Anti-Cancer Medicines to Become Cheaper from November 9; Consumers to Save Over Rs 3,500 Crore Annually.
NPPA caps trade margins on 137 anti-cancer drugs; prices of 1,031 formulations reduced, with 600 brands witnessing cuts of over 50 per cent and the highest reduction reaching 96.45 per cent.
New Delhi:
Patients undergoing cancer treatment across the country are set to receive significant financial relief as revised prices of several anti-cancer medicines will come into effect from November 9, 2026. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has capped trade margins on 137 anti-cancer drugs to make essential cancer medicines more affordable and accessible.
According to the government, the revised pricing is expected to generate annual savings of approximately Rs 3,502.31 crore for consumers.
The NPPA took this decision based on recommendations made 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.
Prices of 1,031 Anti-Cancer Formulations Reduced
As of November 7, a total of 76 pharmaceutical companies had reported revised maximum retail prices (MRPs) for 1,225 anti-cancer formulations covering 121 drugs.
Of these, 1,031 formulations have registered reductions in their MRPs. Notably, 600 brands have reported price cuts exceeding 50 per cent, while the highest reduction stands at 96.45 per cent.
The government stated that 10 to 15 of the 137 identified anti-cancer drugs are yet to be launched in India. However, the trade margin rationalisation provisions will also apply to these medicines whenever they are introduced in the Indian market.
Major Cancer Medicines Witness Substantial Price Cuts
Several widely used anti-cancer medicines have witnessed significant reductions in their retail prices.
Bevacizumab 100 mg injection, used in the treatment of lung, colon, ovarian and cervical cancers, has seen substantial price reductions across brands. The price of Bryxta, manufactured by Zydus Lifesciences, has been reduced from Rs 25,995 to Rs 3,318. Similarly, CIZUMAB by Hetero Healthcare has become cheaper from Rs 15,658 to Rs 3,103.
Abiraterone acetate 250 mg tablets, used for prostate cancer, have also become considerably cheaper. The price of ABIRONE has been reduced from Rs 41,250 to Rs 3,218.23, while Abirapro, manufactured by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, has been reduced from Rs 28,744 to Rs 5,768.
The price of Pegfilgrastim 6 mg injection, used to prevent neutropenia in cancer patients, has also been reduced. PEG FILTERO by Hetero Healthcare will now cost Rs 1,631 against its earlier price of Rs 9,093.
Similarly, Azacitidine 100 mg injection, used in the treatment of blood cancer, has witnessed substantial reductions. The price of AZADINE by Intas Pharmaceuticals has been reduced from Rs 5,964.70 to Rs 1,199.50.
Breast and Prostate Cancer Medicines Also Cheaper
Medicines used in the treatment of breast and prostate cancers have also registered significant price reductions.
The price of Enzalutamide 40 mg capsules, used for prostate cancer, has been reduced substantially. ENZAPTOR 40 has become cheaper from Rs 20,625 to Rs 2,475.60, while XTIDE has been reduced from Rs 10,828.12 to Rs 1,729.21.
Fulvestrant 250 mg injection, used for breast cancer, has also witnessed major reductions. The price of FASNORM has come down from Rs 30,421.87 to Rs 3,671.73.
Palbociclib 125 mg capsules have also become more affordable. Palbopro, manufactured by RPG Life Sciences, has been reduced from Rs 40,421.33 to Rs 2,720, while PALBOMED has come down from Rs 13,500 to Rs 2,302.
The revised prices also cover medicines such as Pemetrexed 500 mg, used for lung cancer, and Pertuzumab 420 mg injection, used for breast cancer.
The price of ReliTrexed has been reduced from Rs 9,977 to Rs 1,113, while LUPIHER 2, manufactured by Lupin, has been reduced from Rs 83,520 to Rs 37,358.35.
Retailers and Hospitals Must Display Revised Prices
The government stated that trade margin rationalisation of non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines is an important measure to improve the affordability and accessibility of essential cancer treatment.
The notification SO 5690(E), dated October 17, 2026, will remain in force until further orders. Manufacturers will, however, be permitted to undertake annual price increases in accordance with Paragraph 20(1) of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, subject to continued compliance with the maximum permissible trade margin of 30 per cent.
All retailers, dealers, hospitals and medical institutions have been directed to prominently display the revised MRP lists of anti-cancer medicines on their websites and at their premises.
State Drug Controllers will monitor compliance by manufacturers, dealers, hospitals and medical institutions.
Consumers Can Check Prices and Report Violations
Consumers can verify the revised prices of anti-cancer medicines through the Pharma Sahi Daam mobile application and the official NPPA website, www.nppa.gov.in.
Any violation or non-compliance with the revised prices can be reported to the NPPA through the following channels:
The revised pricing structure is expected to provide substantial financial relief to cancer patients and their families by reducing the cost of essential medicines and improving access to treatment.
