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Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Drug Price Trends for NDC 16571-0875


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Best Wholesale Price for NDC 16571-0875

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Market Analysis and Price Projections for NDC 16571-0875

Last updated: July 31, 2025

Introduction

NDC 16571-0875 corresponds to Efuvirtide (brand name: Fuzeon), an antiretroviral medication primarily used as part of combination therapy for HIV-1 infection. Discovered in the early 2000s, Efuvirtide marked a significant advance as the first fusion inhibitor approved by the FDA. Despite its clinical efficacy, its market trajectory faces challenges due to evolving HIV treatment standards, patent expirations, and alternative therapeutic options. This analysis explores current market dynamics, competitive landscape, pricing trends, and future price projections for Efuvirtide.


Market Overview and Current Dynamics

Therapeutic Positioning and Clinical Role

Efuvirtide functions by inhibiting HIV-1 fusion with host cells, thereby reducing viral entry. It is generally reserved for treatment-experienced patients with multidrug-resistant HIV strains owing to its administration route—subcutaneous injection—and associated side effects, notably injection site reactions.

Market Size and Demand Drivers

Globally, approximately 38 million people are living with HIV as of 2022, per UNAIDS[1]. While initial antiretroviral therapies (ART) often involve combination regimens with oral pills, Efuvirtide's niche is among treatment-experienced patients with resistant strains. Consequently, its annual demand remains relatively limited compared to first-line antiretrovirals. The global usage is concentrated predominantly in developed markets such as the US, Europe, and select OECD countries.

Regulatory and Patent Lifecycle

Efuvirtide was approved by the FDA in 2003, with Pfizer holding the original patent rights. Patent exclusivity often lasts 20 years from filing; however, patent extensions, manufacturing patents, and regulatory exclusivities can influence market exclusivity duration. Recent patent expirations or patent cliffs could facilitate biosimilar or generic entry, potentially impacting pricing and market share.


Market Competition and Alternatives

Emergence of Newer Agents

The HIV therapeutic landscape has evolved considerably with the advent of potent integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) like Dolutegravir and Bictegravir, which offer simplified dosing and improved safety profiles. These drugs are increasingly replacing older agents like Efuvirtide for many treatment-experienced patients due to superior tolerability and convenience.

Biologic and Biosimilar Developments

While Efuvirtide is a synthetic peptide, there are no current biosimilar competitors, and the development of biosimilars in HIV fusion inhibitor space remains nascent. The entry of biosimilars or advanced alternatives could pressure pricing downward, especially as patent protections diminish.

Market Share Shifts

Given the clinical preference for oral, once-daily regimens with fewer side effects, Efuvirtide's market share is declining. Its role is becoming more specialized, mainly for patients with limited options due to resistance profiles.


Pricing Landscape and Historical Trends

Historical Price Points

Originally, Efuvirtide was priced approximately at $20,000–$24,000 per year per patient in the US, reflecting its novel mechanism, complexity of manufacturing (peptide synthesis), and limited competition (notably prior to generic availability). This premium pricing persisted due to lack of alternatives and high medical need.

Factors Influencing Price Trends

  • Patent and Exclusivity: Patent expiry or licensing agreements influence potential price reductions or generic entry.
  • Market Demand: Declining demand generally pressures prices downward.
  • Reimbursement Policies: Payer negotiations, formulary placements, and risk-sharing agreements impact effective prices.
  • Competitive Dynamics: Availability of newer therapies with improved profiles reduces willingness to pay premium prices for Efuvirtide.

Current Pricing Environment (2022–2023)

Efuvirtide's average wholesale price (AWP) in the US remains near $20,000–$22,000 per year per patient, though actual transaction prices after rebates and discounts are lower. The drug's high manufacturing costs and specialized administration contribute to its retention of premium pricing.


Future Price Projections

Factors Impacting Future Pricing

  1. Patent Expirations and Biosimilar Entry: Anticipated in the next 5–7 years, which could reduce prices by 20–50%.
  2. Market Adoption of Newer Agents: Adoption of oral INSTIs and long-acting injectable formulations diminishes Efuvirtide's market share.
  3. Regulatory Approvals and Line Extensions: Potential approvals for new indications or formulations could sustain or elevate prices temporarily.
  4. Health Policy and Reimbursement Trends: Emphasis on cost-containment and value-based pricing influences future pricing strategies.

Projected Price Trajectory (Next 5 Years)

Year Price Range (USD) Market Trend Rationale
2023 $20,000–$22,000 Stable Existing patent protections, stable demand, limited competition.
2024–2026 $15,000–$20,000 Slight decline Patent expiration approaching, emerging generics or biosimilars.
2027–2028 $10,000–$15,000 Moderate decline Increased generic competition, transition to newer therapies.
2029+ $8,000–$12,000 Significant decline Widespread biosimilar availability, acceptance of newer agents.

Note: These projections assume no major regulatory breakthroughs or market disruptions.


Conclusion

Efuvirtide (NDC 16571-0875) operates within a declining niche marked by evolving therapeutic standards and mounting competition from newer antiretroviral agents. Its pricing, historically high due to patent protections and manufacturing costs, is expected to decrease significantly as patent expiry approaches and biosimilar options emerge. The market’s shift toward oral, once-daily regimens with fewer side effects accelerates Efuvirtide's obsolescence for many patients, further impacting demand and price.

Strategic stakeholders should monitor patent statuses, emerging biosimilar developments, and shifts in treatment guidelines to navigate pricing and market positioning effectively.


Key Takeaways

  • Efuvirtide's market is shrinking due to the rise of more convenient, effective, and tolerable HIV therapies.
  • Current pricing remains high but is poised for substantial reductions over the next five to seven years.
  • Patent expirations and biosimilar developments are central to future price declines.
  • Market demand will likely diminish further, limiting potential for premium pricing.
  • Companies should prepare for increased competition and consider diversifying portfolios with newer technologies.

FAQs

  1. When will Efuvirtide (Fuzeon) face generic competition?
    Patent protections are expected to expire between 2024 and 2026, opening the door for biosimilar or generic entrants, contingent upon patent litigations and regulatory approvals.

  2. How does the emergence of new HIV therapies impact Efuvirtide's market?
    Newer agents like Dolutegravir and Bictegravir offer simplified, oral regimens with superior safety profiles, reducing reliance on Efuvirtide and diminishing its market share.

  3. Are biosimilars likely for peptide-based drugs like Efuvirtide?
    While technically possible, biosimilar development for peptide therapeutics faces unique challenges, and none are currently approved. Future biosimilar entry remains uncertain but is anticipated as patent exclusivity ends.

  4. What factors could alter the projected price declines?
    Regulatory shifts, patent litigation outcomes, development of long-acting formulations, and changes in HIV treatment guidelines could either accelerate or slow price reductions.

  5. What strategies should manufacturers consider for Efuvirtide post-patent expiration?
    They should explore cost reduction in manufacturing, pursue value-based pricing models, develop new formulations or indications, or shift focus to niche markets where Efuvirtide remains relevant.


References

  1. UNAIDS. (2022). Global HIV & AIDS Statistics — 2022 Fact Sheet.
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2003). Fuzeon (Efuvirtide) Approval.
  3. IQVIA. (2023). Prescription Drug Market Data.
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). HIV Treatment and Care Data.

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