Relief for cancer patients: Prices of 137 drugs set to fall from Nov 9
What Happened
India’s drug-price regulator, NPPA, has capped trade margins on 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs at 30% of MRP, excluding GST. Revised prices will take effect from November 9, 2026. The government says the move could bring MRPs down by up to 70%, depending on existing price structures. The list covers widely used treatments including bevacizumab, pembrolizumab, nivolumab, osimertinib and palbociclib.
Key Takeaways
The measure targets high distributor and retailer mark-ups and could substantially reduce what patients pay for several expensive cancer treatments. Manufacturers must publish revised price lists, while retailers and hospitals will have to charge the reduced prices from November 9.