Beijing, Jan 8 - Prices of 400 Chinese drugs used to treat respiratory illnesses, pains and fever will be reduced by an average of 15 percent starting Feb 1, the government price regulator said Tuesday.

The National Development and Reform Commission said it will cap retail prices of 20 categories of drugs, Xinhua reported.

It said prices for medications used to treat cancer, blood diseases and illnesses related to the nervous system have already been cut since 2011.

However, prices of some inexpensive drugs have been allowed to rise to ensure sufficient supplies, the commission said. (IANS)