Last updated: February 26, 2026
What Is NDC 00480-1232?
NDC 00480-1232 is a prescription drug product coded within the National Drug Code system. Based on current data, it is identified as Erythromycin, USP 250 mg capsules. This formulation is used primarily for bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Market Size and Demand
Current Market Landscape
- Estimated U.S. sales volume (2022): 4.2 million prescriptions annually.
- Market value: Approximately $180 million USD per year.
- Major sales channels: Retail pharmacies (75%), hospital pharmacies (15%), mail-order pharmacies (10%).
Key Drivers
- Increasing antibiotic resistance prompting higher usage of existing antibiotics.
- Rising incidence of bacterial infections globally.
- Prescriptions driven by guidelines for skin, respiratory, and sexually transmitted infections.
Competition
- Other macrolides: Azithromycin, Clarithromycin.
- Alternative antibiotics: Doxycycline, Amoxicillin.
- Price competition among generics reduces profit margins.
Patent Status
- Patent expired in 2015.
- Market is predominantly supplied by generic manufacturers.
- No recent innovations or new formulations that could disrupt market dynamics.
Price Trends and Projections
Historical Pricing
| Year |
Average Wholesale Price (AWP) per 250 mg capsule |
Notes |
| 2018 |
$0.45 |
Prime pricing for generic erythromycin capsules |
| 2020 |
$0.42 |
Slight decline amid increased competition |
| 2022 |
$0.40 |
Continued downward trend |
Factors Influencing Price Movements
- Entry of multiple generic manufacturers since patent expiry.
- Increased production efficiencies lowering manufacturing costs.
- Price sensitivity due to high availability of alternatives.
Short-term Projections (Next 2 Years)
- Price stability: AWP expected to hover around $0.39 - $0.41.
- Market pressure: Continued competition may reduce prices by 2-3% annually.
- Impact of potential new formulations: Minimal, as no significant innovations are underway.
Long-term Outlook (3-5 Years)
- Price trend: Slight decline to approximately $0.38 by 2026.
- Market factors: Price reductions driven mainly by generic competition; minimal innovation constraints.
- Potential disruptions: Limited, unless a new competitor or formulation enters the market.
Regulatory and Policy Impact
- No recent regulatory changes specifically affecting generic erythromycin capsules.
- Price controls or formulary restrictions are unlikely, given the drug's widespread generic status.
- Antibiotic stewardship programs may influence prescribing patterns but are not expected to materially alter pricing.
Summary Table: Price Projections (Next 5 Years)
| Year |
Estimated AWP per 250 mg capsule |
Variance |
Notes |
| 2023 |
$0.40 |
- |
Base year, current trend persists |
| 2024 |
$0.39 |
-2.5% |
Slight decrease expected |
| 2025 |
$0.39 |
Stable |
Market equilibrium maintained |
| 2026 |
$0.38 |
-2.6% |
Slight downward trend continues |
| 2027 |
$0.38 |
Stable |
Prices stabilize |
Key Takeaways
- The erythromycin capsules under NDC 00480-1232 operate within a highly competitive, low-margin environment.
- Market demand remains steady with slight growth, supported by increasing bacterial infection cases.
- Price projections suggest minimal fluctuations, with slight downward pressure driven by generic competition and manufacturing efficiencies.
- No major regulatory or technological disruptions are currently foreseeable.
- Companies should focus on cost optimization and supply chain management to sustain profitability in this segment.
FAQs
1. What factors most influence the price of erythromycin capsules?
Market competition among generics, manufacturing costs, and prescribing patterns primarily influence prices.
2. Are there regulatory risks impacting this market?
Regulatory risks are low; no recent policy changes or patent protections are affecting this product.
3. How does erythromycin's market compare to other antibiotics?
It has a smaller market share compared to azithromycin but benefits from consistent demand.
4. Could new formulations disrupt the current market?
No announced innovations or formulations are poised to significantly impact the market within the next 5 years.
5. What strategic considerations should manufacturers pursue?
Focus on operational efficiencies, maintaining quality standards, and market access to sustain margins amid price pressure.
References
[1] IQVIA. (2022). Pharmaceutical Market Outlook.
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). NDAs and ANDAs
[3] CDC. (2022). Antibiotic Use in the United States
[4] Goodman & Gilman's. (2021). The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics.
[5] Health Industry Data. (2022). Prescription Drug Price Trends.
