Drug Price Trends for MEPROBAMATE

Average Pharmacy Cost for MEPROBAMATE

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

Drug Name	NDC	Price/Unit ($)	Unit	Date
MEPROBAMATE 200 MG TABLET	62332-0019-31	3.95366	EACH	2025-04-23
MEPROBAMATE 400 MG TABLET	69097-0975-07	5.56951	EACH	2025-04-23
MEPROBAMATE 200 MG TABLET	69097-0974-07	3.95366	EACH	2025-04-23
MEPROBAMATE 400 MG TABLET	62332-0020-31	5.56951	EACH	2025-04-23
MEPROBAMATE 200 MG TABLET	62332-0019-31	4.08179	EACH	2025-03-19
MEPROBAMATE 200 MG TABLET	69097-0974-07	4.08179	EACH	2025-03-19
MEPROBAMATE 400 MG TABLET	69097-0975-07	5.61145	EACH	2025-03-19

Market Analysis and Price Projections for Meprobamate

Introduction to Meprobamate

Meprobamate is a small molecule drug that targets the GABAA receptor, playing a crucial role in the regulation of inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, epilepsy, muscle rigidity, and sleep disorders[4].

Historical Use and Regulatory Status

Meprobamate has been authorized in several EU member states for decades, although its use has been subject to significant regulatory scrutiny. In 2012, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended the suspension of all marketing authorizations for meprobamate-containing medicines in the European Union due to the risks associated with serious side effects, including coma and addiction, outweighing the benefits[1].

Market Dynamics

Supply and Demand

The market for meprobamate has experienced fluctuations in supply and demand, particularly influenced by regulatory actions and market competition. After the EMA's recommendation to suspend marketing authorizations, the drug's availability decreased significantly in the EU. However, it remains available in some regions, albeit under stricter regulations.

Manufacturer Landscape

In the U.S. market, the supply of meprobamate has been dominated by a few key manufacturers. Historically, companies like Heritage and Dr. Reddy’s have been major players, but changes in the market landscape, such as Heritage's exit in 2016, have led to Dr. Reddy’s becoming a de facto monopolist for both the 200 mg and 400 mg versions of the drug[5].

Pricing Trends

Pre-Cartel and Post-Cartel Pricing

The pricing of meprobamate has been significantly impacted by allegations of collusion among manufacturers. Prior to the cartel period, the average price of meprobamate was around $4.57 per defined daily dose (DDD). However, during the cartel period, prices increased by $7.57 per DDD, representing a 166% increase. This price hike was sustained even after the investigation into the cartel began[5].

Current Pricing

As of recent data, the cost for meprobamate 200 mg oral tablets can range from $2.26 to $5.87 per unit, depending on the dosage and pharmacy. For example, a supply of 100 tablets of 200 mg meprobamate can cost around $226, while 100 tablets of 400 mg can cost approximately $587[2].

Factors Influencing Price Projections

Regulatory Environment

Regulatory actions, such as the EMA's recommendation to suspend marketing authorizations, significantly impact the drug's availability and pricing. In regions where meprobamate is still available, strict regulations can lead to higher production and distribution costs, which may be passed on to consumers.

Market Competition

The exit of key manufacturers and the dominance of a single supplier can lead to monopolistic pricing. For instance, after Heritage left the market, Dr. Reddy’s became the sole supplier, which can result in higher prices due to the lack of competition[5].

Clinical Trials and Research

Despite the regulatory challenges, ongoing research and clinical trials may revitalize interest in meprobamate. However, any new developments would need to address the safety concerns that led to its suspension in the EU[4].

Price Projections

Given the current market dynamics and historical trends, here are some key points to consider for price projections:

• Short-Term Projections: Prices are likely to remain high due to the limited competition and the monopolistic market structure. The average price per DDD could continue to be elevated, potentially around the post-cartel levels.

  "The price increases in 2013 and never drops back to the level of 2011-2012"[5].

• Long-Term Projections: If new manufacturers enter the market or if there are significant changes in regulatory policies, prices could stabilize or decrease. However, without substantial competition or regulatory relief, prices are likely to remain elevated.

• Impact of Generic Competition: The entry of generic versions could potentially reduce prices. However, the history of collusion and the current market structure suggest that any new entrants might face significant barriers to entry.

Conclusion

Meprobamate's market and pricing are heavily influenced by regulatory actions, market competition, and the historical context of collusion among manufacturers. While the drug remains an important treatment option in certain regions, its future pricing will depend on how these factors evolve.

Key Takeaways

• Regulatory Impact: The EMA's recommendation to suspend marketing authorizations significantly affects meprobamate's availability and pricing.
• Market Competition: The dominance of a single supplier can lead to higher prices due to the lack of competition.
• Pricing Trends: Prices have historically been elevated due to collusion and the current monopolistic market structure.
• Future Projections: Prices are likely to remain high in the short term but could stabilize or decrease with changes in market competition or regulatory policies.

FAQs

1. Why was meprobamate's marketing authorization suspended in the EU? Meprobamate's marketing authorization was suspended in the EU due to the risks associated with serious side effects, including coma and addiction, outweighing the benefits[1].

2. How has the pricing of meprobamate been affected by market competition? The pricing of meprobamate has been significantly impacted by the dominance of a single supplier, leading to higher prices due to the lack of competition. Historical collusion among manufacturers also led to a 166% increase in prices[5].

3. What are the current prices for meprobamate? As of recent data, the cost for meprobamate 200 mg oral tablets can range from $2.26 to $5.87 per unit, depending on the dosage and pharmacy[2].

4. How might future clinical trials and research impact meprobamate's market? Ongoing research and clinical trials could revitalize interest in meprobamate, but any new developments would need to address the safety concerns that led to its suspension in the EU[4].

5. What factors will influence meprobamate's price projections? Price projections will be influenced by the regulatory environment, market competition, and any changes in the market structure, such as the entry of new manufacturers or generic versions[5].

Sources

1. European Medicines Agency. European Medicines Agency recommends suspension of marketing authorisations for meprobamate-containing medicines in the European Union. Retrieved from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/european-medicines-agency-recommends-suspension-marketing-authorisations-meprobamate-containing-medicines-european-union
2. Drugs.com. Meprobamate Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/meprobamate
3. SAGE Journals. Pharmacokinetic modeling of carisoprodol and meprobamate. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0960327116672912
4. Patsnap Synapse. Unleashing the Power of Meprobamate: A Comprehensive Review on R&D Breakthroughs. Retrieved from https://synapse.patsnap.com/blog/unleashing-the-power-of-meprobamate-a-comprehensive-review-on-randd-breakthroughs
5. EconStor. Collusion in the US generic drug industry. Retrieved from https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/260480/1/qed-wp-1474.pdf