Drug Price Trends for BUDESONIDE-FORMOTEROL

Average Pharmacy Cost for BUDESONIDE-FORMOTEROL

These are average pharmacy acquisition costs (net of discounts) from a US national survey

Drug Name	NDC	Price/Unit ($)	Unit	Date
BUDESONIDE-FORMOTEROL 160-4.5	00310-7370-20	18.52344	GM	2024-12-18
BUDESONIDE-FORMOTEROL 80-4.5	00310-7372-20	15.75595	GM	2024-12-18
BUDESONIDE-FORMOTEROL 160-4.5	00310-7370-20	17.54808	GM	2024-11-20
BUDESONIDE-FORMOTEROL 80-4.5	00310-7372-20	14.74679	GM	2024-11-20

Market Analysis and Price Projections for Budesonide-Formoterol

Introduction to Budesonide-Formoterol

Budesonide-formoterol, a combination of a corticosteroid (budesonide) and a long-acting beta-agonist (formoterol), is widely used for the treatment of asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This medication is available under various brand names, including Symbicort and Breyna.

Market Size and Growth

The global budesonide inhaler market, which includes budesonide-formoterol, has been experiencing significant growth. As of 2017, the market was valued at $5.25 billion and was projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2018 to 2026, reaching $8.24 billion by 2026[1].

More recent projections indicate that the budesonide inhaler market is expected to continue growing, with a forecasted CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2034, reaching $13.6 billion by 2034[4].

Key Drivers of Market Growth

Several factors are driving the growth of the budesonide-formoterol market:

• Increasing Incidence of Asthma and COPD: The rising number of patients affected by asthma and COPD globally is a significant driver. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 26 million people in the U.S. have asthma, regardless of age, gender, or race[1].
• Launch of Generic Versions: The introduction of generic versions of budesonide inhalers by key players such as Lupin and others has expanded the consumer base, especially in low- and middle-income economies[1][4].
• New Drug Combinations: Companies are focusing on developing new drug combinations, particularly for the pediatric population. For example, AstraZeneca's Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate) was approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of asthma in pediatric patients aged 6 to 12 years[1].

Regional Market Analysis

The budesonide-formoterol market is geographically diverse, with different regions showing varying levels of growth:

• Asia Pacific: This region is expected to show significant growth due to the presence of major companies in emerging economies such as China, India, and Japan. Companies like Cipla Limited, Lupin Limited, and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. are key players in this region[1].
• North America: This region was the dominant market in 2023, driven by high healthcare spending and a large patient base[4].
• Europe: Countries such as Germany, the U.K., France, Italy, and Spain also contribute significantly to the market, with a strong presence of pharmaceutical companies[4].

Price Analysis

The prices of budesonide-formoterol inhalers vary based on the dosage, form, and region:

• Inhalation Aerosol: The cost for budesonide/formoterol (160 mcg-4.5 mcg/inh) inhalation aerosol can range from $309 to $352 for a supply of 10.2 grams, depending on the pharmacy and location[2].
• International Pricing: Prices can be significantly lower when purchased from mail-order pharmacies abroad. For example, Symbicort 200 mcg/6 mcg can be available for as low as $38 per inhaler from international sources, compared to around $158 in the U.S.[5].

Distribution Channels

The distribution of budesonide-formoterol inhalers is primarily through:

• Hospital Pharmacies: This segment accounted for the largest share in 2023, indicating a strong presence in healthcare institutions[4].
• Retail Pharmacies: These also play a crucial role, especially with the availability of discount cards and patient assistance programs[2].

Competitive Landscape

The market is highly competitive with several key players:

• AstraZeneca: The original marketer of budesonide and a major player with its Symbicort brand[1].
• Lupin Limited: Known for launching generic versions of budesonide inhalers[1].
• Cipla Limited: Another significant player in the Asia Pacific region[1].
• Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd.: Active in developing and marketing budesonide-formoterol products[1].

Future Outlook

The future of the budesonide-formoterol market looks promising due to several factors:

• Increasing Demand: The growing prevalence of asthma and COPD will continue to drive demand for these medications[4].
• Innovative Products: The development of new drug combinations and the potential for over-the-counter (OTC) use for mild asthma could further boost the market[4].

Key Takeaways

• The budesonide-formoterol market is expected to grow significantly due to increasing incidences of asthma and COPD.
• Generic versions and new drug combinations are expanding the market.
• Asia Pacific and North America are key regions driving market growth.
• Prices vary significantly based on location and distribution channels.
• The market is highly competitive with several major pharmaceutical companies involved.

FAQs

Q: What is the primary use of budesonide-formoterol? A: Budesonide-formoterol is primarily used for the treatment of asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Q: Which regions are expected to show significant growth in the budesonide-formoterol market? A: Asia Pacific and North America are expected to show significant growth in the budesonide-formoterol market.

Q: How much does a budesonide-formoterol inhaler typically cost? A: The cost can range from $309 to $352 for a supply of 10.2 grams, depending on the pharmacy and location.

Q: Which companies are key players in the budesonide-formoterol market? A: Key players include AstraZeneca, Lupin Limited, Cipla Limited, and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd.

Q: What is the forecasted growth rate of the budesonide inhaler market from 2024 to 2034? A: The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2034.

Sources

1. Global Budesonide Inhaler Market to Surpass US$ 8.24 Billion by 2026 - Coherent Market Insights[1]
2. Budesonide/formoterol Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance - Drugs.com[2]
3. Budesonide / Formoterol Sales, Price Analysis, & Sales Forecasts 2017-2021 - Research and Markets[3]
4. Budesonide Inhaler Market Size, Share & Trends, Forecast - 2034 - Transparency Market Research[4]
5. Pharmaceutical drug prices and trends for SYMBICORT - Drug Patent Watch[5]