Price variation in different brands of anticancer drugs available in Indian pharmaceutical market: a cost analysis study

ABSTRACT

Background: Cancer is one of the most expensive and lethal noncommunicable diseases globally. Availability and affordability of anticancer drugs are the most important factors on which management of cancer depends. The objective of the study was to evaluate the variation of cost among different brands of anti-cancer drugs available in the Indian market.Methods: 揅urrent Index of Medical Specialties� July-October 2018 and 揇rug Update� Sept - 2018 were used to obtain cost in INR* (Indian National Rupees) of anticancer drugs manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies in India, in the same strength and dosage form. Percentage cost variations were calculated by minimum and maximum costs of anticancer drug of different brands.Results: Percentage variation in cost was analyzed for 41 different formulations of 27 anticancer drugs. Highest cost variability seen with Alkylating agent Carboplatin 150 mg injection (1100%) and lowest with Antimetabolite anticancer agent Cytarabine 500 mg injection (6.56%). Three formulations showed more than 500% cost variation, largest with Carboplatin 150 mg injection (1100%) followed by Anastrozole 1 mg tablet (870%) and Letrozole 1 mg tablet (508.42%).Conclusions: Present study finding showed significant cost variation in different brand of many anticancer drugs in India. These results indicated that greater price transparencies required. This price variation issue requires a much more in-depth analysis of the health care system.