Almost 90% slash in prices of nine anti-cancer drugs -Pushpa Narayan

-The Times of India

CHENNAI: In a major step to make cancer cure affordable for patients and their families, the retail prices of several anti-cancer drugs, including commonly used chemotherapy injections for lung cancer treatment, have been slashed by up to 87% by the drug price control authority.

After reviewing the data collected from drug manufacturers, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority’s May 15 memorandum has brought nine anti-cancer drugs in its price control framework. NPPA is an independent body of experts under the Union ministry of chemicals and fertilisers that monitors and controls drug prices in India.

As per the revised order, the maximum retail price of chemotherapy injection pemetrexed (500mg), sold under the brand name Pemxcel and used to treat lung cancer, has come down from Rs 22,000 to Rs 2,800. A 100mg dose of the same injection will henceforth cost Rs 800 against Rs 7,700 now.

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