New Delhi | October 30, 2026
In a significant move towards making cancer treatment more affordable in India, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has released revised Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) for 543 brands of anti-cancer medicines. The new prices will come into effect from November 9, 2026.
The initiative, undertaken by the NPPA under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, aims to reduce the financial burden on cancer patients and their families by addressing excessive trade margins in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
For thousands of families battling cancer, the cost of medicines remains a major challenge. The revised pricing is expected to provide financial relief and improve access to essential cancer medicines.
Significant Price Reductions in Cancer Medicines
The revised price list includes several widely used anti-cancer medicines manufactured by leading pharmaceutical companies.
Some notable examples include:
- Anarzole (Anastrozole 1 mg): MRP reduced from ₹695.76 to ₹73 for a pack of 10 tablets.
- Azacytin (Azacitidine 100 mg injection): Price reduced from ₹6,337 to ₹1,495.04.
- Bevacizab (Bevacizumab 100 mg/4 ml): MRP reduced from ₹21,767.70 to ₹5,930.13.
- Dasanat 20 (Dasatinib 20 mg): Price reduced from ₹2,812.50 to ₹1,085.93 for 60 tablets.
- Debrumab 60 mg (Denosumab): MRP reduced from ₹22,031.25 to ₹5,941.
- Enuta (Enzalutamide 40 mg): Price reduced from ₹6,578.20 to ₹2,232.
These examples highlight the potential financial impact of the revised pricing on patients requiring long-term cancer treatment.
Why Has NPPA Revised the Prices?
The latest price revision follows the NPPA’s October 17, 2026 announcement introducing Trade Margin Rationalisation (TMR) for 137 identified non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs.
The measure aims to address excessive trade margins, improve affordability and ensure better access to essential cancer medicines.
The medicines covered include immunotherapy drugs used in the treatment of more than 20 types of cancer, Denosumab, used by some breast and prostate cancer patients, Pegfilgrastim, which helps prevent neutropenia, and Bevacizumab, used in the treatment of certain colon, ovarian and cervical cancers.
According to the government, the intervention is expected to bring down the MRP of identified medicines by up to 70%, depending on their existing price structures.
What Should Patients and Hospitals Know?
From November 9, 2026, retailers and hospitals will be required to charge the revised prices and display updated price lists.
Hospitals will also be required to prominently display revised medicine prices on their websites.
Manufacturers must maintain production and supply levels to ensure that patients do not face artificial shortages or interruptions in access to treatment.
State Drug Controllers will monitor compliance among manufacturers, distributors, retailers, hospitals and medical institutions.
How Can Patients Check the Revised Prices?
Patients and caregivers can check the revised Maximum Retail Prices through:
- The official NPPA website: https://nppa.gov.in/
- The Pharma Sahi Daam mobile application.
- The revised anti-cancer medicine price list published by NPPA.
Access the official revised price list:
A Step Towards More Affordable Cancer Care
Cancer treatment is not just a medical challenge; it is also a significant financial and emotional burden for patients and their families.
Reducing the prices of essential cancer medicines is an important step towards making healthcare more accessible and equitable. However, effective implementation, uninterrupted medicine supplies and awareness among patients will be equally important to ensure that the intended benefits reach those who need them.
For patients, every reduction in treatment costs can make a meaningful difference.
Aarogyam Times | Health First. People First.
