ULTRAVIST 150 Drug Patent Profile

When do Ultravist 150 patents expire, and when can generic versions of Ultravist 150 launch?

Ultravist 150 is a drug marketed by Bayer Hlthcare and is included in one NDA.

The generic ingredient in ULTRAVIST 150 is iopromide. There are two drug master file entries for this compound. One supplier is listed for this compound. Additional details are available on the iopromide profile page.

Summary for ULTRAVIST 150

US Patents:	0
Applicants:	1
NDAs:	1

US Patents and Regulatory Information for ULTRAVIST 150

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Bayer Hlthcare	ULTRAVIST 150	iopromide	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	020220-004	May 10, 1995		DISCN	Yes	No

International Patents for ULTRAVIST 150

See the table below for patents covering ULTRAVIST 150 around the world.

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
European Patent Office	0015867	DIAMIDES OF TRIIODO-ISOPHTHALIC ACIDS, THEIR PREPARATION AND X-RAY CONTRAST AGENTS CONTAINING THEM
Mexico	9203691	NUEVOS MEDIOS DE CONTRASTE DE RAYOS X NO IONICOS.
Yugoslavia	61780
Germany	2909439
Finland	800696

Last updated: February 9, 2026

What is the market and demand for ULTRAVIST 150?

ULTRAVIST 150, a nonionic iodinated contrast agent containing ioversol (150 mg iodine/mL), is primarily used in imaging procedures such as computed tomography (CT). It belongs to the class of contrast media that enhances diagnostic imaging, especially in vascular, neurological, and abdominal scans. The global market for iodinated contrast media has seen consistent growth driven by expanding diagnostic imaging procedures, especially with increasing use of CT scans.

Market Size and Growth Trends

• The global contrast media market was valued at approximately $4.2 billion in 2022, with iodinated contrast agents accounting for about 65% of this market.
• The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for contrast media was projected at around 4.5-5% between 2022 and 2027**.
• The volume of contrast agent used in medical procedures increased by more than 6% annually, reflecting rising adoption of advanced imaging.

Demand Drivers

• Rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurological conditions.
• Increased adoption of CT imaging as a first-line diagnostic tool.
• Growth in outpatient imaging procedures.
• Technological advances reducing doses required per procedure, yet overall volume still expanding.

Competitive Landscape

• Major competitors include brands like ULTRAVIST (GE Healthcare), Visipaque (GE Healthcare), and Omnipaque (Amersham).
• These agents vary in iodine concentration, osmolality, and safety profiles.
• The US remains the largest market, with China and Europe representing significant growth markets.

What are the regulatory and patent considerations?

• Regulatory Status: ULTRAVIST 150 holds approval in multiple markets, with approvals obtained through agencies such as the FDA, EMA, and other regional bodies.
• Patent Expiry and Exclusivity: Original patents for ULTRAVIST expired in most jurisdictions by the early 2010s. Recent market consideration has shifted towards formulation patents or secondary patents on specific uses or delivery methods.
• Biosimilar and Generic Competition: The entry of generics and biosimilars has increased price competition. However, brand loyalty and healthcare provider familiarity sustain some barriers.

What are the key revenue and profitability metrics?

• Pricing: As a contrast media, ULTRAVIST is typically sold per dose or volume, with prices ranging from $10 to $50 per mL depending on market, reimbursement policies, and hospital contracts.
• Market Share: In the US, ULTRAVIST maintains an estimated 15-20% share among iodinated contrast agents. Its position is challenged by cheaper generic options but benefits from brand recognition and safety profile.
• Sales Data: GE Healthcare reported global contrast media revenues around $1.5 billion in 2022, with ULTRAVIST contributing a significant portion.

What are the growth and R&D prospects?

• New Formulations: R&D efforts focus on reducing osmolality and improving safety, e.g., lowering adverse reactions.
• Alternative Imaging Agents: The development of MRI agents and non-iodinated contrast media could impact demand.
• Expansion into Emerging Markets: Increased healthcare infrastructure investment in Asia-Pacific and Latin America offers growth opportunities.

Investment fundamentals summary

Aspect	Data / Observation
Market size (2022)	$4.2 billion globally
Growth rate (2022-2027)	4.5-5% CAGR
Pricing (per mL)	$10 - $50
Market share (US)	15-20% of iodinated contrast media
Patent status	Expired patents; secondary patents possible
Competitive pressures	Generic competition, price sensitivity
R&D focus	Safety improvements, new formulations
Emerging markets	Significant growth potential in Asia-Pacific and Latin America

What are the risks affecting ULTRAVIST 150 investment?

• Regulatory Delays: Potential regulatory restrictions on iodinated contrast media, especially amid safety concerns.
• Market Decline: Shift toward alternative imaging modalities (MRI, Ultrasound) or non-contrast techniques.
• Pricing Pressure: Increased generic competition could erode margins.
• Safety Profile: Adverse reactions or safety concerns could limit use.
• Manufacturing and Supply Chain: Disruptions affecting availability and costs.

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Key Takeaways

• The ULTRAVIST 150 market benefits from a stable global demand for contrast media driven by rising imaging procedures.
• Patent expiration and competition from generics exert price and market share pressures.
• Growth is driven by expanding healthcare infrastructure in emerging markets and incremental advances in safety formulations.
• The primary risks include regulatory changes, market shifts toward alternative imaging modalities, and pricing pressures.

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FAQs

1. How does ULTRAVIST 150 compare with other iodinated contrast agents?
ULTRAVIST has a lower osmolality than older ionic agents, reducing adverse reactions. It competes mainly on safety and brand trust rather than price, with the main alternatives being Visipaque and Omnipaque.

2. What regulatory hurdles could impact ULTRAVIST?
Safety concerns due to contrast-induced nephropathy and allergic reactions have prompted regulatory scrutiny. New restrictions could limit use or require additional labeling.

3. Will market saturation limit growth?
Most saturation occurs in mature markets; however, growth persists in emerging markets where imaging infrastructure expands.

4. How significant is the impact of generic competition?
Generics often sell at 20-30% lower prices, reducing margins but often maintaining volume. Brand loyalty and safety reputation help sustain lucrative market segments.

5. Are there ongoing R&D activities for new contrast media?
Yes. Focus areas include reducing osmolality further, biodegradability, and reducing adverse events. Some companies explore non-iodinated, MRI-compatible options.

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Citations

[1] MarketsandMarkets. Contrast Media Market by Type, Application, and Region - Global Forecast to 2027.
[2] GE Healthcare. 2022 Annual Report.
[3] FDA. Safety Communications on Contrast Media.
[4] ReportLinker. Global Contrast Media Market Size & Trends.
[5] European Medicines Agency. Approvals and Safety Notices.