NPPA Lists Revised MRPs for 643 Cancer Drug Entries, Palbopro MRP Falls 93%, Keytruda, Tagrisso Rates Unchanged

The compilation based on submissions received up to October 27 contains 543 entries, while the updated list incorporating data received up to October 28 contains 643. Both provide company names, drugs, strengths, dosage forms, brands, pack sizes and the corresponding old and revised MRPs.

The figures represent listed product entries across brands, strengths and packs, rather than 643 different anti-cancer drugs. The latest disclosures show substantial variation in the reported price changes.

Some products carry reductions exceeding 90%, while several high-cost medicines retain their existing MRPs. The lists therefore provide a more specific picture of the intervention’s impact than a general expectation of cheaper cancer medicines.

Abbott Healthcare’s Bevacizab 400 mg vial, supplied in a 16 ml pack, is listed at a revised MRP of ₹8,956.75 against ₹65,205.09 earlier—a reduction of approximately 86.3%. Cipla’s Armotraz, containing anastrozole 1 mg in a pack of 10 tablets, shows a reduction from ₹784.71 to ₹146.78, or approximately 81.3%.

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals’ Abirapro 250 mg, containing abiraterone acetate in a pack of 120 tablets, is listed at ₹5,768 against ₹28,744 earlier—a reduction of approximately 79.9%. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories’ Versavo, containing bevacizumab 400 mg in a single-vial pack, shows a revised MRP of ₹12,400.75 against ₹55,005 earlier—a reduction of approximately 77.5%.

Intas Pharmaceuticals’ Abiratas, containing abiraterone acetate 250 mg in a pack of 120 tablets, is listed at ₹7,970.50 against ₹28,305.94 earlier—a reduction of approximately 71.8%. Lupin’s Odensomab, containing denosumab 60 mg in a 1 ml pack, shows a reduction from ₹18,375 to ₹6,523.25, or approximately 64.5%. Sun Pharma Laboratories’ Decitex 30 mg injection, supplied as a single vial, is listed at a revised MRP of ₹2,751.50 against ₹5,199.78 earlier—a reduction of approximately 47.1%

However, inclusion in the exercise does not mean every listed product has received a price cut. MSD Pharmaceuticals’ Keytruda 100 mg injection remains listed at ₹2,16,500 for the stated pack. AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso 80 mg tablets, in a pack of 30, remain at ₹4,16,492.48, while its Imfinzi 500 mg/10 ml presentation remains at ₹1,71,324.27.

These unchanged entries are significant because pembrolizumab, osimertinib and durvalumab had featured prominently in the government’s announcement of the wider affordability initiative. The reported figures underline the need to assess the outcome at the level of the particular brand, strength and pack.

The publications follow NPPA’s October 17 intervention imposing a 30% trade-margin cap on 137 identified non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs under Paragraph 19 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013. The measure expands the approach adopted in the 2019 pilot covering 42 anti-cancer drugs. The government had initially projected MRP reductions of up to 70%, depending on existing price structures; individual company-reported entries now show larger reductions in some cases.

For patients, the practical impact will depend on the medicine prescribed and the price actually charged. A reduction in the published MRP does not establish an equivalent percentage reduction in every patient’s expenditure, particularly where medicines were previously supplied at discounted prices.

Retailers and hospitals must apply the reduced prices from November 9 and display the revised lists. Hospitals must also display revised prices on their websites, while State Drug Controllers are responsible for monitoring compliance. Consumers can check prices through NPPA’s website and the Pharma Sahi Daam app.

With the implementation date approaching, the focus now shifts from publication of revised MRPs to their reflection in hospital and pharmacy bills—the point at which the announced reductions can deliver financial relief to patients.