Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is NDC 00480-8693?
NDC 00480-8693 corresponds to Veklury (remdesivir) injection, FDA-approved for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. It is produced by Gilead Sciences. The drug was granted full approval in October 2020, with emergency authorization earlier in 2020.
Current Market Landscape
Market Establishedness
Remdesivir has maintained a significant place during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the early stages with high hospitalization rates. Since then, its use has stabilized, with an emphasis shifting toward outpatient treatments, combination therapies, and variants of the virus.
Competition
- Other Antivirals: Molnupiravir (Merck), Paxlovid (Pfizer).
- Supportive Care: Steroids like dexamethasone, monoclonal antibodies.
- Emerging Therapies: Cell therapies, oral antivirals.
Market Volume
- 2022: Approximately 10 million vials sold globally, including the United States.
- US Market Share: Major markets in the U.S. account for over 75% of sales, driven by hospital use protocols.
Regulatory Developments
Recent FDA and EMA reviews have emphasized remdesivir's role within specific COVID-19 treatment protocols. Ongoing clinical trials assessing its efficacy in early-stage outpatient settings could influence future sales.
Price Dynamics
Current Pricing
- In the US, post-patent, wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for remdesivir is approximately $520 per vial.
- Hospitals and payers negotiate to lower costs, often paying $300-$400 per vial.
Pricing Trends
- Wholesale prices decreased sharply after initial approval (~$520 to ~$300).
- Contractual discounts can reduce effective prices further.
- Global prices vary significantly, with developed countries paying more.
Cost Drivers
- Manufacturing complexity of formulation.
- Patent protections until at least 2030.
- Supply chain complexities, especially in emergency stockpiles.
Price Projections (2023–2028)
| Year |
Estimated Global Sales (million vials) |
Average WAC per vial |
Projected Price Range (WAC) |
Key Assumptions |
| 2023 |
8 |
$520 |
$400–$520 |
Continued COVID-19 hospitalizations; stable demand |
| 2024 |
7.5 |
$500 |
$390–$510 |
Slight decline due to competition and evolving treatment guidelines |
| 2025 |
7 |
$480 |
$380–$500 |
Emergence of outpatient oral antivirals impacts hospital drug sales |
| 2026 |
6.5 |
$460 |
$370–$490 |
Increased outpatient use; cost compression |
| 2027 |
6 |
$440 |
$360–$480 |
Patent expiration approaches in select geographies |
| 2028 |
5.8 |
$420 |
$350–$470 |
Market saturation and more oral antiviral options available |
Note: These projections assume steady COVID-19 case rates and no significant policy changes in drug reimbursement or global health crises.
Market Risks and Opportunities
Risks
- Decreased hospitalizations due to vaccination and new therapeutics.
- Patent expiration pressures, leading to generic competition.
- Regulatory shifts favoring newer, more effective agents.
- Changes in reimbursement policies.
Opportunities
- Expansion into outpatient and early treatment protocols.
- Development of remdesivir analogs with improved efficacy.
- Strategic partnerships to increase global availability.
Key Takeaways
- The market for remdesivir (NDC 00480-8693) remains stable but faces decline driven by competition and evolving COVID-19 treatments.
- Current US WAC is approximately $520 per vial, with actual transaction prices lower due to discounts.
- Future sales volumes are projected to decline modestly through 2028, with prices remaining relatively stable but declining gradually.
- Patent expiration and new therapeutic options could accelerate market contraction.
- Expanding use cases into outpatient settings presents potential growth avenues.
FAQs
1. How does remdesivir compete with other COVID-19 treatments?
It primarily competes with oral antivirals like Paxlovid and molnupiravir, which are more convenient for outpatient use and have gained popularity.
2. When will generic versions of remdesivir become available?
Patent protections last until around 2030, after which generic manufacturers could enter the market.
3. Are there global pricing differences for remdesivir?
Yes. Developed countries pay higher prices (~$520 per vial), while lower-income countries often access discounted or donor-supported supplies.
4. What factors could influence remdesivir's market share in the future?
Emergence of new drugs, changes in treatment guidelines, vaccination rates, and clinical trial outcomes.
5. Will remdesivir see expanded indications?
Potentially, for outpatient early treatment if ongoing trials demonstrate efficacy in that setting.
References
[1] Gilead Sciences. (2020). Veklury (remdesivir) prescribing information.
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Full approval of Veklury for the treatment of COVID-19.
[3] IQVIA. (2022). Global prescription drug sales.
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). COVID-19 treatment guidelines.
[5] BloombergNEF. (2023). COVID-19 therapeutic market analysis.
