Now Reading: Cancer drug price cap cuts generics but spares patented brands
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Cancer drug price cap cuts generics but spares patented brands
The Story in Brief
A revised NPPA price list shows how the government’s 30% trade margin cap on 137 non-scheduled cancer drugs is affecting prices. Of the 110 drugs filed so far, 35 drugs see cuts on every listed brand, while 47 show no change on any brand, most are newer patented products such as Keytruda (pembrolizumab), which stays at Rs 2,16,500. Another 28 drugs see generic and biosimilar versions drop while the original brand stays unchanged, including Avastin, Lynparza and Tasigna.
The biggest cuts include palbociclib falling 93% from Rs 40,421 to Rs 2,720, thiotepa dropping about Rs 72,900 to Rs 7,150, and anastrozole falling 91% to Rs 39.52. The list has 543 entries, of which about 73% show a lower MRP. The average cut among reduced entries is about 50%, with more than 200 falling by half or more. Manufacturers have seven days to submit revised price details to the NPPA and state drug controllers, even if their MRP is unchanged.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The price list clarifies which cancer drugs the October 17 trade margin cap actually affects. For 35 of the 110 filed drugs, every brand gets cheaper, meaning price competition exists across the board. For 47 drugs, all brands stay unchanged, indicating either the original price was already compliant or the manufacturer holds an exclusive patent with no generic rival to force a reduction. The mixed group of 28 drugs shows how patents shield originators: generic and biosimilar versions drop, but the branded original remains at its old MRP. Patients on newer therapies such as Keytruda and Ibrutinib will see no relief, while those on older generics like palbociclib and abiraterone will benefit substantially. The NPPA filings are still incomplete, with 27 drugs yet to appear, and companies have seven days from the order's publication to submit revised prices.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
