The government has put a 30% cap on trade margins for 137 anti-cancer medicines to bring down treatment costs and ease the burden on cancer patients. Prices of several of these medicines are likely to come down by up to 70%.
Cancer Drug Price Update
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has mandated this step to control margins on 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines. The new prices will come into effect from November 9, 2026.
manufacturers will have to inform NPPA of revised prices and update price lists. Hospitals and pharmacies will have to levy prices as per the new order.
Which Medicines Are Covered?
The list of 137 medicines include non-schedule anti-cancer drugs like Pembrolizumab, Durvalumab, Osimertinib, Bevacizumab, Pegfilgrastim and Denosumab used in the treatment of various cancers and related conditions.
How to Check Revised Prices
Patients can check updated medicine prices on the government’s Pharma Sahi Daam mobile application or the NPPA website. The actual price reduction will vary across medicines and brands.
This follows up on the NPPA’s move in 2019, which mandated a 30% ceiling on trade margins for 42 anti-cancer medicines and led to price reductions of up to 90% for 526 medicine brands.
