Anti-cancer medicine prices to fall from November 9; 1031 formulations see reductions
Revised prices cover 1,225 formulations across 121 drugs, with 600 brands reporting reductions exceeding 50%. NPPA estimates annual consumer savings of ₹3,502 crore.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, said 76 pharmaceutical companies have reported revised maximum retail prices (MRPs) for 1,225 formulations covering 121 drugs.
NEW DELHI: Prices of more than 1,000 anti-cancer medicine formulations are set to decline from November 9, following the government’s decision to cap trade margins on 137 anti-cancer drugs. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) estimates that the revised prices will generate annual savings of approximately ₹3,502.31 crore for consumers.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, said 76 pharmaceutical companies have reported revised maximum retail prices (MRPs) for 1,225 formulations covering 121 drugs.
Price reductions have been reported in 1,031 formulations, with 600 brands recording reductions exceeding 50%. The highest reported reduction is 96.45%.
The trade margin rationalisation measure follows recommendations by an expert committee constituted by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on October 17, 2026.
Major reductions across cancer medicines
The revised prices cover medicines used in the treatment of several cancers, including lung, breast, prostate, colon, ovarian and cervical cancers, as well as drugs used to prevent complications associated with cancer treatment.
Some examples cited by the NPPA illustrate the scale of the reductions:
| Medicine and brand | Earlier MRP | Revised MRP |
|---|---|---|
| Bryxta – Bevacizumab 100 mg injection | ₹25,995 | ₹3,318 |
| ABIRONE – Abiraterone acetate 250 mg | ₹41,250 | ₹3,218.23 |
| PEG FILTERO – Pegfilgrastim 6 mg injection | ₹9,093 | ₹1,631 |
| AzatiRel – Azacitidine 100 mg injection | ₹7,790 | ₹1,397 |
| Palborest 125 – Palbociclib 125 mg capsule | ₹2,246 | ₹791.80 |
| ReliTrexed – Pemetrexed 500 mg vial | ₹9,977 | ₹1,113 |
| LUPIHER 2 – Pertuzumab 420 mg injection | ₹83,520 | ₹37,358.35 |
The reductions vary across brands and formulations of the same medicine. The revised MRP applicable to a particular brand should therefore be checked before purchase.
Trade margins capped at 30%
The NPPA has rationalised trade margins on the maximum retail prices of 137 identified anti-cancer drugs. The measure is intended to improve the affordability and accessibility of essential medicines used in cancer treatment.
The notification, S.O. 5690(E), dated October 17, 2026, will remain in force until further orders. Manufacturers may undertake annual price increases under Paragraph 20(1) of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, subject to continued compliance with the maximum permissible trade margin of 30%.
Of the 137 identified drugs, approximately 10–15 are yet to be launched in India. The trade margin restrictions will apply to these medicines when they enter the market.
Hospitals and retailers required to display revised prices
The NPPA has directed retailers, dealers, hospitals and medical institutions to prominently display revised MRP lists of anti-cancer medicines on their premises and websites.
State Drug Controllers will monitor compliance by manufacturers, distributors, hospitals and medical institutions.
Consumers can verify applicable medicine prices through the Pharma Sahi Daam mobile application and the NPPA website at www.nppa.gov.in.
Complaints regarding overcharging or non-compliance can be submitted through:
- Helpline: 1800-11-1255
- Email: monitoring-nppa@gov.in
- Postal address: Deputy Director, Monitoring, NPPA, 3rd Floor, YMCA Cultural Centre Building, 1 Jai Singh Marg, New Delhi – 110001.
The revised pricing framework marks a significant intervention in the regulation of anti-cancer medicine costs. Its effectiveness will depend on compliance across the pharmaceutical supply chain and consumers’ ability to access accurate information on revised prices.
