experiment offers a scalable framework that other pharmaceutical companies can learn from.

Key Takeaways for the Industry

• Flexible Payment Options will likely become mainstream in emerging markets
• Fintech + Pharma collaborations can bridge access gaps
• Local Partnerships are key to last-mile delivery
• Encourages value-based pricing models in chronic care

Conclusion

Novartis has done more than launch a breakthrough drug, it’s redefined drug pricing in India. By combining a zero-interest EMI model with local partnerships, it has made Sybrava a realistic option for patients who previously couldn’t afford it.

If this model succeeds, it could become a template for pharma access strategy across developing nations, proving that innovation and affordability can coexist, and save lives.

Let’s apply Data-Driven Pricing to Your APIs

Sick and tired of always wondering if you are being asked to pay the right price for your APIs? This empowers you with the answers you need to make the right decisions in the Global API market.

Chemxpert Database is one of the biggest and most comprehensive directories of pharma and chemicals, manufacturers, suppliers and information. Provided with current information on prices, demand and transactions, it gives you instant feedback on whether you are buying what is right and at the right time.

Start using market intelligence today and allow yourself to be in control in the API market.

Check it out today and make more informed sourcing decisions! Learn More!