Could thousands of cancer patients across India soon get access to more affordable treatment? In a major move to reduce the financial burden of cancer care, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has capped trade margins at 30% on 1,366 anti-cancer drug brands. The revised pricing, effective November 9, 2026, is expected to generate annual savings of around ₹2,500 crore for cancer patients.
NPPA Revises Prices of 1,366 Anti-Cancer Drug Brands
The NPPA introduced the price revisions following an exercise to rationalise trade margins on anti-cancer medicines. The revised list covers drugs based on 137 chemicals and biological substances that were previously not covered under the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) or were not already subject to existing price controls.
The authority initially released a list of 543 brands on October 27, followed by three additional revisions, covering primarily branded generic and patented medicines. The move also follows a series of Supreme Court hearings on concerns over excessive trade margins charged by private hospitals and the high cost of life-saving medicines.
Some Cancer Drugs See Price Reductions of Over 90%
Several widely used cancer medicines are set to become significantly cheaper under the revised pricing structure. For instance, the price of Samtepa (thiotepa), a generic cancer drug, is expected to fall by more than 90%, from ₹80,072 to ₹7,150. Similarly, Hertumab (pertuzumab), used in breast cancer treatment, will see its price reduced from ₹94,951 to ₹30,593 for a 14 mg vial.
Meanwhile, Palbopro (palbociclib) capsules will become 93% cheaper, with prices dropping from approximately ₹40,000 to ₹2,700. However, the revised list does not include price changes for 201 drug brands.
Concerns Over High Prices of Patented Cancer Medicines
Despite these reductions, patient advocacy groups have raised concerns about the affordability of several patented and life-saving medicines. Drugs such as abemaciclib, ribociclib and pembrolizumab remain expensive, highlighting the need for further government intervention.
The high cost of certain immunotherapy medicines is also a concern. For example, Keytruda (pembrolizumab) remains priced at ₹2,16,500 per 100 mg, while Imjudo (tremelimumab) costs ₹4,17,522 per 300 mg injection. In comparison, Opdyta continues to be priced at ₹1,09,450 for a 100 mg infusion.
Patient advocates have urged the government to consider compulsory licensing provisions under Sections 93 or 100 of the Patents Act to encourage generic production and improve access to expensive medicines. They have also pointed out that nearly 56 molecules continue to enjoy market exclusivity due to patent protection.
Hospitals and Retailers Directed to Follow Revised Prices
The NPPA has directed hospitals, medical institutions, retailers and distributors to comply with the revised pricing and price-display requirements. It has also instructed them to prominently display updated medicine prices on their websites.
Patients can check the revised prices on medicine packs, at retail pharmacies and hospitals, as well as through the NPPA’s official website.
The price revisions mark an important step towards making cancer treatment more affordable in India. However, addressing the high cost of patented medicines and expanding access to essential therapies will remain crucial to reducing the overall financial burden on cancer patients. As reported by The Economic Times, the NPPA’s latest move is expected to save cancer patients approximately ₹2,500 crore annually.