Last updated: August 2, 2025
Introduction
NDC 00093-7271 corresponds to a specific pharmaceutical product registered within the National Drug Code (NDC) system. Precise details about the drug, including its generic name, therapeutic class, and manufacturer, influence market dynamics and pricing considerations. Based on available data, NDC 00093-7271 is associated with Reyataz (atazanavir sulfate), an antiretroviral medication primarily used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. This analysis evaluates current market trends and projects future price trajectories based on competitive landscape, patent status, manufacturing costs, regulatory factors, and market demand.
Product Overview and Market Positioning
Reyataz (atazanavir sulfate) is a protease inhibitor developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb. Approved by the FDA in 2003, it serves as a cornerstone in combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) regimens. The drug's patent exclusivity has historically protected its pricing, but patent cliffs and the entry of generic equivalents influence its market valuation.
The drug’s positioning relies on its efficacy, side effect profile, dosing convenience, and resistance profile. Market share remains significant due to its established effectiveness in HIV management, compounded by brand loyalty and prescriber habits.
Market Dynamics
a. Current Market Landscape
Global HIV Treatment Market:
The global HIV therapeutics market was valued at approximately $16 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3-5% through 2028 [1]. Dominated by drugs such as Dolutegravir-based regimens, the market gradually shifts with the emergence of generics, biosimilars, and newer agents with improved safety data.
Market Share for Atazanavir:
Within protease inhibitors, atazanavir, including Reyataz, maintains a sizable niche, especially in regions where its favorable dosing and lipid profile are favored. The drug's in-market sales are sensitive to generic entry—Key for projecting future revenue and pricing trends.
b. Patent Expiry and Generic Competition
The original patent for Reyataz expired in the U.S. in June 2019 for the primary patent estate, opening the door for generic competition [2]. Multiple manufacturers have launched generic atazanavir sulfate products, leading to substantial price erosion.
The advent of generics has precipitated a sharp decline in brand-name drug prices—by as much as 60-70%—but some market segments, particularly in emerging markets and specialized healthcare settings, continue to sustain higher prices due to regulatory and distribution barriers.
c. Regulatory and Reimbursement Factors
In the U.S., insurance formularies increasingly favor generics to control costs. While branded Reyataz maintains a niche for specific patient populations, broader market penetration of generics compresses prices.
International markets, especially in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, display variable regulatory approval timelines and pricing controls, which can sustain higher prices in certain regions owing to tariffs, import taxes, or limited generic availability.
Price Trends and Projections
a. Current Pricing Snapshot
-
Brand-name Reyataz (NDC 00093-7271):
The average wholesale price (AWP) for a 30-day supply was approximately $2,200–$2,600 in 2022, depending on dosage and pharmacy sourcing [3].
-
Generic Atazanavir Sulfate:
Post-patent expiration, prices declined sharply, with AWP reports indicating $200–$400 per 30-day supply in the U.S., with further discounts via negotiated insurance contracts.
b. Short-term (1-2 years) Price Trajectory
The near-term outlook suggests stabilization of generic atazanavir prices, with potential minor fluctuations driven by manufacturing costs and supply chain factors. Ongoing price competition is expected to prevent any significant rebound in brand-name pricing.
c. Long-term (3-5 years) Projection
-
Market Maturity:
By 2025-2027, the market will likely reach a mature state dominated by generics, with brand-name Reyataz maintaining minimal market share except in niche or formulary exclusivity cases.
-
Price Evolution:
Prices for generics could further decrease by 10-20%, influenced by increased manufacturing efficiencies, generic brand consolidations, and potential biosimilar or alternative therapy introductions.
-
Emerging Factors:
Development of novel protease inhibitors with better safety or dosing profiles could further diminish demand for atazanavir, exerting downward pressure on prices.
Market Opportunities and Challenges
Opportunities:
-
Emerging Markets:
Pharmaceutical companies can expand sales by tailoring pricing strategies to regions with limited generic availability, high HIV prevalence, and constrained healthcare budgets.
-
Combination Therapy Development:
Innovations blending atazanavir with other agents may revitalize its clinical role, potentially impacting pricing structures.
Challenges:
-
Generic Competition:
Intense price competition from multiple generic manufacturers distorts profitability for brand-name drugs.
-
Regulatory Barriers:
Patent disputes, regulatory delays, or restrictions in specific countries could inflate prices temporarily but generally favor generics’ dominance in the long run.
Implications for Stakeholders
-
Manufacturers: Should focus on differentiating through clinical efficacy or formulation innovations to sustain pricing power.
-
Providers and Payers: Benefit from declining prices, but must consider the impact on drug accessibility and adherence.
-
Patients: Stand to gain from lower costs due to generics, though access barriers remain in certain regions.
Key Takeaways
-
The patent expiration of NDC 00093-7271's branded Reyataz has resulted in significant price erosion, with generics now dominating the market.
-
Short-term prices for brand-name Reyataz are expected to plateau or decline marginally, given market saturation and competitive pressures.
-
Long-term projections indicate continued downward massaging of prices, averaging 10-20% decreases over 3-5 years, especially outside the U.S.
-
Market expansion into emerging economies driven by HIV prevalence may support higher prices temporarily, but overall market forces favor price reductions.
-
Innovator companies should explore differentiation through formulations, compliance, and combination therapies to preserve margins against generic incursions.
Conclusion
The trajectory of NDC 00093-7271 exemplifies how patent expiration catalyzes substantial market shifts, with pricing declining due to competition. Stakeholders must adapt strategies accordingly, emphasizing cost-efficiency, access, and innovation to maximize long-term value in the evolving HIV treatment landscape.
FAQs
1. When did the patent for Reyataz (atazanavir) expire?
The primary patent in the U.S. expired in June 2019, leading to the entry of generic competitors.
2. How has the price of Reyataz changed since patent expiration?
Prices for branded Reyataz have declined by approximately 60-70%, with generics offering supplies at around 10-15% of original brand prices.
3. Will the price of atazanavir return to pre-patent levels?
Unlikely. Market saturation, generic competition, and the availability of newer therapies keep prices suppressed in the long term.
4. Which regions offer the highest potential for profitable sales of branded Reyataz?
Emerging markets with limited generic penetration and high HIV prevalence, such as parts of Latin America and Africa, potentially support higher prices temporarily.
5. Are there ongoing developments that could influence future atazanavir pricing?
Yes. Development of new formulations, fixed-dose combinations, or resistance issues might temporarily shift demand, but overall market trends favor price declines.
References
[1] MarketsandMarkets. "HIV Therapeutics Market," 2022.
[2] U.S. FDA. "Patent and Exclusivity Status for Reyataz," 2019.
[3] Medi-Span, 2022. "Wholesale Acquisition Cost Data for Atazanavir."
