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Last Updated: April 3, 2026

Drug Price Trends for NDC 00904-7340


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Velcade (bortezomib) Market Analysis and Price Projections

Last updated: February 19, 2026

Velcade (bortezomib) is a proteasome inhibitor used in the treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. Its market performance is influenced by patent expiry, generic competition, and therapeutic advancements.

What is Velcade's Current Market Position?

Velcade is approved for treating:

  • Multiple myeloma (MM) in patients who have received at least one prior therapy.
  • Multiple myeloma in patients who have not undergone therapy.
  • Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in patients who have received at least one prior therapy.

The drug is administered subcutaneously or intravenously. Its primary mechanism of action involves inhibiting the 26S proteasome, leading to apoptosis in cancer cells.

Key Market Players and Competition:

  • Originator: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.
  • Generic Competitors: Several generic versions of bortezomib have entered the market following patent expiries. These include products from companies such as Viatris, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, and Apotex.
  • Therapeutic Alternatives: The market for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma treatments includes other drug classes, such as immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), monoclonal antibodies, and other targeted therapies.

Sales Performance: Velcade achieved peak annual sales exceeding \$3 billion prior to significant generic penetration. Post-patent expiry, sales for the branded product have seen a decline as generic versions capture market share.

Patent Landscape: The primary patents for Velcade have expired, allowing for generic competition. Key patent expiries occurred in the United States around 2017 and in Europe in 2019. This opened the door for authorized generics and subsequent unbranded generics.

What Factors Will Influence Future Velcade Pricing?

Future pricing for bortezomib, both branded and generic, will be shaped by several interconnected dynamics:

1. Generic Competition Intensification: The number of generic bortezomib manufacturers is likely to increase or remain stable, contributing to price erosion. As more companies enter the market, supply increases, and competitive pressures drive down prices. The typical price trajectory for generic drugs post-launch involves a steep initial decline followed by a slower, more gradual reduction.

2. Payer Negotiations and Formulary Placement: Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and other payers will continue to negotiate aggressively for lower prices. Velcade and its generics will be subject to formulary placement decisions, which can significantly impact accessibility and pricing. Higher rebates and discounts are expected to be a standard practice.

3. Treatment Guidelines and Clinical Adoption: Evolving treatment guidelines for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma will influence the demand for bortezomib. If newer therapies demonstrate superior efficacy or safety profiles, or if bortezomib is increasingly relegated to later lines of therapy, its market share and pricing power could be diminished. Conversely, its established efficacy in certain patient populations will sustain demand.

4. Biosimilar/Interchangeable Status (for future biologic drugs, not directly applicable to small molecule bortezomib but informs market dynamics): While bortezomib is a small molecule drug and not subject to biosimilar regulations, the market dynamics of biosimil competition for other oncology drugs inform expectations for generic small molecule pricing. The increased availability and acceptance of biosimil versions of other oncology biologics have demonstrated significant price reductions, a trend that mirrors generic small molecule erosion.

5. Manufacturing Costs and Supply Chain: The cost of raw materials, manufacturing processes, and the complexity of the global supply chain can indirectly affect pricing. However, with established generic manufacturing capabilities, significant cost reductions in production are less likely to be a primary driver of large price shifts compared to market forces.

6. Healthcare Policy and Regulation: Government policies related to drug pricing, such as those implemented by Medicare in the U.S. or similar bodies in other regions, can exert downward pressure on prices. Regulations concerning drug approval, market exclusivity, and competition will continue to shape the market.

What is the Projected Price Range for Bortezomib?

The price of bortezomib is highly variable, depending on the formulation, dosage, supplier, and geographical market. Post-patent expiry, significant price declines have been observed for generic versions.

Historical Pricing (Indicative, Pre-Generic):

  • Velcade (bortezomib) 3.5 mg vial: Historically, prices could range from approximately \$1,000 to \$1,500 per vial in the U.S. market before generic entry.

Current Generic Pricing (Indicative, Post-Generic Entry):

  • Generic Bortezomib 3.5 mg vial: Following generic launches, the price per vial has fallen dramatically. Prices can now range from \$50 to \$200 per vial, representing a reduction of over 80-90% from the branded peak. This range reflects competition among multiple generic manufacturers and varying discount structures.

Factors Influencing Current Price Variation:

  • Manufacturer: Different generic manufacturers offer competitive pricing.
  • Wholesaler/Distributor Markups: Prices fluctuate based on the distribution channel.
  • Contracted Pricing: Large hospital systems and PBMs secure negotiated prices that differ from average wholesale prices.
  • Geographic Region: Pricing varies significantly between the U.S., Europe, and other international markets due to different regulatory environments and market dynamics.

Price Projections:

  • Short-Term (1-3 years): Expect continued price stabilization or slight decreases for generic bortezomib. The market has largely absorbed the initial generic shock. Competition will likely keep prices within the \$50 to \$150 per vial range for most market segments. Significant further erosion is unlikely unless new, highly disruptive manufacturing processes emerge or a major payer mandates further price reductions across the board.
  • Medium-Term (3-5 years): Further incremental price decreases are possible as manufacturers optimize production and as payer negotiations continue to exert downward pressure. The price range could narrow, settling towards the \$40 to \$120 per vial mark. However, the primary driver of price will remain the existing competitive landscape.
  • Long-Term (5+ years): The price of generic bortezomib will likely continue its slow decline, eventually reaching manufacturing cost plus a modest profit margin. Competition will remain fierce. The price will be a function of supply and demand, with new therapeutic entrants potentially impacting demand. The price could fall into the \$30 to \$90 per vial range, though this is subject to broader market evolution and potential supply disruptions.

Table 1: Bortezomib Price Projection (USD per 3.5mg Vial)

Time Horizon Projected Price Range (USD/vial) Key Influencing Factors
Current \$50 - \$200 Multi-generic competition, payer negotiations, distribution markups
Short-Term (1-3 yrs) \$50 - \$150 Continued generic competition, ongoing payer leverage, market stabilization
Medium-Term (3-5 yrs) \$40 - \$120 Mature generic market, sustained payer pressure, minor cost optimizations
Long-Term (5+ yrs) \$30 - \$90 Manufacturing cost optimization, potential new therapeutic competition

Note: These projections represent average market prices and can vary significantly based on specific contracts, regions, and supply agreements. They do not account for potential price increases due to supply shortages or geopolitical factors.

What is the Expected Market Size and Growth for Bortezomib?

The overall market size for bortezomib has contracted following patent expiry, with sales now primarily driven by generic volume rather than branded price.

Market Size Dynamics:

  • Branded Velcade: Sales have significantly declined, now representing a small fraction of its historical peak, serving niche markets or specific payer contracts.
  • Generic Bortezomib: The market is now dominated by generic sales, with revenue generated by the collective sales of multiple manufacturers. The total market value for all bortezomib products (branded and generic) has decreased substantially from its peak.

Projected Market Growth: The market for bortezomib is expected to remain relatively stable in terms of volume, but revenue growth will be minimal and likely negative in real terms, driven by ongoing price erosion.

  • Volume: The number of treatment cycles prescribed is expected to remain consistent or see minor fluctuations based on clinical adoption and patient populations.
  • Revenue: Overall revenue for bortezomib is projected to experience a slight negative compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the coming years, estimated between -1% to -3%. This decline is directly attributable to sustained price competition among generic manufacturers.

Factors Affecting Market Size:

  • Incidence of Multiple Myeloma and Mantle Cell Lymphoma: These remain the primary drivers of demand. Stable or slightly increasing incidence rates for these diseases will support the volume of bortezomib prescriptions.
  • Availability of Newer Therapies: The development and approval of novel treatments for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma, particularly those with improved efficacy, safety, or convenience (e.g., oral formulations, CAR T-cell therapy), will siphon market share away from older agents like bortezomib.
  • Generic Penetration Rate: The speed and depth of generic penetration directly impact the overall market value. High generic penetration leads to a smaller total market revenue.
  • Geographic Expansion: While mature markets are saturated with generics, emerging markets might offer some volume growth for generic bortezomib, though pricing will likely be lower from the outset.

Table 2: Bortezomib Market Volume vs. Revenue Projection

Metric Current Status Short-Term Projection (1-3 yrs) Medium-Term Projection (3-5 yrs)
Volume Stable Stable to Slight Growth Stable to Slight Decline
Revenue Significant Decline Slight Decline (-1% to -3% CAGR) Continued Decline (-1% to -2% CAGR)

Summary of Market Trajectory: The bortezomib market has transitioned from a high-revenue branded product to a mature generic drug. Future market performance will be characterized by high-volume, low-margin sales driven by generic competition and offset by the introduction of newer therapeutic options.

Key Takeaways

  • Velcade (bortezomib) has transitioned to a mature generic drug market following patent expiries, with significant price erosion.
  • Generic bortezomib prices currently range from \$50 to \$200 per 3.5mg vial, reflecting intense competition.
  • Future pricing is expected to continue a downward trend, with projections suggesting prices could reach \$30 to \$90 per vial in the long term.
  • The overall market revenue for bortezomib is projected to decline annually by 1-3% due to sustained price erosion and competition from newer therapies.
  • Market volume is expected to remain relatively stable in the short to medium term, but revenue will be dictated by pricing dynamics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary indication for Velcade (bortezomib)?

Velcade is primarily indicated for the treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma.

When did the primary patents for Velcade expire, allowing for generic competition?

Key patent expiries occurred around 2017 in the United States and 2019 in Europe.

What is the typical price range for generic bortezomib in the U.S. market today?

Generic bortezomib prices in the U.S. typically range from \$50 to \$200 per 3.5mg vial.

Will the price of bortezomib increase in the future?

It is unlikely that the price of generic bortezomib will increase significantly. Continued price erosion due to competition and payer negotiations is expected.

How does the emergence of newer oncology drugs affect the bortezomib market?

Newer, potentially more effective or convenient therapies for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma can siphon market share away from bortezomib, contributing to its declining revenue and market presence.

Citations

[1] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (n.d.). Drug Approvals and Databases. Retrieved from [FDA Website] [2] Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. (2023). Annual Reports. [3] Viatris Inc. (2023). Product Information and Financial Reports. [4] Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. (2023). Product Information and Financial Reports. [5] Apotex Inc. (2023). Product Information. [6] Multiple myeloma treatment guidelines, various medical associations (e.g., National Comprehensive Cancer Network, European Society of Medical Oncology). [7] Market research reports on the oncology drug market, various industry analysis firms.

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