These are wholesale prices available to the US Federal Government which, by law, must be the best prices available under comparable terms and conditions
Price type key:
Federal Supply Schedule (FSS): generally available to all Federal Govt agencies /
'BIG4' prices: VA, DoD, Public Health & Coast Guard only /
National Contracts (NC): Available to specific agencies
Market Analysis and Price Projections for NDC 00024-5851
Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is NDC 00024-5851?
NDC 00024-5851 corresponds to Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection. It is used for managing moderate to severe pain and acts as an opioid analgesic.
Market Overview
Current Market Size
The global opioid analgesics market was valued at approximately USD 11.8 billion in 2022. Hydromorphone, as part of this class, accounts for a significant share due to its potency and clinical efficacy. The U.S. market contributes the majority, driven by consistent opioid prescriptions in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Regulatory and Usage Trends
Increased scrutiny over opioid prescription practices has affected demand growth slightly.
Usage is likely to remain stable in hospital and palliative care settings.
Rising adoption of opioid alternatives and non-opioid pain management options in outpatient treatments is a long-term trend.
Manufacturing and Supply Dynamics
Consolidation among leading API producers and branded drug manufacturers.
Dependence on geopolitically sensitive raw material sources influences supply stability.
COVID-19 disrupted logistics, impacting production and inventory levels.
Competitive Landscape
Key Brands and Market Share
Brand Name
Manufacturer
Estimated Market Share
Remarks
Dilaudid Injection
Purdue Pharma
45%
Leading brand in hospital injection use.
Generic Hydromorphone
Multiple
55%
Growing due to patent expiry.
Patent and Exclusivity Status
No active patents restrict generic entry; patent expiry occurred in 2015.
No recent exclusivity rights have been granted.
Regulatory Environment
Strict regulations on opioid prescribing due to abuse potential.
New guidelines focus on minimizing overdose risk, influencing prescribing behaviors.
Price Analysis
Current Pricing
Brand-name Dilaudid Injection: Wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) around USD 25 per 1 mg vial.
Generic Hydromorphone Injection: WAC ranges from USD 15 to 20 per 1 mg vial.
Pricing Trends
Slight downward pressure in pricing due to increased generic competition.
Price erosion of approximately 3-5% annually observed over the past three years.
Hospital procurement contracts often result in discounts of 10-15% on WAC.
Volume and Revenue Projections
Estimated annual sales in the U.S. approximate USD 70-80 million.
Considering steady hospital utilization, sales volumes are predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1-2% through 2027.
Market Forecast and Price Projections (2023–2027)
Year
Estimated Market Size (USD millions)
Price per 1 mg vial (USD)
Projected CAGR
Key Drivers
2023
80
15–20
N/A
Stable prescriber demand, patent expiry established
2024
82–83
14.5–19.5
1–2%
Continued generic competition, pricing pressure
2025
84–85
14–19
1–2%
Slight market stabilization, slight volume growth
2026
86–87
13.5–18.5
1–2%
Cost-containment measures, potential impact of new guidelines
2027
88–89
13–18
1–2%
Ongoing market maturity, slight pricing declines
Key assumptions:
Price reductions driven primarily by increasing generic availability.
Stable hospital demand due to the essential nature of the drug.
Regulatory pressures not significantly impacting supply or demand.
Risks and Opportunities
Risks
Policy shifts could further restrict opioid prescriptions.
Diversification into non-opioid therapies may reduce demand.
Supply chain disruptions affecting raw material availability.
Opportunities
Development of abuse-deterrent formulations.
Expansion into emerging markets with growing hospital infrastructure.
Value-based pricing with payers based on pain management outcomes.
Key Takeaways
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection maintains a stable market with slow growth.
Competition from generics has pressured prices downward.
Healthcare regulations remain a significant factor affecting market dynamics.
Volume growth remains steady, but pricing will continue to decline incrementally.
The market outlook is cautious, emphasizing supply stability and regulatory compliance.
FAQs
What determines the price of hydromorphone injection?
Bedside procurement contracts, generic competition, manufacturing costs, and regulatory pressures shape pricing.
How is market demand expected to change in the next five years?
Demand will likely remain stable with minor growth driven by hospital use; prescription restrictions could dampen growth.
Are there alternative therapies impacting the hydromorphone market?
Yes, non-opioid analgesics and new pain management modalities may limit future growth.
What are the key regulatory concerns for this drug?
Abuse potential, diversion, and the implementation of stricter prescribing guidelines.
Is the market favoring branded or generic hydromorphone?
Generics dominate due to patent expiry, with increasing share from price-sensitive purchasers.
References
[1] IQVIA. (2023). Opioid analgesics market report.
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Drug approvals and patent status.
[3] Health and Human Services. (2021). Opioid prescribing guidelines.
[4] GlobalData. (2022). Pain management therapeutics market analysis.
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