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The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has capped trade margins at 30 per cent for 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines. The revised prices will take effect from November 9, 2026, under an order issued on October 17.
The move aims to reduce excessive trade margins on cancer medicines and make treatment more affordable. The government expects the maximum retail prices (MRPs) of the identified medicines to fall by up to 70 per cent, depending on their existing price structures.
Under the order, manufacturers must calculate revised MRPs using the prescribed formula based on the price to stockists or distributors in March 2026. They must submit the revised price details to the NPPA and the relevant State Drug Controller within seven days of the notification. Manufacturers must also maintain current production levels to help ensure continued availability of the medicines.
The decision builds on the NPPA’s 2019 pilot exercise, which capped trade margins at 30 per cent for 42 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines. According to the government’s account of that exercise, MRPs of 526 brands were reduced by up to 90 per cent. The latest order extends the approach to 137 medicines recommended by an expert committee.
Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General, IPA welcomed the notification and highlighted the need to balance affordability with the interests of stakeholders across oncology care.
“We welcome the notification on Trade Margin Rationalisation (TMR) for oncology products. With the increasing incidence of cancer in the country, access to affordable, quality-assured medicines is critical.
TMR will help to optimise the pricing for oncology products while allowing adequate margin to channel partners. It is important to maintain balance between affordability for patients and the interests of all stakeholders involved in oncology care, while ensuring the uninterrupted availability of medicines.
The impact of TMR on affordability and patient access will need to be evaluated. Companies will continue to take appropriate steps to ensure the availability of medicines and to passing on the intended benefits to patients. Creating awareness among patients and other stakeholders will be equally important to ensure that patients derive the intended benefits without compromising continuity of care.”
Anil Matai, Director General, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI), also said, “OPPI welcomes the Government’s notification extending Trade Margin Rationalisation to 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines. With the revised prices set to take effect from November 9, the focus now is on smooth implementation across the supply chain so that the intended benefits reach patients while ensuring continued availability of these critical medicines.”
“The industry remains committed to working constructively with the Government and other stakeholders to support effective implementation. It will be important to monitor the impact of the measure on patient access, availability and the broader cancer-care ecosystem as the revised pricing takes effect,” he added.
As the revised prices take effect, their impact on patient affordability and access, as well as the availability of medicines, will need to be assessed.
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