NPPA Updates Reduced Prices for 1,085 Anti-Cancer Medicines

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) updated its revised maximum retail price (MRP) list for 1,085 anti-cancer medicines of different brands on November 3, 2026. The revised prices take effect on November 9. The list covers information submitted by pharmaceutical companies up to November 3 and will be updated as manufacturers submit revised prices for non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs.

Price revisions and medicines covered

The update follows the NPPA’s October 17 announcement of trade margin rationalisation for 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs. Under Paragraph 19 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, their trade margin was capped at 30% of the MRP. On October 28, the NPPA had revised prices downward for 543 anti-cancer medicines; the current list contains 1,085.

Retail prices are expected to fall by up to 70%, with the government estimating annual savings of ₹2,500 crore for patients. Covered medicines include immunotherapy drugs for various cancers, Denosumab for patients with breast and prostate cancer, and Pegfilgrastim, used to prevent neutropenia.

Important Facts for Exams

• Order enforcement: The NPPA implements and enforces the Drugs (Prices Control) Order under powers delegated to it.
• Price-unit governance: Price monitoring and resource units are registered societies, supervised by State Drug Controllers and governed by boards including government nominees and other stakeholders.
• Enforceable retail ceiling: In India, shops cannot charge above the MRP, although they may sell products below it.