Last updated: August 11, 2025
Introduction
NDC: 00173-0759 corresponds to Suvorexant, a prescription medication marketed primarily under the brand name Belsomra. Approved by the FDA in 2014, Suvorexant is indicated for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty with sleep onset and/or maintenance. As a relatively recent entrant into the sleep aid market, it has distinguished itself with a novel mechanism of action targeting orexin receptors, positioning it amidst a competitive landscape of sedative-hypnotics. This report explores current market dynamics, competitive positioning, and future pricing trends.
Market Landscape
Therapeutic Market Context
Insomnia affects approximately 10-30% of adults worldwide, with significant impact on productivity, mental health, and quality of life. The insomnia pharmacotherapy market is sizable, projected to reach over $5 billion globally by 2025, driven by increasing prevalence, aging populations, and unmet clinical needs.
Current Market Players
Suvorexant's primary competitors include:
- Zolpidem (Ambien, Edluar)
- Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
- Zaleplon (Sonata)
- Ramelteon (Rozerem)
- Diphenhydramine and other OTC options
While benzodiazepine derivatives retain significant market share, the awareness of dependency risk has shifted prescribers towards non-benzodiazepine hypnotics and orexin antagonists like Suvorexant.
Market Position of NDC: 00173-0759
As of 2023, Belsomra accounts for approximately 2-3% of the total insomnia medication prescriptions, reflecting moderate adoption driven by clinical safety profile and specific indication nuances. Prescribing trends show incremental growth, especially among patients with comorbidities or those with history of substance abuse.
Pricing and Reimbursement Landscape
Pricing Overview
The average wholesale price (AWP) for Suvorexant (NDC: 00173-0759) varies by formulation and package size:
- 10 mg tablets: ~$10–$15 per tablet
- 20 mg tablets: ~$15–$20 per tablet
Price per prescription typically ranges from $150 to $250, depending on dosage, duration, and insurance coverage. This positions Suvorexant at a price point comparable to or slightly higher than traditional sedatives but lower than some brand-name alternatives like Eszopiclone.
Insurance and Reimbursement
Reimbursement rates are influenced by formulary status; Suvorexant is generally positioned as a preferred or formulary-important medication in many managed care plans. Co-pay structures range from $10 to $50, with some plans requiring prior authorization, which can impact patient access and utilization.
Market Dynamics and Price Projections (2023–2030)
Factors Influencing Price Trends
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Competitive Dynamics:
The entrance of generic versions can significantly reduce prices. Currently, Suvorexant remains under patent exclusivity until approximately 2028, delaying generic competition.
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Regulatory and Reimbursement Changes:
Increased emphasis on cost-effectiveness and stricter formulary policies could influence pricing and market share.
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Patent and Exclusivity Status:
Patent protections and data exclusivity maintain high prices until generics enter the market, which can cause a drop of up to 70% in drug prices upon entry.
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Market Penetration and Physician Acceptance:
Growing physician familiarity and expanding indications (e.g., off-label uses, sleep maintenance) can foster higher prescribing rates, sustaining demand and stabilizing pricing through 2025.
Forecasted Price Trajectory (2023–2030)
| Year |
Estimated Average Price (per tablet) |
Key Drivers |
| 2023 |
$10–$20 |
Post-approval stabilization, limited competition |
| 2025 |
$10–$15 |
Near patent expiry, increased generic entry, price erosion |
| 2028 |
$5–$10 |
First generics approved, significant price reduction |
| 2030 |
$2–$5 |
Market saturation with generics, volume-driven revenues |
Note: These projections are estimates based on historical data of similar drugs, patent life cycles, and current market conditions.
Strategic Considerations for Stakeholders
-
Pharmaceutical Companies:
Invest in securing patent extensions (e.g., method-of-use patents), optimize formulary placement, and expand indications to prolong market exclusivity.
-
Healthcare Providers:
Consider Suvorexant as a first-line option in patients with sleep onset or maintenance difficulties, especially those at risk for dependency on traditional hypnotics.
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Payers:
Monitor utilization patterns and encourage evidence-based prescribing to balance cost containment with clinical efficacy.
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Investors:
Anticipate price declines post-generic approval while evaluating pipeline opportunities and market share potential for branded therapies.
Regulatory Outlook & Future Opportunities
The evolving landscape includes potential for:
- New formulations (e.g., extended-release versions)
- Combination therapies aimed at other sleep-related disorders
- Expanded indications pending ongoing clinical trials that could sustain or enhance current pricing frameworks
Regulatory agencies have shown receptivity to innovative sleep aids, which may influence approval pathways and marketing rights, impacting long-term pricing strategies.
Key Takeaways
- The current market price for NDC: 00173-0759 (Suvorexant) remains relatively stable but is poised for decline upon patent expiration and generic entry around 2028.
- Market penetration is moderate but increasing, driven by a favorable safety profile and positioning for specific patient populations.
- Price projections forecast a significant reduction post-generic entry, aligning with historical trends for branded drugs.
- Strategic stakeholders should focus on differentiation, expanding indications, and cost management to maximize value.
- Vigilant analysis of regulatory developments is essential to optimizing pricing and market strategy in this evolving landscape.
FAQs
Q1: When will generic versions of Suvorexant become available?
A: Patent protections are expected to expire around 2028, after which generic manufacturers can seek approval, leading to price reductions.
Q2: How does Suvorexant’s pricing compare to other insomnia medications?
A: Its per-tablet cost is comparable to non-benzodiazepine hypnotics like Zolpidem but generally more expensive than OTC options, reflecting its novel mechanism and prescriber preference.
Q3: What factors influence Suvorexant’s market share?
A: Efficacy, safety profile, prescriber familiarity, formulary placement, and competitive pricing are primary drivers.
Q4: Are there emerging markets or indications that could impact its price?
A: Expansion into sleep maintenance or comorbid conditions through clinical trials might augment demand—and sustain higher prices—beyond initial indications.
Q5: How should investors and companies strategize around Suvorexant?
A: Focus on patent extension opportunities, optimize formulary positioning, diversify indications, and prepare for generic competition by innovating in formulation and delivery methods.
References
[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Belsomra (suvorexant) Prescribing Information. 2014.
[2] MarketWatch. Insomnia Drugs Market Report 2022.
[3] EvaluatePharma. Prescription Drug Price Trends 2022.
[4] IQVIA. The Growth and Market Share of Sleep Aids, 2022.
[5] PhRMA. Patent and Market Exclusivity Policies, 2023.
Disclaimer: The above projections are estimates based on current market trends and regulatory pathways. Actual future prices may vary due to unforeseen market or regulatory changes.
