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Cancer Drug Prices to Drop by up to 70 Percent as Government Caps Margins
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CNBC TV18•18-10-2026, 17:56
Cancer Drug Prices to Drop by up to 70 Percent as Government Caps Margins
- •The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has capped trade margins at 30 percent for 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs.
- •Revised maximum retail prices will take effect from November 9, 2026, leading to price drops of up to 70 percent.
- •The list includes crucial immunotherapy drugs and treatments for over 20 types of cancer, such as Pembrolizumab and Bevacizumab.
- •Manufacturers must inform the NPPA of revised prices within seven days and publish updated lists on their websites.
- •State Drug Controllers will oversee compliance while companies must maintain supply levels to prevent shortages.
Key Questions Answered
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has capped trade margins at 30% for 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs, which is expected to lower their maximum retail prices by up to 70% depending on existing structures.
The revised maximum retail prices are set to take effect from November 9, 2026, following a notification issued on October 17.
Consumers can check the updated drug prices through the Pharma Sahi Daam app and the official website of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA).
