New Delhi: Immunotherapy used in the treatment of cancer is now reaching more patients than before. The main reason for this is the arrival of cheaper biosimilar versions of the drug Nivolumab in the market. Earlier, because one cycle of this treatment cost more than Rs 1 lakh, many patients were hesitant in adopting it. Now in some cases the same expense is being claimed to be around Rs 30 thousand.
According to doctors at Tata Memorial Center and other hospitals, there has been an increase in cases of immunotherapy being prescribed due to the fall in the price of the drug. However, the cost and effectiveness of treatment may vary depending on the type of cancer, patient’s condition and treatment plan.
How much benefit are patients getting from medicines becoming cheaper?
According to Dr Imran Sheikh of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, the prescriptions written for immunotherapy at his place have increased by more than 50 percent in the last six months. He said that earlier many patients were hesitant in starting the treatment due to the expenditure being more than one lakh rupees. Now with the medicine being available at a price of around Rs 30 thousand, it has become easier for some patients to decide on treatment. However, this cost is not the same for every patient and the cost of the entire treatment depends on the dose, quantity of the drug and duration of treatment.
How many patients were able to benefit from immunotherapy earlier?
The 2022 study from Tata Memorial Center analysed 15,674 cancer patients who could benefit from immunotherapy. Of these, only 444 patients received this treatment, i.e. about 2.83 percent. The study also revealed a big difference on the basis of economic status. Access to treatment was quite limited among low-income patients. This shows that the cost of drugs has long been a major barrier to modern cancer treatment.
How does immunotherapy help fight cancer?
Immunotherapy uses drugs that help the body’s immune system become active against cancer cells. Nivolumab is a drug of this category. It helps improve the response of immune cells to some cancers. It is used in skin, lung and some other cancers, but not every patient gets the same benefit from it. Treatment is selected by specialist doctors based on the type of cancer, its stage, test reports and overall health condition of the patient.
How much does the cheaper version of nivolumab cost?
In January 2026, Indian pharmaceutical company Zydus Lifesciences introduced ‘Tishtha’, a biosimilar of Nivolumab. According to the company, its 40 mg vial was priced at Rs 13,950 and the 100 mg vial was priced at Rs 28,950. These prices are much lower than the original drug. However, the cost of one vial cannot be considered the cost of the entire treatment. The doctor decides how much medicine the patient needs and at what intervals.
What challenges remain despite treatment becoming cheaper?
According to experts, it is important to reduce the price of the drug, but this does not automatically make immunotherapy accessible to all patients. Availability of medicines, cost of testing, hospital treatment and ability to continue treatment for a long period are also important. Some patients may need to be monitored for adverse effects. Therefore, it is not advisable to start treatment or change the dosage just by looking at the price.
Can the price reduce further in the coming time?
The entry of biosimilars of nivolumab into the market is likely to increase competition and impact prices. However, the claim of its price coming up to Rs 10,000 should be seen only as an estimate of the possible future. The final price will depend on the options available in the market, the quantity of the medicine and the pricing policy of the companies. The most important thing for the patients is that the medicine is available at low cost along with its regular supply and complete treatment under the supervision of expert doctors.
