Last updated: February 24, 2026
What Is NDC 00168-0258?
NDC 00168-0258 corresponds to a pharmaceutical product, specifically Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release (SR) Tablets, 150 mg. It is marketed primarily as an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid. The product is produced by GlaxoSmithKline.
Market Size and Usage Trends
Current Market Data (2022-2023)
| Metric |
Data |
| Estimated US prescriptions (annual) |
7 million prescriptions |
| Competing drugs |
Varenicline (Chantix), Nicotine replacement therapy, other antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) |
| Leading indications |
Major depressive disorder, Smoking cessation |
| Market penetration in antidepressants |
Approx. 4.2% of all antidepressant prescriptions |
| Reimbursement landscape |
Generally covered under Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance |
Key Drivers
- Increased prevalence of depression (approx. 17.3 million US adults), driven by mental health awareness and expanded diagnosis.
- Rising smoking cessation efforts, especially post-pandemic, boosting demand for effective therapies.
- Generic availability reduces price and expands access, pressuring brand-name sales.
Competitive Landscape
- Varenicline (Chantix) remains the primary alternative for smoking cessation.
- Generic bupropion dominates in antidepressants, with over 80% market share for bupropion products.
- New entrants and biosimilars pose future competitive risks but are currently limited.
Price Trends and Projections
Past Pricing Dynamics (Last 3 Years)
| Year |
Average Wholesale Price (AWP) per 30-day supply |
Notes |
| 2020 |
$90 |
Branded product, high brand loyalty |
| 2021 |
$85 |
Introduction of generic formulations |
| 2022 |
$65 |
Increased generic market share, price compression |
Current Pricing (Q1 2023)
- Average wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for 30 tablets (150 mg) is approximately $50–$55.
- Medicaid and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have negotiated prices averaging $45 due to discounts and rebates.
Future Price Projections (Next 3-5 years)
| Projection Year |
Expected Price Range |
Primary Factors Affecting Price |
| 2024 |
$42–$55 |
Increased generic competition, rebates |
| 2025 |
$40–$50 |
Market saturation, price competition |
| 2026 |
$38–$48 |
Brand pressure, biosimilar entry |
Influencing Factors
- Generic market expansion reduces prices, driven by patent expirations, most notably after patent cliffs in 2018.
- Rebate strategies decrease actual transaction prices, although list prices decline less.
- Manufacturing costs remain stable or slightly decrease due to supply chain efficiencies.
- Regulatory changes affecting reimbursement and drug approval processes could impact pricing either upward or downward.
Regulatory and Market Outlook
- GSK has filed abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) for multiple generic versions, increasing competition.
- The entry of biosimilars and newer antidepressant or smoking cessation therapies could further drive down prices.
- Market saturation is expected to limit upward pricing potential beyond low single digits for the next 3-5 years.
Summary
| Aspect |
Data/Analysis |
| Market size |
~7 million prescriptions annually in the US |
| Price trend |
Declined from $90 (2020) to ~$50 (2023) due to generics |
| Future pricing |
Projected to stabilize around $40–$55 in next five years |
| Competitive landscape |
Dominated by generics with increasing biosimilar and alternative therapy entries |
Key Takeaways
- The market for NDC 00168-0258 is mature, heavily influenced by generics, with limited upside potential for price increases.
- Price declines are likely to continue, driven by generic competition and rebate strategies.
- The overall market remains stable, with no significant innovation expected in the near term.
- Competition from other antidepressants and smoking cessation options will constrain market growth.
- Supply chain efficiencies and regulatory pressures may further compress prices.
FAQs
1. What is the main driver behind the price decline of NDC 00168-0258?
Generic entry following patent expiry has increased market competition, leading to price reductions.
2. How do rebates and discounts influence the actual transaction price?
Rebates negotiated by payers lower the net price paid by insurers and pharmacy benefit managers, often making the real prices substantially lower than list prices.
3. Is there any significant innovation or new formulation expected for this drug?
No. The market for this drug is mature with no announced innovative formulations or formulations in recent clinical development.
4. How does the pricing of NDC 00168-0258 compare with alternative therapies?
It is generally comparable or slightly more affordable than branded alternatives but less than other generic antidepressants or smoking cessation aids.
5. What is the impact of biosimilars or competing drugs on its future sales?
The introduction of biosimilars or more effective therapies can further reduce sales volume and pressure prices downward.
References
- IQVIA. (2022). National Prescription Audit.
- GSK. (2023). Product and Pricing Data.
- Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. (2022). Price Trends.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023). Prevalence of Key Conditions.
- FDA. (2022). ANDA filings and approvals.
