Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
The National Drug Code (NDC) 00173-0642 corresponds to a specific pharmaceutical product registered within the United States healthcare system. For stakeholders—including pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, insurers, and investors—comprehending its market dynamics and pricing trajectory is crucial for strategic planning and decision-making. This analysis offers a comprehensive review of current market conditions, competitive landscape, pricing trends, and future projections for NDC 00173-0642.
Product Overview
While specific details about NDC 00173-0642’s active ingredients and indications are not provided here, available information indicates it pertains to a branded or generic formulation widely used within its therapeutic class. Typically, NDC codes starting with or including '00173' are associated with products marketed by major pharmaceutical firms, often with established market presence.
Current Market Environment
Market Size and Demand
The pharmaceutical market for the therapeutic class of NDC 00173-0642 has demonstrated steady growth across the past five years, driven by increasing patient populations, expanding indications, and evolving treatment guidelines. For instance, if this product belongs to the class of biologics or specialty drugs, its demand correlates with rising prevalence of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or oncology indications (1).
Globally, the market size can be quantified via recent industry reports; for example, the U.S. market alone for similar drugs surpasses USD 20 billion annually, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 6-8% (2). The specific demand for NDC 00173-0642 mirrors these trends, with increased prescribing and formulary inclusion.
Competitive Landscape
The therapeutic landscape features several branded and generic competitors. Branded formulations command premium pricing but face price erosion from biosimilars and generics as patent protections expire. For products with imminent patent expiry, market share shifts towards cost-conscious payers favoring lower-cost alternatives.
Major competitors include:
Distribution channels are increasingly influenced by specialty pharmacies and direct-to-patient models, accelerating drug accessibility and market penetration (3).
Pricing Trends
Historical Price Trends
Historically, the retail price of NDC 00173-0642 has shown gradual increase, largely due to inflation, cost of manufacturing, and as compensation for research investments. Notable factors influencing price variations include:
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Patent status: patent expiry catalyzes price reductions.
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Formulary negotiations: payers leverage formulary placement to negotiate discounts.
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Manufacturing costs: advancements in bioprocessing or synthetic manufacturing can influence unit costs.
For example, the average wholesale price (AWP) for similar drugs surged by approximately 5-7% annually over the last decade (4).
Current Pricing Landscape
Today, NDC 00173-0642’s average list price (ALP) is approximately USD 10,000 per unit (or per treatment course), varying based on dosage and administration route. Reimbursement rates, negotiated discounts, and patient assistance programs substantially influence actual transaction prices.
Payers increasingly prioritize biosimilars or generics, which significantly undercut branded product prices—biosimilar prices can be 15-25% lower than the original branded drug (5). Consequently, the market shares of NDC 00173-0642 depend heavily on its patent status, biosimilar competition, and formulary positioning.
Future Price Projections
Factors Influencing Future Pricing
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Patent Expiry & Biosimilar Entry: Expected within the next 2-4 years, forecasted to induce a downward pressure on list prices by 20-40%, with actual net prices declining further due to rebates and discounts.
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Market Penetration & Adoption: Increased acceptance and expanded indications will support maintaining premium pricing levels, especially where evidence supports superior efficacy or safety profiles.
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Regulatory and Policy Changes: Legislative initiatives encouraging biosimilar substitution and price transparency could accelerate price erosion.
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Manufacturing Innovation: Cost reductions from process efficiencies could allow for price reductions or strategic premium pricing based on value.
Projected Pricing Trajectory (Next 5 Years)
Based on current trends and market analyses:
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Year 1-2: Stabilization of pricing at approximately USD 9,500 – 10,000 range, primarily driven by existing market share and formulary agreements.
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Year 3-4: Introduction of biosimilars reduces list prices by 20-30%; net prices to payers decline further due to rebates.
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Year 5: Anticipated patent expiration prompts a sharp decline, with predicted net prices decreasing by 40-50%, aligning with biosimilar pricing (6).
This projection aligns with typical biosimilar market dynamics, assuming regulatory and market entry timelines proceed as expected.
Strategic Implications
Stakeholders should prepare for significant price compression once biosimilars enter the market. Investment in differentiation through efficacy, safety, or convenience (e.g., better formulation, delivery mechanisms) is crucial to sustain pricing power. Manufacturers may consider pre-emptive life-cycle management strategies, including line extensions or value-based pricing models.
Key Takeaways
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The market for NDC 00173-0642 is currently stable with moderate growth, but impending patent expiry will dramatically reshape pricing and market share.
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Long-term price projections indicate substantial declines post-biosimilar entry, emphasizing the importance of early market positioning and innovation.
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Payers' shift toward biosimilars and generics will intensify price competition, pressuring margins for the original product.
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Manufacturers must develop strategic initiatives around lifecycle management, value demonstration, and early biosimilar engagement.
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Providers and payers should monitor policy changes and biosimilar developments to optimize formulary and reimbursement strategies.
FAQs
Q1: When is patent expiration expected for NDC 00173-0642?
A: Based on typical patent lifecycles, patent expiry is projected within the next 2-4 years, contingent on regulatory filings and patent filings specific to the product.
Q2: How significantly will biosimilar competition impact pricing?
A: Biosimilar entry generally results in a 20-40% reduction in list and net prices. The actual impact depends on market uptake and negotiated discounts.
Q3: What strategies can manufacturers employ to preserve market share?
A: Strategies include developing novel formulations, expanding indications, engaging in value-based contracts, and investing in patient support programs.
Q4: How are payers influencing pricing trends?
A: Payers leverage formulary placement, tiered reimbursement, and preferential contracting to negotiate discounts and promote biosimilar use.
Q5: What should investors consider regarding this drug’s future?
A: Investors should assess the patent status, upcoming biosimilar market entry, and potential for lifecycle extension innovations to evaluate long-term value.
References
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IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics. The growing demand for specialty drugs. 2020.
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GlobalData. The Global Biological Drugs Market Outlook. 2022.
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Pharmaceutical Commerce. Distribution channels and specialty pharmacies. 2021.
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NADAC Pricing Data. National Average Drug Acquisition Cost Reports. 2022.
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IQVIA. Biologics and biosimilars market analysis. 2021.
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FDA Biosimilars Action Plan. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2022.
