Cancer Drug Prices Slashed by 93% After New Cap on Distributor Margins

Hindustan Times · health

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has announced significant price reductions for 137 cancer medicines, effective November 9. A pack of 21 palbociclib capsules, used for breast cancer, will now cost ₹2,720, down from ₹40,421. This drastic cut is a result of capping distributor, chemist, and hospital margins at 30% of the maximum retail price. While this addresses supply chain costs, some expensive drugs like Keytruda and Tagrisso remain costly as their prices are driven by manufacturer costs.