New Delhi, India – In a significant move aimed at easing the financial burden on cancer patients, the Indian government has announced revised maximum retail prices (MRPs) for 1,364 anti-cancer formulations. Effective Monday, November 9, 2026, these price reductions are expected to save consumers an estimated ₹3,540.38 crore annually, according to the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
The price revisions follow a decision by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) to cap trade margins on 137 specific anti-cancer drugs. This measure aims to curb excessive profits within the distribution and retail chains, thereby improving the affordability and accessibility of crucial cancer medicines across the country.
Trade Margin Caps Drive Significant Price Reductions
As of November 8, 85 pharmaceutical companies had reported their revised MRPs for the affected formulations, covering 121 distinct drugs. The impact has been substantial: 679 brands have reported price cuts exceeding 50%, with the steepest reduction noted at an impressive 96.45%.
The NPPA has implemented a cap of 30% on the trade margin, calculated on the MRP, under Paragraph 19 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013. This regulatory intervention builds upon a successful 2019 pilot program where trade margins on 42 anti-cancer drugs were similarly capped, leading to reductions of up to 90% in MRPs for 526 brands of non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines.
Which Anti-Cancer Drugs Are Covered?
The 137 drugs included in this trade-margin rationalisation exercise encompass a wide range of critical treatments. These include various immunotherapy medicines used for over 20 types of cancer, as well as specific drugs such as denosumab, pegfilgrastim, and bevacizumab. Widely utilized medications like pembrolizumab, durvalumab, and osimertinib are also anticipated to become considerably more affordable.
Government Reiterates Commitment to Affordability
The Department of Pharmaceuticals emphasized that this initiative will alleviate the financial strain on cancer patients and their families, fostering equitable access to treatment. Manufacturers have been directed to maintain current production and supply levels for the notified formulations to prevent any artificial shortages in the market.
“The measure for trade margin rationalisation on anti-cancer drugs aims to control excessive trade margins in the distribution and retail channel while safeguarding legitimate manufacturer revenues and preventing artificial market shortages,” the government stated in its October notification.
Guidance for Patients and Carers
Patients and their caregivers are advised to verify the revised MRP printed on medicine packs. Prices can also be cross-checked using the official Pharma Sahi Daam mobile application or by visiting the NPPA website. Retailers and hospital pharmacies are legally prohibited from charging more than the revised MRP.
Consumers who encounter instances of overcharging or other pricing-related discrepancies are encouraged to file complaints through the Pharma Jan Samadhan portal or contact the NPPA helpline at 1800-111-255.