137 Cancer Drug Prices May Fall By Up To 70% From November 9

Cancer drug prices in India are expected to fall by up to 70% from November 9, 2026, after the government capped trade margins on 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines at 30% of their maximum retail prices (MRPs). The move by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) aims to make cancer treatment more affordable and improve access to essential medicines.

The NPPA, operating under the Department of Pharmaceuticals in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, announced the measure on October 17 under Paragraph 19 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013. The price reductions will vary depending on the existing pricing structure of individual medicines, meaning not every drug will become cheaper by the same percentage.

The list covers medicines used in treating more than 20 types of cancer, including breast, prostate, colon, ovarian and cervical cancers. The identified formulations include Denosumab, used in certain breast and prostate cancer cases; Pegfilgrastim, which helps prevent a drop in infection-fighting white blood cells during cancer treatment; and Bevacizumab, used for several cancers. Other medicines covered include Durvalumab and Osimertinib.

An expert committee under the Directorate General of Health Services recommended the 137 medicines. It comprises oncologists, medical specialists, hospital experts and government officials. The list may be updated periodically.

Under the new rules, manufacturers must submit revised prices to the NPPA within seven days of the Gazette notification. From November 9, retailers and hospitals must charge the revised prices and display updated price lists at their pharmacies. Manufacturers must also publish the revised prices on their websites and circulate them to retailers and hospitals.

The government has directed manufacturers to maintain existing production levels to prevent supply disruptions following the price changes. State drug controllers will monitor compliance by manufacturers, distributors, retailers, hospitals and medical institutions.

The initiative builds on the NPPA’s 2019 pilot programme, which capped trade margins on 42 anti-cancer medicines at 30%. That exercise led to price reductions of up to 90% across 526 brands, according to the government.

Consumers will be able to check revised medicine prices through the NPPA website and Pharma Sahi Daam app. The latest measure seeks to curb excessive mark-ups across the distribution chain while making cancer medicines more accessible to patients and their families.