| |APRIL 20269CANCER DRUG PRICE HIKE DEMAND GROWS FOR 50% RISE IN INDIAINDIA PHARMA EXPORTS CROSS $28 BILLION IN FY26Cancer drug price hike is back in focus as Indian pharmaceutical companies have sought a sharp increase in prices of key chemotherapy medicines, citing a surge in platinum costs that is hurting production viability.The cancer drug price hike demand comes as manufacturers warn that current price caps no longer reflect raw material realities, putting supply at risk.Leading drug makers producing essential chemothera-py drugs such as carboplatin, cisplatin, and oxaliplatin have approached the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) seeking up to a 50% increase in ceiling prices.These medicines are widely used in first-line cancer treatment and are considered critical for affordable oncology care in India. The demand is driven by a steep rise in platinum prices, a core ingredient in these drugs, which has nearly doubled in recent months.Manufacturers say the sudden spike has made production financially unsustainable under existing regulated pricing. While prices of these drugs have seen minimal revisions over the years, input costs have risen sharply, squeezing margins.Companies have warned that if pricing is not corrected, it could lead to reduced manufacturing or even supply disruptions. This raises concerns about access to affordable cancer treatment, especially for patients who rely on these older, cost-effective therapies.The government now faces a difficult choice between maintaining affordability and ensuring consistent supply. A price revision could ease pressure on manufacturers but may increase treatment costs for patients. On the other hand, delaying action could risk shortages of essential cancer medicines.The issue highlights a growing challenge in the pharma industry--balancing drug price regulation with volatile raw material costs in life-saving treatments. POThe growth in India pharma exports FY26 has been supported by sustained demand across key global markets. The United States continues to remain the largest export destination, accounting for nearly 34% of total shipments, followed by Europe with a significant share.Key Highlights· India pharma exports cross $28 billion in FY26 driven by strong global demand and growth.· Pharmaceutical sector maintains steady growth despite global challenges with exports rising over 5 percent.India currently exports pharmaceutical products to over 200 countries, reinforcing its position as a global healthcare supplier and earning the reputation of being the "pharmacy of the world."Despite pricing pressures, supply chain disruptions, and global trade volatility, the pharmaceutical sector has maintained a steady growth trajectory. Industry leaders have highlighted that India pharma exports continue to expand due to competitive pricing, strong regulatory compliance, and high-quality manufacturing standards.The sector had earlier recorded exports of $30.47 billion in FY25, reflecting strong year-on-year growth and setting a solid base for continued expansion.Growth Drivers: Formulations, Vaccines and BiologicalsKey segments driving export growth include:· Generic formulations· Vaccines· Biological products· AYUSH and specialty medicinesIndia remains one of the largest suppliers of generic medicines globally, contributing significantly to healthcare systems in developed and emerging markets alike.The outlook for India pharma exports remains highly positive, with industry estimates projecting the sector to grow to nearly $130 billion by 2030. Growth is expected to be driven by increasing global demand for affordable medicines, expansion into regulated markets, government initiatives and production-linked incentives (PLI), and rising investments in research and development. PO
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