Trade Margin Rationalisation Covers 137 Anti-Cancer Drugs

On 17 October 2026, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) announced Trade Margin Rationalisation (TMR) for 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs. The NPPA operates under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. The revised prices are scheduled to take effect on 9 November 2026, with maximum retail price (MRP) reductions of up to 70%, depending on existing prices.

Drug price regulation in India

The Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013, is issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Paragraph 19 of the DPCO empowers the Central Government to fix or revise the price of a drug in extraordinary circumstances and in public interest. The 2026 TMR measure uses this provision to cap the trade margin for the selected medicines at 30% of MRP, excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST). The NPPA implements the DPCO and monitors the prices of scheduled and non-scheduled formulations. Scheduled formulations are subject to ceiling prices under the DPCO, while the 137 drugs covered by this measure are non-scheduled formulations. The TMR cap addresses the difference between a medicine’s price to a retailer and its MRP.

Medicines covered and selection process

The list includes immunotherapy medicines used for more than 20 cancer types. It also covers Denosumab, used for breast and prostate cancer; Pegfilgrastim, used to prevent neutropenia; and Bevacizumab, used for colon, ovarian and cervical cancers. Pembrolizumab, Durvalumab and Osimertinib are among the other included medicines. An Expert Committee under the Directorate General of Health Services recommended the 137 drugs. The committee includes oncologists, medical specialists and government officers, and the list is to be updated periodically.

Price disclosure and compliance

Pharmaceutical companies must notify the NPPA of revised prices within seven days of the 17 October 2026 gazette notification and display the prices on their websites. Retailers and hospitals must charge the revised prices from 9 November 2026 and display them at pharmacies and on their websites. Consumers can check medicine prices through the Pharma Sahi Daam app and the NPPA website.

Important Facts for Exams

• The NPPA was established in 1997 and functions under the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
• The DPCO, 2013, is an order issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
• NPPA’s 2019 pilot TMR exercise covered 42 anti-cancer drugs and reduced MRP by up to 90% for 526 brands.
• The Supreme Court had flagged cases in which the MRP of cancer medicines was as much as ten times their price to retailers.

The TMR cap applies to the specified 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs, with revised prices effective from 9 November 2026. Paragraph 19 of the DPCO, 2013, provides the legal basis cited for the intervention.