Blood cancer drug costs Rs 85,000 in US, Rs 35 in India: Viral video highlights price disparity
A social media video comparing the cost of a life-saving blood cancer drug in India and the United States has gone viral, drawing attention to the stark differences in pharmaceutical pricing between the two countries.
The video, posted by content creator Liz on Instagram account spicygori, shows her outside a pharmacy in India. She holds packages of Revlimid, a medication used to treat blood cancer, and explains that a branded version sold in the US costs about Rs 85,000 per pill, while a generic version made in India costs just Rs 35.
Liz notes that both medicines contain the same active pharmaceutical ingredient (lenalidomide). The price difference is due to the branded drug being under patent protection in the US, while India's generic drug industry produces cheaper versions. India's patent laws and policies allow domestic manufacturers to produce affordable generics, contributing to low prices.
The video has triggered discussions on healthcare affordability and the role of patent laws in drug pricing. Critics argue that high US prices burden patients, while supporters of India's generic industry highlight its role in making life-saving drugs accessible.
Revlimid is used to treat multiple myeloma and certain types of anaemia. In the US, the drug is manufactured by Celgene (now Bristol-Myers Squibb) and costs around $20,000 per month. In India, generic versions are available for a fraction of the cost.
Experts point out that the price gap reflects differences in intellectual property regimes, market structures, and government regulations. While India prioritises affordable access, the US relies on market-based pricing with less price control.
