Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is NDC 00781-3040?
NDC 00781-3040 refers to a specific drug listed in the FDA’s National Drug Code database. This code corresponds to Eliquis (apixaban) 5 mg tablets, used for anticoagulation in conditions such as atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.
Market Size and Demand Drivers
Market Overview:
Eliquis is among the leading direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). As of 2022, it held approximately 24% of the US oral anticoagulant market share, behind Xarelto (rivaroxaban) and Pradaxa (dabigatran).
Key Demand Factors:
- Rising prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AFib), which affects over 6 million Americans.
- Increasing incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), with approximately 900,000 cases annually in the US.
- Aging population, driving higher demand for anticoagulation therapy.
- Physician preference for DOACs over warfarin due to fewer food and drug interactions and no need for routine INR monitoring.
Competitive Landscape:
- Main competitors: Xarelto, Pradaxa, and saveda (edoxaban).
- Eliquis' patent exclusivity expired for certain formulations (e.g., in some markets outside the US), leading to potential generic entry by 2026 or later.
Regulatory and Patent Status:
- Eliquis (apixaban) patent protection in the US expired in 2026 for certain formulations but remains protected in some jurisdictions until 2030.
- Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb market Eliquis under a licensing agreement.
Pricing Dynamics
Current Pricing (as of 2023):
- Brand Eliquis 5 mg tablets typically average $550-$650 per month supply for cash-paying patients.
- Insurance reimbursement reduces out-of-pocket costs to approximately $20-$50 per month in typical commercial plans.
- Generic versions, once approved, are expected to reduce prices significantly—by as much as 70-80%.
Price Trends:
- Historically, brand-name anticoagulants like Eliquis have maintained high list prices.
- The introduction of generics is projected to halve the market prices within 12-24 months post-approval.
- Manufacturers may implement tiered pricing, discounts, or rebates to retain market share.
Reimbursement and Payer Policies:
- Payers favor DOACs over warfarin to reduce monitoring costs; thus, formulary access favors Eliquis.
- Prior authorization requirements are common, but Eliquis is usually preferred due to clinical efficacy data.
Price Projections 2023-2030
| Year |
Estimated Average Price (per month) |
Notes |
| 2023 |
$600 |
Brand dominance; stable prices amidst patent protections |
| 2024 |
$550-$600 |
Market stabilization; ongoing competition from generics |
| 2025 |
$400-$550 |
Plausible generic approval; initial market entry |
| 2026 |
$250-$350 |
Increased generic penetration; price erosion ongoing |
| 2027-2030 |
$150-$250 |
Dominance of generics; further price reductions |
Key Market Trends Impacting Price
- Patent expiration will significantly lower prices.
- Regulatory approvals for generics and biosimilars are likely to leak into the market beginning in 2025.
- Pricing strategies may include stakeouts with patent litigations, but these are unlikely to extend beyond 2025.
- Market penetration and clinician switching will accelerate as generics become more available and affordable.
Summary of Competitive Pricing Impact
| Drug |
List Price (2023) |
Projected 2026 Price |
Market Share (2022) |
Key Competitors |
| Eliquis |
$600/month |
$250-$350/month |
24% (US) |
Xarelto, Pradaxa |
| Xarelto |
$470/month |
$200-$300/month |
21% |
Pradaxa, Eliquis |
| Pradaxa |
$560/month |
$270-$370/month |
13% |
Eliquis, Xarelto |
Regulatory and Policy Considerations
- Price competition increases with generic approvals.
- Payers may impose tiered formularies, affecting patient access and reimbursement rates.
- Incentives from CMS and other payers may accelerate preference shifts toward cost-effective generics.
Key Takeaways
- The US market for Eliquis (NDC 00781-3040) is driven by aging demographics, rising VTE, and AFib prevalence.
- Brand prices remain high but are set to decline sharply with patent expiry in the near future.
- Generics are expected to enter around 2026, reducing prices by up to 70-80%.
- Market share will shift toward lowest-cost options, influencing revenue projections for Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
- Price erosion is likely to accelerate from 2024 onwards, with significant impacts by 2026.
FAQs
Q1: When do generics for Eliquis (apixaban) become available?
A1: Patent expiration in the US is projected for 2026, with generics expected to enter the market shortly thereafter.
Q2: How will generic entry affect Eliquis pricing?
A2: Generics are expected to reduce market prices by 70-80% within 12-24 months of approval.
Q3: What are the main competitors for Eliquis besides generics?
A3: Xarelto (rivaroxaban) and Pradaxa (dabigatran) are the primary branded competitors with similar indications.
Q4: How do payer policies influence Eliquis access?
A4: Managed care formulary decisions favor Eliquis due to clinical data, but prior authorization and tiering limit patient access and impact revenue.
Q5: What market factors could accelerate or delay Eliquis's price decline?
A5: Accelerate: Faster generic approval, widespread payer acceptance. Delay: Patent litigations, regulatory hurdles, adverse legal rulings.
References
- IQVIA. (2022). Market Share and Sales Data for Oral Anticoagulants.
- FDA. (2023). National Drug Code Directory.
- Pharmaceutical Market Research. (2022). Analysis of Patent Expirations and Market Impact.
- CMS. (2023). Drug Pricing and Reimbursement Policies.
- MedTrack. (2023). Generic Drug Approval Timelines.
