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Drug Price Trends for VERQUVO

Average Pharmacy Cost for VERQUVO

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

Drug Name	NDC	Price/Unit ($)	Unit	Date
VERQUVO 2.5 MG TABLET	00006-5028-02	22.20359	EACH	2025-01-06
VERQUVO 10 MG TABLET	00006-5030-01	22.21389	EACH	2025-01-06
VERQUVO 10 MG TABLET	00006-5030-03	22.21389	EACH	2025-01-06
VERQUVO 10 MG TABLET	00006-5030-02	22.21389	EACH	2025-01-06
VERQUVO 5 MG TABLET	00006-5029-04	22.21222	EACH	2025-01-06
VERQUVO 2.5 MG TABLET	00006-5028-01	22.20359	EACH	2025-01-06

Market Analysis and Price Projections for VERQUVO

Introduction to VERQUVO

VERQUVO, or vericiguat, is a vasodilator approved by the FDA in January 2021 to treat patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), particularly those who have recently been hospitalized or received diuretics for acute decompensated heart failure[1][3][4].

Market Landscape

The heart failure treatment market is highly competitive, with established players like Novartis' Entresto and AstraZeneca's Farxiga. VERQUVO enters this market with a unique mechanism of action, stimulating soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) to restore a deficient pathway critical in heart failure progression[4].

Competitive Positioning

VERQUVO is positioned as a complementary therapy rather than a replacement for existing treatments. It works in conjunction with standard of care therapies like Entresto, reducing the risk of death and hospitalization by 4.2% when used together[4].

Sales Projections

Despite its unique benefits, analysts have been cautious about VERQUVO's sales potential. SVB Leerink analyst Daina Graybosch projected a "very slow sales ramp" for VERQUVO, with U.S. sales estimated to be in the "low single-digit millions" in 2021, rising to $50 million in 2022 and 2023. The peak sales estimate is around $300 million, based on a 30% penetration in a subgroup of HFrEF patients not optimally managed on Entresto[1].

Pricing and Cost

The cost of VERQUVO is significant, reflecting the typical pricing of brand-name drugs. A 14-tablet supply of VERQUVO 2.5 mg or 5 mg tablets costs around $340, while a 30-tablet supply costs approximately $718. The cost can vary based on the pharmacy, insurance coverage, and any available savings programs[2][5].

Financial and Insurance Assistance

Given the high cost, financial assistance programs are crucial for patients. These programs can include copay cards, patient assistance plans, and discounts available through various pharmacies. The cost with insurance can also vary widely depending on the specific plan and coverage[2][5].

Generic Availability

As of now, VERQUVO is available only as a brand-name drug, with no generic version available. This means that the cost is likely to remain high until the patent expires and generic versions can be developed, potentially leading to lower costs through marketplace competition[2][5].

Clinical Trials and Future Studies

Merck and Bayer are committed to further studying VERQUVO, as evidenced by the initiation of the Phase 3 VICTOR trial. This study aims to enroll approximately 6,000 adults with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction who have not had a recent worsening heart failure event. This trial could provide additional data to support broader use and potentially improve sales projections[3].

Industry Expert Insights

Lars Schwichtenberg, Bayer’s global head of cardio renal and heart disease, emphasizes that VERQUVO is designed to help a severely sick patient population by restoring a deficient pathway not addressed by current therapies. This complementary approach is seen as a key to its success, despite the competitive market landscape[4].

Market Challenges

The main challenges for VERQUVO include the dominance of other heart failure treatments like Entresto and the looming presence of SGLT2 inhibitors like Farxiga. Physicians may reserve VERQUVO for last-line treatment in sicker patients, which could limit its market penetration[1][4].

Key Statistics

• Approval: VERQUVO was approved by the FDA in January 2021[1][3][4].
• Sales Projections: Estimated U.S. sales of $50 million in 2022 and 2023, with peak sales around $300 million[1].
• Pricing: A 14-tablet supply costs around $340, and a 30-tablet supply costs approximately $718[2].
• Clinical Trials: The VICTOR trial aims to enroll 6,000 adults with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction[3].

Conclusion

VERQUVO faces significant challenges in a highly competitive heart failure treatment market, but its unique mechanism of action and complementary role to existing therapies offer potential for niche success. While sales projections are modest, ongoing clinical trials and financial assistance programs may help in expanding its market share.

Key Takeaways

• Unique Mechanism: VERQUVO works by stimulating soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), a pathway not addressed by current heart failure therapies.
• Complementary Therapy: It is designed to work in conjunction with standard of care therapies like Entresto.
• Sales Projections: Estimated peak sales around $300 million, with a slow sales ramp initially.
• Pricing: High cost, with a 14-tablet supply costing around $340.
• Clinical Trials: Ongoing Phase 3 VICTOR trial to study its efficacy in a broader patient population.
• Financial Assistance: Available through copay cards, patient assistance plans, and pharmacy discounts.

FAQs

Q: What is VERQUVO used for?

A: VERQUVO (vericiguat) is used to treat adults with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), particularly those who have recently been hospitalized or received diuretics for acute decompensated heart failure.

Q: How does VERQUVO differ from other heart failure treatments?

A: VERQUVO works by stimulating soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), restoring a deficient pathway not addressed by current therapies like Entresto and Farxiga.

Q: What are the projected sales for VERQUVO?

A: Analysts project a slow sales ramp, with estimated U.S. sales of $50 million in 2022 and 2023, and peak sales around $300 million.

Q: How expensive is VERQUVO?

A: A 14-tablet supply of VERQUVO costs around $340, and a 30-tablet supply costs approximately $718.

Q: Are there any financial assistance programs available for VERQUVO?

A: Yes, financial assistance programs include copay cards, patient assistance plans, and discounts available through various pharmacies.

Sources

1. FiercePharma: "Merck, Bayer win FDA nod for Verquvo, even more competitive heart failure field"[1].
2. Drugs.com: "Verquvo Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance"[2].
3. Merck: "Merck Announces Initiation of Phase 3 Study Evaluating VERQUVO (vericiguat) in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction Who Have Not Had a Recent Worsening Heart Failure Event"[3].
4. FiercePharma: "ESC 2021: Bayer and Merck's Verquvo stakes its claim as a complementary therapy"[4].
5. MedicalNewsToday: "Verquvo cost 2024: Coupons and more"[5].