Centre Approves Price Hike for Cisplatin, Carboplatin to Tackle Nationwide Cancer Drug Shortage

New Delhi: The central government has granted approval for an increase in the prices of four critical drug formulations, including two widely used platinum-based chemotherapy medicines, in an effort to address persistent shortages that have disrupted treatment for cancer patients across India.

According to a news report by The Indian Express, the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has conveyed its approval to the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) to proceed with revising the prices of select formulations.

In an official communication dated June 7, the department stated, “NPPA (National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority) has sought the approval of the DoP (Department of Pharmaceuticals) … to increase price in respect to four formulations…. In this regard, it is conveyed that the in-principle approval of the Hon’ble Minister … is granted.”

The decision follows growing concerns over the limited availability of key cancer medicines, particularly cisplatin and carboplatin, which are extensively used in chemotherapy regimens. Industry sources have attributed the shortage to a steep rise in production costs. The active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) required for these medicines depend on platinum, a raw material whose prices have increased significantly amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Additional pressure from import duties and foreign exchange fluctuations further raised manufacturing expenses.

Manufacturers were reportedly struggling to sustain production because these medicines fall under government-mandated price controls, restricting their ability to pass on rising costs. Faced with shrinking margins, several companies reduced or halted production, contributing to shortages in the market. The approved price revision is expected to provide some financial relief and encourage manufacturers to restore supplies.

Earlier, the Medical Dialogue Team reported that oncology drug manufacturer Naprod Life Sciences approached the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) seeking an upward revision in the ceiling prices of the chemotherapy medicines cisplatin and carboplatin, citing a sharp increase in production costs driven by soaring platinum prices, higher import duties and regulatory hurdles.

The four formulations approved for price revision include the chemotherapy drugs cisplatin and carboplatin, along with two anti-tetanus injections. All four are listed as essential medicines and are regulated under the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO), 2013. Under the existing framework, manufacturers are generally permitted to revise prices only once annually in line with changes in the wholesale price index.

These medicines were among 82 formulations that had been reviewed by an inter-ministerial committee examining requests from the pharmaceutical industry for price adjustments.

The Department of Pharmaceuticals has directed the NPPA to assess increases in raw material costs and determine price revisions accordingly. The official letter noted, “The increase in raw material data given by the company and assessed by NPPA should form the basis for giving the price increase.” It further specified that revisions should follow recommendations of a standing committee, which suggested that increases may range between 10% and 50% over the previously fixed prices.

The department has also encouraged the NPPA to evaluate similar requests from manufacturers seeking upward revisions in the prices of other essential medicines.

In a communication sent to the DoP on June 4, the NPPA highlighted concerns raised by Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital regarding shortages of carboplatin and cisplatin injections.

The authority stated, “The committee also noted the concerns expressed by Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital regarding shortages of carboplatin and cisplatin injections, which are widely used as first-line chemotherapy drugs for the treatment of various cancers. Ensuring uninterrupted availability of these critical medicines is essential from a public health perspective.”

Oncologists across the country had been reporting difficulties in obtaining these medicines, with patients often forced to visit multiple pharmacies and distributors in search of supplies. Cisplatin and carboplatin are commonly prescribed for the treatment of a range of solid tumours, including cancers of the oral cavity, lung, cervix, oesophagus, ovary, and breast. The committee is also reviewing the remaining 78 formulations and has sought additional information before making further recommendations on potential price revisions, the Indian Express reported.