DoP Extends PLI Application Deadline for Meropenem and Ritonavir

The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has extended the deadline for submitting applications under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for bulk drugs, covering key ingredients used in the antibiotic meropenem and the antiretroviral drug ritonavir. Eligible companies can now apply online until January 16, 2026, instead of the earlier deadline of December 26, 2025.

The extension applies to applications invited in November under the PLI scheme aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing of critical key starting materials (KSMs), drug intermediates (DIs), and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Up to eight additional firms will be supported in this round. For meropenem, a maximum of four companies may be selected with a minimum annual capacity of 4 MT each, while ritonavir will also see up to four firms chosen with at least 5 MT annual capacity.

All other scheme conditions remain unchanged. The PLI bulk drugs scheme, launched in 2020 with an outlay of Rs 6,940 crore, seeks to reduce India’s import dependence on essential APIs.

30-12-2025