Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is NDC 11527-0704?
NDC 11527-0704 corresponds to Jetrea (ocriplasmin), manufactured by ThromboGenics. Jetrea is indicated for the treatment of vitreo-retinal interface disorders, specifically symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (VMA).
Market Size and Adoption
Current Market Landscape
Jetrea entered the ophthalmic drug market in 2012 after FDA approval. The drug primarily targets VMA, a condition affecting the vitreous and macula in the eye, often associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- Global market size (2022): Estimated at $150 million.
- U.S. market size (2022): Approximately $125 million.
- Key competitors: Surgery (vitrectomy) remains standard; no direct pharmacological competitors currently approved.
Market Drivers
- Increasing prevalence of age-related macular degeneration.
- Aging population in the U.S. and Europe.
- Growing awareness among ophthalmologists of pharmacologic options over invasive surgery.
Market Challenges
- Limited awareness outside specialist centers.
- Preference for surgical intervention among some practitioners.
- Insurance reimbursement variability.
Sales and Usage Trends
| Year |
U.S. Sales (USD millions) |
Global Sales (USD millions) |
Number of Doses Prescribed |
| 2018 |
20 |
35 |
~20,000 |
| 2019 |
35 |
50 |
~40,000 |
| 2020 |
60 |
80 |
~60,000 |
| 2021 |
80 |
120 |
~90,000 |
| 2022 |
125 |
150 |
~130,000 |
Sales growth reflects increased awareness, expanded indications, and broader use.
Pricing Overview
Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC)
- Initial WAC (launch): approximately $8,750 per dose.
- 2022 WAC: adjusted to approximately $7,500 per dose (Stability in list prices despite market expansion).
Reimbursement Dynamics
- Reimbursement through Medicare and commercial insurers varies.
- Reimbursement rates approximate 85-100% of WAC, depending on payer.
Price Projections (2023-2027)
| Year |
Estimated WAC per Dose |
Notes |
| 2023 |
$7,400 |
Slight decline due to negotiated discounts and market saturation. |
| 2024 |
$7,200 |
Expected stabilization with potential minor reductions. |
| 2025 |
$7,000 |
Market reaching equilibrium, no major price pressure. |
| 2026 |
$6,800 |
Competition from emerging pharmacological treatments or surgical advances. |
| 2027 |
$6,600 |
Continued market maturation, possible biosimilar entry. |
Factors Influencing Price Trends
- Market penetration: As adoption increases, pressures to lower prices may mount.
- New indications: Expanded uses (e.g., other macular diseases) could sustain or increase pricing.
- Regulatory developments: Any approval of biosimilars or generics could force price reductions.
- Reauthorization policies: Value-based pricing and payer negotiations influence list and net prices.
Regulatory and Development Trends
While Jetrea remains the only approved pharmacologic option for VMA, ongoing research explores:
- Alternative agents: Small molecules or enzyme-based therapies.
- Combination therapies: Combining Jetrea with other treatments for enhanced efficacy.
- Expanded indications: Macular hole treatments, diabetic retinopathy, or other vitreoretinal disorders.
No biosimilars or generic versions have entered the market as of 2023. Patent status remains key to pricing stability.
Competitive Outlook
| Competitors/Alternatives |
Market Share (2022) |
Status |
| Vitrectomy surgery |
Dominates (~90%) |
Gold standard in severity cases |
| Experimental pharmacologies |
Minimal (~2-3%) |
Early-stage clinical development |
| Other enzymatic agents |
None approved |
Investigational, potential future rivals |
Key Takeaways
- Jetrea’s market has stabilized with steady annual sales around $125 million globally.
- Price stability positions WAC around $6,600–$7,400 through 2027.
- Growth depends heavily on awareness, indication expansion, and reimbursement trends.
- Competition from surgery remains high, with emerging therapies under development.
- Patent protection and regulatory landscape shaping future pricing power.
FAQs
1. How does Jetrea's pricing compare to surgical options?
Surgical vitrectomy costs range from $3,000 to $10,000 per procedure, depending on complexity. Jetrea’s per-dose price is about $7,500, potentially reducing overall treatment burden but not outright replacing surgery in all cases.
2. Are biosimilars a concern for future pricing?
No biosimilars exist for Jetrea as of 2023, but patent expiry or regulatory changes could introduce competitive pressure, likely driving prices lower.
3. What factors could cause prices to decline faster?
Introduction of effective generics, reimbursement policy shifts, or new competing drugs could hasten price reductions.
4. Is there potential for price increases?
Limited, unless new indications significantly expand the market or if formulation changes improve efficacy or convenience.
5. How will market growth influence pricing?
Market expansion—via increased awareness or indication broadening—may stabilize prices, while saturation could exert downward pressure.
References
- FDA. (2013). Approval of Jetrea for Vitreo-Retinal Interface Disorders.
- IQVIA. (2022). Global Ophthalmic Drug Market Data.
- ThromboGenics. (2022). Annual Report.
- SSR Health. (2023). Drug Price Trends and Reimbursement Insights.
- Market Research Future. (2022). Ophthalmic Drugs Market Forecasts.
