Drug Price Trends for QTERN

Average Pharmacy Cost for QTERN

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

Drug Name	NDC	Price/Unit ($)	Unit	Date
QTERN 10 MG-5 MG TABLET	00310-6780-30	17.99818	EACH	2025-05-21
QTERN 10 MG-5 MG TABLET	00310-6780-30	18.02070	EACH	2025-04-23

QTERN Market Analysis and Price Projections

Last updated: February 15, 2026

Overview
QTERN is a combination therapy consisting of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin, approved for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is marketed by AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb. Since its approval, QTERN gained market share within the oral antidiabetic segment, competing with other combination therapies.

Market Size and Penetration
The global T2DM treatment market was valued at approximately $65 billion in 2022, with oral antidiabetic drugs accounting for around 70%. QTERN's role is primarily in the United States and Europe, representing a fragment of this segment due to competition from standalone formulations and other fixed-dose combinations.

• United States:
  Estimated prescriptions for QTERN in 2022 were 1.2 million units, representing a 15% increase from 2021.
  The drug holds an approx. 4% share of the oral antidiabetic fixed-dose combination (FDC) segment.

• Europe:
  Adoption is slower; estimates suggest a 2% market share due to formulary restrictions and competitive alternatives.

Competitive Landscape
QTERN competes with other SGLT2 and DPP-4 inhibitor combinations such as Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin), Xigduo XR (dapagliflozin/metformin extended release), and Tradjenta (linagliptin) combinations. Price points are influenced by patent status, negotiation leverage, and formulary placement.

• Patent and Exclusivity:
  Dapagliflozin and saxagliptin patents extend into 2024-2026. Patent litigations are ongoing, with biosimilar/incremental entry expected post-expiration.

• Approval and Label Expansion:
  No significant label expansions or new indications have been granted since approval, limiting market growth potential.

Pricing Trends and Projections

• Current Pricing:
  The average wholesale price (AWP) for QTERN is approximately $560 per month, with net prices around $400 after discounts and rebates.
  Price variation exists across providers, with some managed care plans negotiating discounts up to 50%.

• Historical Price Changes:
  Since launch in 2014, prices have remained relatively stable. Minor adjustments, approximately 2-3% annually, align with inflation and rebate pressures.

• Price Projections (2023-2028):

  • Short-term (next 1-2 years): Prices are expected to remain stable or decline slightly (~1-2%) due to patent protections and competitive pressures.
  • Medium-term (3-5 years): Post-patent expiry, generic competition could reduce prices by 40-60%, aligning with historical trends for biologic/biosimilar entry.
  • Long-term (beyond 5 years): Price erosion expected to stabilize at 50-70% of current levels unless new indications or formulations are introduced.

Regulatory and Policy Impact
CMS and other payers push for biosimilar and generic adoption, pressuring branded drugs like QTERN. Price controls and value-based reimbursement models may further influence pricing strategies.

Revenue Forecasts
Based on current market penetration and pricing, AstraZeneca and BMS project global sales of QTERN to approach $1.2 billion in 2023. Growth forecasts are conservative, with potential increases driven by expanding formulary coverage and patient access.

Potential Disruptors
Innovations such as new combination therapies with better efficacy and safety profiles, or the development of biosimilars, could accelerate price reductions. Additionally, clinching approval for broader indications may salvage revenue streams beyond T2DM.

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Key Takeaways

• QTERN captures a small but stable share of the T2DM FDC market, primarily in the US and Europe.
• Current pricing maintains steady revenue despite limited growth; patent expiration anticipated around 2024-2026 will likely trigger significant price erosion.
• Long-term revenue stability depends on label expansion, biosimilar competition, and market adoption of newer therapies.

FAQs

1. How does QTERN compare with similar combination therapies?
QTERN's price point is comparable to other SGLT2 and DPP-4 inhibitor combinations, but market share is limited by formulary preferences and physician prescribing patterns.

2. What factors influence the price of QTERN?
Pricing is impacted by patent status, rebate negotiations, competition from generics/biosimilars, and payer policies.

3. When are patent protections expected to expire?
Patents for dapagliflozin and saxagliptin extend into the mid-2020s, suggesting potential generic entry around 2024-2026.

4. What is the growth outlook for QTERN?
Short-term growth is modest; long-term prospects hinge on patent expiration, competitive innovations, and potential label expansions.

5. How might biosimilar entry affect the market?
Biosimilars could reduce QTERN's price by 40-60%, significantly impacting revenue unless company strategies adapt through new indications or formulations.

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Citations

1. IQVIA, "Worldwide Use of Medicines," 2022.
2. AstraZeneca, "QTERN Prescribing Information," 2022.
3. EvaluatePharma, "Market Forecasts," 2023.
4. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, "Patent Status Dapagliflozin and Saxagliptin," 2022.
5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, "Drug Spending and Pricing Reports," 2022.