Trade Margin Capped at 30% for 137 Cancer Drugs

• 19 Oct 2026

On 17th October 2026, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) capped the trade margin on 137 cancer drugs at a maximum of 30%. The new prices will take effect from 9th November.

Key Facts

• Price Reduction: Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) of the affected drugs are expected to drop by up to 70%, depending on the specific medicine.
• Legal Basis: Capped under Paragraph 19 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 (DPCO) for non-scheduled cancer medicines.
• Key Medicines: Includes drugs used for treating various types of cancer, such as Pembrolizumab, Durvalumab, and Osimertinib.
• Past Ruling: In 2019, NPPA capped the trade margin at 30% on 42 cancer drugs, leading to price cuts of up to 90% across 526 brands.
• Directives to Companies: Manufacturers must submit revised prices to NPPA within seven days and display them at hospitals, pharmacies, and websites.
• Objective: To curb excessive profiteering in drug distribution and lessen the financial burden on cancer patients.