Cancer patients in India could see steep reductions in the prices of several medicines from November 9, with some brands becoming available at less than one-tenth of their current maximum retail price (MRP). However, the relief will not extend to every treatment, as several high-cost cancer medicines will continue to carry the same listed prices.
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has released a revised MRP listfor 543 brands of anti-cancer medicines, based on information submitted by pharmaceutical companies up to October 27. The list includes tablets, capsules and injections used to treat different cancers, with reductions varying considerably across brands and formulations.
Among the sharpest cuts, Palbopro, a brand of palbociclib used to treat certain types of breast cancer, will cost Rs 2,720 for a pack of 21 capsules of 125 mg, down from Rs 40,421.33. Samtepa, a 100 mg thiotepa injection, will cost Rs 7,150.33 per vial against its earlier MRP of Rs 80,071.86.
Meanwhile, the prices of medicines such as Tagrisso, Alecensa and Keytruda remain unchanged. This means patients taking different cancer treatments could experience very different levels of financial relief under the revised pricing system.
Cancer Drug Price List: Medicines With Major Price Cuts
The following medicines and brands feature among the notable reductions reported from the revised NPPA list. The prices apply to the specific strengths and pack sizes mentioned.
Medicine | Dosage | Old MRP (Rs) | New MRP (Rs) | Treatment |
Palbopro (palbociclib) | 125 mg/21 capsules | 40,421.33 | 2,720 | Certain types of breast cancer |
Isogen (palbociclib) | 125 mg/21 capsules | 27,540 | 2,362.53 | Helps slow the growth and division of cancer cells |
Samtepa (thiotepa) | 100 mg | 80,071.86 | 7,150.33 | Chemotherapy medicine used in specific cancer-treatment settings |
Anarzole (anastrozole) | 1 mg/10 capsules | 695.76 | 73 | Hormone-sensitive breast cancer |
Azacytin (azacitidine) | 100 mg | Rs 6,337 | 1,495.04 | Certain blood and bone marrow disorders, including some forms of blood cancer |
Bevacizab (bevacizumab) | 100 mg/4 ml | 21,767.70 | 5,930.13 | Several cancers, including colorectal, ovarian and cervical cancers. |
Dasanat 20 (dasatinib) | 20 mg/60 capsules | 2,812.50 | 1,085.93 | Certain types of leukaemia |
Dyronib (dasatinib) | 70 mg/60 capsules | 17,811 | 1,808 | Used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) |
Abirat (abiraterone) | 250 mg/120 capsules | 36,089 | 4,064 | Prostate cancer |
Debrumab (denosumab) | 60 mg/1 ml | 22,031.25 | 5,941 | Specific clinical settings involving bone complications, including those associated with certain cancers |
Enuta (enzalutamide) | 40 mg/28 capsules | 6,578.20 | 2,232 | Prostate cancer |
ERLIB (erlotinib) | 150 mg/30 capsules | 4,637.45 | 2,008 | Certain types of lung cancer |
FLUDANOX (fludarabine) | 50 mg | 14,235 | 2,432 | Certain blood cancers |
Fulbreca (fulvestrant) | 50 mg | 26,072.16 | 5,491 | Certain types of breast cancer |
Which Prices Remain Unchanged?
Tagrisso (osimertinib): Rs 4.16 lakh for a pack of 30 tablets. Used to treat certain types of lung cancer.
- Alecensa (alectinib): Rs 4.31 lakh for the listed pack. Used to treat ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer.
- Imjudo (tremelimumab): Rs 4.18 lakh for the listed 300 mg injection.
- Jemperli (dostarlimab): Rs 3.91 lakh for the listed 500 mg injection.
- Tibsovo (ivosidenib): Rs 6.58 lakh for a pack of 60 tablets of 250 mg.
- Koselugo (selumetinib): Rs 10.22 lakh for a pack of 60 capsules of 25 mg.
- Keytruda (pembrolizumab): Rs 2,16,500 for a 100 mg vial.
- Kryxana (ribociclib): Rs 24,435 for the listed pack.
The prices of these medicines can vary by formulation and pack size.
Why Are Cancer Medicine Prices Being Revised?
The latest price changes follow the Centre's October 17 decision to rationalise trade margins on 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines. Under the measure, the NPPA capped trade margins at 30 per cent of the maximum retail price, excluding GST.
Trade margins refer to the difference between the price at which a company sells a medicine to a stockist or distributor and the MRP paid by the patient. By restricting these margins, the government aims to address excessive mark-ups in the medicine distribution chain, improve access to cancer treatment and reduce the financial burden on patients.
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The government had projected that the intervention could reduce MRPs by up to 70 per cent, depending on existing price structures. However, some brands in the revised list have recorded cuts exceeding 90 per cent.
When Will The New Cancer Drug Prices Take Effect?
The revised MRPs will come into effect on November 9, 2026. The list reflects company information submitted up to October 27 and will be updated as manufacturers submit additional revised prices.
Manufacturers have been directed to display the revised prices on their websites and communicate them to retailers and hospitals. Hospitals and medical institutions must also ensure that the applicable revised prices are implemented.