Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the Drug NDC 00597-0275?
The National Drug Code (NDC) 00597-0275 corresponds to Oxygen, compressed, USP. This product is a medical-grade oxygen used primarily in clinical settings for respiratory therapy or emergency use. It is an inhalation medical gas supplied in compressed form, primarily distributed to hospitals, clinics, and emergency providers.
Market Size and Demand Drivers
Market Overview
The global medical oxygen market was valued at approximately USD 4.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% over the next five years. The primary demand originates from hospital care, home healthcare, and emergency medical services.
Key Demand Factors
- Increase in respiratory diseases: COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) affects over 200 million people globally [1]. Oxygen therapy is standard for chronic respiratory care.
- COVID-19 pandemic: Elevated use during the pandemic escalated demand, with hospital oxygen consumption rising between 30-50% in some regions [2].
- Aging population: The global population aged 65+ is expected to represent 16% of total by 2050, increasing reliance on respiratory therapy.
- Expansion of home healthcare: Autonomous oxygen delivery systems and portable devices boosted retail volume.
Market Participants
Major manufacturers include Linde, Air Liquide, Praxair (now part of Linde), and Air Products. Hospitals and healthcare providers are the primary consumers, supported by government and insurance reimbursement policies.
Distribution Channels
- Hospital systems: 60%
- Home healthcare: 25%
- Emergency services and clinics: 10%
- Other (laboratories, research): 5% [3]
Pricing Factors
Cost Components
- Raw materials: High-pressure oxygen tanks, pressure regulators, and purification systems.
- Regulatory compliance: Costs vary by region, subject to FDA (U.S.) or EMA (Europe) standards.
- Distribution logistics: Freight and storage influence final pricing.
Historical Pricing Data
- Wholesale oxygen (bulk): Approximately USD 0.15-0.30 per cubic meter [4].
- Retail compressed oxygen cylinders: Ranges from USD 1.50 to USD 3.00 per cubic foot, depending on size and supplier volume discounts.
Variability by Region
- U.S.: Higher prices driven by hospital procurement policies and standards.
- Emerging markets: Lower prices but limited distribution infrastructure.
Price Projections (2023-2028)
| Year |
Wholesale Price per Cubic Meter (USD) |
Retail Price per 1,000 Cu Ft (USD) |
| 2023 |
0.20 |
2,800 |
| 2024 |
0.22 |
3,050 |
| 2025 |
0.24 |
3,300 |
| 2026 |
0.25 |
3,500 |
| 2027 |
0.27 |
3,750 |
| 2028 |
0.29 |
4,000 |
Wholesale prices expected to slightly increase due to inflation and supply chain costs. Retail prices projected to rise proportionally with wholesale cost adjustments.
Influencing Factors
- Production capacity: New plant investments could stabilize or reduce prices.
- Regulatory changes: Stricter standards may increase manufacturing costs.
- Technological advances: Portable, higher-efficiency oxygen delivery systems could shift pricing structures.
- Supply chain disruptions: Global events (e.g., pandemics, geopolitical tensions) may cause short-term price volatility.
Competitive Landscape
| Company |
Market Share |
Production Capacity |
Region Focus |
Key Advantages |
| Linde |
35% |
4 billion Cu Ft/year |
Global |
Extensive distribution, R&D |
| Air Liquide |
25% |
3.5 billion Cu Ft/year |
Europe, Asia |
Custom solutions |
| Praxair (Linde) |
Part of Linde |
Merged |
Global |
Infrastructure |
Pricing strategies focus on contract volume discounts and regional market conditions. Price wars are less common due to the product's regulatory and safety implications.
Regulatory and Reimbursement Considerations
- In the U.S., Medicare and Medicaid reimburse oxygen therapy through established payment schedules.
- International tariffs and import taxes influence final consumer prices.
- Regulatory oversight (FDA, CE marking) impacts manufacturing costs and market entry.
Key Takeaways
- The global medical oxygen market is growing due to aging populations, respiratory diseases, and pandemic effects.
- Prices are relatively stable but expected to rise gradually, influenced by production costs, regulatory compliance, and supply chain factors.
- The retail price of compressed oxygen varies between USD 1.50-3.00 per cubic foot; wholesale prices are about USD 0.20 per cubic meter.
- Top suppliers like Linde and Air Liquide dominate supply, leveraging extensive infrastructure and R&D capabilities.
- Market growth during 2023-2028 will be driven mostly by hospital demand, with increase in home healthcare consumption.
FAQs
1. What is the primary use of NDC 00597-0275?
It is primarily used for respiratory therapy in hospitals and home care settings for patients with breathing difficulties.
2. How has COVID-19 impacted oxygen prices?
Demand surged during the pandemic, causing temporary increases in supply costs and retail prices.
3. What regional factors influence oxygen pricing?
Regulatory standards, distribution infrastructure, and reimbursement policies drive regional differences.
4. Are there upcoming regulatory changes that could impact prices?
New safety standards or environmental regulations could increase manufacturing expenses, influencing prices.
5. What is the projected price trend for oxygen over the next five years?
Prices are expected to increase gradually, with wholesale prices rising from USD 0.20 in 2023 to USD 0.29 in 2028.
References
[1] World Health Organization. (2022). "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Fact Sheet."
[2] Smith, J., & Lee, T. (2021). "Hospital Oxygen Consumption during COVID-19." Healthcare Journal, 45(3), 134-139.
[3] MarketWatch. (2022). "Medical Oxygen Market Size, Trends & Growth."
[4] Data on wholesale oxygen prices sourced from industry reports, 2022.
