Naprod Seeks Higher NPPA Ceiling Prices for Cisplatin, Carboplatin Amid Cancer Drug Supply Crunch

The request comes amid concerns over the availability of the two critical cancer drugs, which are widely used in the treatment of ovarian, cervical, lung, head and neck, bladder and testicular cancers.

According to the recent media report by Business Standard, several hospitals and cancer treatment centres across India have been facing difficulties in procuring adequate supplies of cisplatin and carboplatin. The shortage has raised concerns among healthcare providers as the medicines form a key component of both curative and palliative chemotherapy regimens, and any disruption in supply could affect treatment schedules for cancer patients.

Business Standard reported that Mohan Jain, Director of Naprod Life Sciences, attributed the shortage primarily to the steep rise in platinum prices.

"The shortage of cisplatin and carboplatin is primarily driven by a steep increase in platinum prices," Jain stated.

Platinum prices have increased from around ₹2,000 per gram in June 2025 to nearly ₹5,000 per gram currently, marking the sharpest rise witnessed in more than 15 years. Jain also stated that the shortage began around the middle of 2025 and has persisted since then.

The company noted that although recent geopolitical tensions in West Asia have added pressure to global supply chains, the fundamental issue remains the dramatic increase in platinum prices and the challenges associated with importing the precious metal required for manufacturing the drugs.

Naprod further highlighted that platinum-based raw materials are largely sourced from overseas markets and require special government approvals before importation, a process that can take between three and four months. At the same time, the prices of cisplatin and carboplatin are regulated under the NPPA's price control mechanism, restricting manufacturers from fully passing on escalating input costs.

The company stated that the cost of the platinum raw material is often nearly equivalent to the selling price of the finished drug, making production financially challenging. It also pointed to the increase in platinum import duty from 6.4 per cent to 15.4 per cent, along with the depreciation of the Indian rupee against the US dollar, as additional factors affecting manufacturing economics.

In response to these challenges, Naprod has urged the government to revise the ceiling prices of cisplatin and carboplatin, expedite import approval procedures and review customs duties on platinum imports to ensure a sustainable supply of the medicines, reports Business Standard.

Industry executives believe that supplies of cisplatin and carboplatin may remain constrained until raw material costs stabilise, import clearances become faster and manufacturers are able to restore viable production levels.