The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has released a revised maximum retail price (MRP) list for 543 brands of anti-cancer medicines, with the new prices coming into effect on November 9, 2026. Some medicines have seen substantial price differences, with listed prices ranging from ₹695 to ₹73.The NPPA operates under the Department of Pharmaceuticals in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
The revised list is based on price information submitted by pharmaceutical companies up to October 27, 2026. It will be updated as manufacturers provide details of revised prices for non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs.
The revision follows the NPPA’s October 17 announcement on rationalising trade margins for 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs. The initiative aims to curb excessive trade margins across the supply chain and improve the affordability and accessibility of cancer treatment.
The medicines covered by the policy include immunotherapy drugs used to treat more than 20 types of cancer, Denosumab for certain patients with breast or prostate cancer, Pegfilgrastim to help prevent neutropenia in cancer patients, and Bevacizumab, which is used to treat certain cancers, including colorectal, ovarian and cervical cancers.
However, the price revision does not mean that all cancer medicines will become cheaper by the same percentage. The applicable MRP depends on the specific medicine, brand and pack size. The list of 543 brands and the policy covering 137 identified drugs represent different categories and should not be confused.
Patients and caregivers are advised to check the revised MRP of the exact brand and pack size prescribed to them before purchasing medicines. Pharmacists and hospital pharmacies can help confirm the applicable price under the revised list.