Cancer Drug Prices Slashed in India

The Central Government has taken steps to reduce the financial burden on cancer patients by capping trade margins at 30% on the maximum retail price (MRP) of all non-scheduled cancer medicines. Following the decision, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) released a revised list covering 543 cancer drug brands. The revised prices will come into effect on November 9, 2026. According to the authority, the list was prepared using information submitted by pharmaceutical manufacturers as of October 27.

The revised list includes substantial price reductions for certain cancer medicines. The price of an injection marketed under the brand name BEVACIZAB has been reduced from ₹21,767.70 to ₹5,930.13, while Debrumab 60 mg injection has seen its price fall from ₹22,031.25 to ₹5,941. The NPPA had announced the rationalisation of trade margins for 137 non-scheduled cancer medicines on October 17 and directed manufacturers to submit their revised prices. The authority stated that the list would be updated as and when manufacturers provide further revised pricing details.