India’s drug pricing regulator The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has increased the ceiling prices of two critical platinum-based cancer medicines—cisplatin and carboplatin—by 50% in an effort to address growing shortages and ensure uninterrupted patient access to essential oncology treatments. The decision comes amid a sharp rise in raw material costs, particularly platinum prices, which has disrupted production and strained supplies across the country.
NPPA Invokes Special Provisions in Public Interest
NPPA approved the one-time price revision after receiving authorization from the central government. According to a notification issued on June 11, the regulator invoked special provisions under existing pricing regulations, citing public interest and the urgent need to restore adequate supplies of these life-saving medicines. Patients across India have been facing shortages of cisplatin and carboplatin, particularly in government hospitals and public healthcare facilities where demand remains high.
Revised Ceiling Prices for Cisplatin and Carboplatin
Under the revised pricing structure, the ceiling price of cisplatin has been increased from ₹7.26 per ml to ₹10.89 per ml, while the ceiling price of carboplatin has been raised from ₹60.49 per ml to ₹90.74 per ml, excluding applicable taxes. The revised rates are expected to improve the economic viability of manufacturing these medicines and encourage pharmaceutical companies to maintain production levels.
Essential Medicines for Cancer Treatment
Cisplatin and carboplatin are widely used in the treatment of several cancers, including ovarian, lung, bladder, and other solid tumors. Given their critical role in oncology care, ensuring their continuous availability remains a major public health priority. In its notification, the NPPA noted concerns regarding persistent shortages and supply disruptions of both formulations, emphasizing that uninterrupted access to these essential medicines is vital for cancer patients across the country. Several pharmaceutical companies manufacture these drugs in India, including Cipla, Intas Pharmaceuticals, Naprod Life Sciences, and Venus Remedies.
Rising Platinum Costs Impact Drug Production
The shortage has largely been driven by escalating platinum prices, which have significantly increased manufacturing costs for platinum-based chemotherapy drugs. India relies heavily on imported platinum, a critical raw material used across multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automobiles, and jewellery. In recent months, global platinum supplies have tightened due to production constraints in major producing countries such as South Africa. At the same time, geopolitical tensions and disruptions in international supply chains have further increased procurement and logistics costs, placing additional pressure on manufacturers.
Relief for Drug Manufacturers and Patients
The revised price caps are expected to provide relief to pharmaceutical companies that have struggled to absorb rising raw material costs. Some manufacturers had reportedly reduced or temporarily halted production as platinum prices surged amid constrained supply, robust demand, and declining inventories. By allowing higher ceiling prices, the government aims to restore production incentives, stabilize supplies, and improve access to essential cancer treatments for patients nationwide.
Six-Month Review Planned
The NPPA has clarified that the price increase is a one-time revision and will be reviewed after six months. During this period, authorities will assess its impact on market availability, supply stability, and patient access. As reported by reuters.com, the move highlights the government’s efforts to balance affordable healthcare with the need to ensure sustainable production of critical medicines. As global supply chain challenges continue, maintaining reliable access to essential oncology drugs remains a key priority for India’s healthcare system.
