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Drug Price Trends for ACUVAIL
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Average Pharmacy Cost for ACUVAIL
| Drug Name | NDC | Price/Unit ($) | Unit | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACUVAIL 0.45% OPHTH SOLUTION | 00023-3507-31 | 10.73674 | EACH | 2025-04-23 |
| >Drug Name | >NDC | >Price/Unit ($) | >Unit | >Date |
Market Analysis and Price Projections for ACUVAIL (Ketorolac Tromethamine Ophthalmic Solution)
What is the current market landscape for ACUVAIL?
ACUVAIL (ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution 0.4%) is indicated for the short-term management of pain and inflammation following ocular surgery, primarily cataract procedures. Launched by Alcon in 2014, it competes with other NSAID ophthalmic drugs.
The ophthalmic NSAID market in the U.S. and Europe is projected to grow at compound annual growth rates (CAGR) around 4-6% over the next five years, driven by increasing cataract surgeries and broader adoption of NSAID therapies to prevent cystoid macular edema (CME) and control postoperative inflammation.
Key competitors include:
- BromSite (bromfenac 0.075%) by Sunsphere
- Nevanac (nepafenac 0.1%) by Alcon
- Voltaren (diclofenac 0.1%) by Novartis
Market penetration remains moderate but stable, with ACUVAIL holding approximately 15-20% of the NSAID ophthalmic segment in the U.S. as of 2022, according to IQVIA data. Growth is constrained by reimbursement policies and prescriber preferences shifting toward even more targeted NSAID formulations.
What are the current price points and factors influencing ACUVAIL pricing?
As of 2023, the average wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for a 10 mL bottle of ACUVAIL stands at approximately USD 320-350. Actual cash prices vary based on insurance coverage, pharmacy discounts, and negotiations with Medicare/Medicaid.
In comparison:
| Drug | Price for 10 mL (~30 doses) | Market Position |
|---|---|---|
| ACUVAIL | USD 330 | Established; niche focus on post-surgical inflammation |
| Nevanac | USD 290 | Market dominance in preoperative/postoperative use |
| BromSite | USD 340 | Premium product; marketed for convenience |
Prices have increased modestly (around 3-4%) annually due to inflation, manufacturing costs, and new formulations entering the segment. Prescriber and patient reimbursement dynamics influence ultimate out-of-pocket costs.
What is the forecast for ACUVAIL's market growth and pricing?
Market growth assumptions:
- The global ophthalmic NSAID market is projected to grow from USD 820 million in 2022 to USD 1.1 billion by 2027 (CAGR 6.0%).
- North America accounts for approximately 60% of this market.
- Cataract surgeries in the U.S. increased from 3.6 million in 2020 to 4.2 million in 2022, with a CAGR of 4.2%, driven by global aging demographics.
Pricing projections:
-
Short-term (1-2 years):
- WAC likely to increase slightly (2-3%) due to inflation and drug inflation pressures.
- The average WAC for ACUVAIL could reach USD 340-360.
- No significant price erosion anticipated unless new formulations, biosimilars, or generics emerge.
-
Medium-term (3-5 years):
- Introduction of biosimilars or generics could reduce prices by 10-20%.
- Payer negotiations and formulary placements will influence actual prices.
- Market share shifts could impact revenues; if ACUVAIL maintains 15-20% of segment share, its revenue could be USD 80-120 million annually in North America.
-
Long-term (5+ years):
- Potential biosimilar or multiple competitors might compress prices further.
- If new NSAID drugs with better efficacy or safety profiles enter the market, ACUVAIL could face downward pressure.
- Price reductions of 20-30% are plausible if market dynamics favor commoditization.
What factors could influence future pricing and market share?
- Regulatory policies: Changes in reimbursement or formulary restrictions can impact market access.
- New formulations: Development of longer-acting NSAID formulations or combination drugs could displace ACUVAIL.
- Market penetration: Broader adoption in emerging markets might marginally boost revenues but generally exert downward pricing pressures.
- Patent or exclusivity status: Patents expiring in 2025, potentially leading to generics in 2026, which could reduce prices significantly.
Key Takeaways
- ACUVAIL's current price (~USD 330 per 10 mL) remains stable, with modest increases driven by inflation.
- Market size aligns with increasing cataract procedures, offering growth opportunities.
- Competition from newer NSAID formulations and generics poses significant pricing pressure over the next 3-5 years.
- Long-term prospects depend on innovation, regulatory landscape, and competitive dynamics.
FAQs
Q1: How does ACUVAIL compare to other NSAID ophthalmic drugs in pricing?
ACUVAIL’s price (~USD 330) is comparable to BromSite but higher than Nevanac (~USD 290). Differences often relate to formulation, dosing convenience, and marketing positioning.
Q2: What is the potential impact of biosimilars or generics on ACUVAIL's price?
Introduction of generics could reduce prices by 20-30%, eroding market share unless ACUVAIL maintains a differentiated value proposition.
Q3: Are there upcoming regulatory changes that might affect ACUVAIL's market?
Potential shifts include formulary restrictions or reimbursement policy updates, but no imminent regulatory barriers are expected as of now.
Q4: How much market share in ophthalmic NSAIDs could ACUVAIL potentially regain or expand?
Market share could stabilize around 15-20% unless new competitors or formulations disrupt existing dynamics.
Q5: What regions represent the best growth opportunities for ACUVAIL?
Emerging markets with increasing cataract surgeries, such as Asia-Pacific, could offer growth, although pricing in these regions tends to be lower.
References
- IQVIA. (2022). Ophthalmic NSAID Market Data.
- Alcon. (2023). ACUVAIL Prescribing Information.
- Grand View Research. (2022). Ophthalmic Drugs Market Analysis.
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