Drug Price Trends for RETACRIT

Average Pharmacy Cost for RETACRIT

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

Drug Name	NDC	Price/Unit ($)	Unit	Date
RETACRIT 10,000 UNIT/ML VIAL	00069-1308-10	107.11642	ML	2025-05-21
RETACRIT 10,000 UNIT/ML VIAL	00069-1308-10	107.62756	ML	2025-04-23
RETACRIT 10,000 UNIT/ML VIAL	00069-1308-10	107.40933	ML	2025-03-19
RETACRIT 10,000 UNIT/ML VIAL	00069-1308-10	107.39263	ML	2025-02-19
RETACRIT 10,000 UNIT/ML VIAL	00069-1308-10	107.63600	ML	2025-01-22
RETACRIT 10,000 UNIT/ML VIAL	00069-1308-10	107.62438	ML	2024-12-18
RETACRIT 10,000 UNIT/ML VIAL	00069-1308-10	107.76340	ML	2024-10-23

Market Analysis and Price Projections for RETACRIT (Epoetin Alfa-epbx)

Overview of RETACRIT

RETACRIT, also known as epoetin alfa-epbx, is a biosimilar to epoetin alfa, which is used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy, and certain surgical procedures. It is a recombinant human erythropoietin that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Market Size and Growth

The global erythropoietin drugs market, which includes RETACRIT, is projected to experience significant growth. According to Transparency Market Research, the erythropoietin drugs market is estimated to reach $14.3 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2024 to 2034[1].

Another report by Allied Market Research indicates that the erythropoietin drugs market was valued at $9,243.12 million in 2020 and is projected to reach $14,414.59 million by 2028, with a CAGR of 5.7% from 2021 to 2028[4].

Pricing Strategy

RETACRIT was introduced by Pfizer at a significantly lower price compared to its reference products, Procrit and Epogen. It is priced at a Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) of $11.03 per 1,000 units/mL, which is 57.1% below the WAC of Procrit and 33.5% below the WAC of Epogen[2].

Here is a breakdown of the prices for different concentrations of RETACRIT:

• 2000 units/mL preservative-free: Around $241.79 for a supply of 10 milliliters[5].
• 3000 units/mL preservative-free: Around $357.94 for a supply of 10 milliliters[5].
• 4000 units/mL preservative-free: Around $474.08 for a supply of 10 milliliters[5].
• 10,000 units/mL: Around $1,170.96 for a supply of 10 milliliters[5].
• 20,000 units/mL: Around $2,332.42 for a supply of 10 milliliters[5].

Market Drivers

Several factors are driving the growth of the erythropoietin market, including RETACRIT:

• Rise in Prevalence of Anemic Conditions: The increasing prevalence of anemia induced by end-stage renal disease, chemotherapy, and antiretroviral treatment is a primary driver[4].
• Advancements in Precision Medicine: There is a growing emphasis on tailoring erythropoietin therapy to individual patient characteristics, optimizing treatment efficacy and minimizing adverse effects[1].
• Regulatory Reforms: Ongoing regulatory reforms aimed at streamlining approval processes for biosimilars and biologics are fostering market competition and driving down costs, enhancing accessibility to erythropoietin therapy[1].

Market Opportunities

The market for RETACRIT and other erythropoietin drugs is also influenced by several opportunities:

• Increasing Demand for Biosimilars: The trend towards commercialization of erythropoietin biosimilars, such as RETACRIT, is expected to continue, driven by favorable government regulations and increasing awareness of the benefits of these therapies[4].
• Retail Pharmacy Expansion: An increase in the number of erythropoietin therapeutics being delivered through retail pharmacies, especially in highly developed countries, can create additional market opportunities[3].

Challenges and Restraints

Despite the growth potential, the market faces some challenges:

• Side Effects: Side effects associated with erythropoietin therapy, such as arterial hypertension, iron deficiency, and influenza-like syndrome, can restrain market growth[4].
• Longer Treatment Duration: The longer duration of erythropoietin treatment (typically 4-6 weeks) can also be a factor limiting adoption[4].

Patient Access and Affordability

The introduction of biosimilars like RETACRIT has significantly improved patient access to erythropoietin therapy due to their lower prices. For example, RETACRIT is priced substantially lower than its reference products, making it more affordable for patients.

"RETACRIT will be introduced at a Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) of $11.03 per 1,000 units/mL, which is 57.1% below the WAC of Procrit (epoetin alfa) [$25.72 per 1,000 units/mL] and 33.5% below the WAC of Epogen (epoetin alfa) [$16.58 per 1,000 units/mL]"[2].

Key Takeaways

• Market Growth: The erythropoietin drugs market, including RETACRIT, is projected to grow significantly, reaching $14.3 billion by 2034.
• Pricing Advantage: RETACRIT is priced lower than its reference products, enhancing affordability and accessibility.
• Market Drivers: Rise in anemic conditions, advancements in precision medicine, and regulatory reforms are key drivers.
• Opportunities: Increasing demand for biosimilars and expansion of retail pharmacies offer growth opportunities.
• Challenges: Side effects and longer treatment durations are restraints to market growth.

FAQs

What is RETACRIT used for?

RETACRIT (epoetin alfa-epbx) is used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy, and certain surgical procedures.

How is RETACRIT priced compared to other erythropoietin drugs?

RETACRIT is priced significantly lower than its reference products, Procrit and Epogen, with a WAC of $11.03 per 1,000 units/mL, which is 57.1% below Procrit and 33.5% below Epogen.

What are the key drivers of the erythropoietin market growth?

The key drivers include the rise in prevalence of anemic conditions, advancements in precision medicine, and ongoing regulatory reforms aimed at streamlining approval processes for biosimilars.

What are the potential challenges for the erythropoietin market?

Side effects associated with erythropoietin therapy and the longer duration of treatment are potential challenges.

How does the introduction of biosimilars like RETACRIT impact patient access?

The introduction of biosimilars like RETACRIT improves patient access to erythropoietin therapy by offering more affordable options.

Sources

1. Transparency Market Research Inc. - "Erythropoietin Drugs Market Estimated to Reach USD 14.3 billion Advancing at a CAGR of 3.8 by 2034"[1].
2. Biospace - "Pfizer Introduced Biosimilar RETACRIT™ (epoetin alfa-epbx) in the U.S. at a Substantial Discount"[2].
3. Data Bridge Market Research - "Global Erythropoietic Protoporphyria Drugs Market"[3].
4. Allied Market Research - "Erythropoietin Drugs Market Size and Share Report, 2033"[4].
5. Drugs.com - "Retacrit Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance"[5].

Last updated: 2024-12-30