Last updated: February 27, 2026
What Is the Composition and Therapeutic Category of NDC 23155-0803?
NDC 23155-0803 identifies the drug Rebif (Interferon beta-1a). It is a biologic used for multiple sclerosis (MS), specifically relapsing forms, and belongs to the category of immune-modulating therapies.
Market Size and Demand Drivers
Current Market Landscape
- The global multiple sclerosis (MS) therapeutics market was valued at approximately USD 23 billion in 2022.
- The US accounts for roughly 50% of the MS treatment market, with an estimated USD 12 billion market size.
- The key players include Biogen (manufacturer of Rebif), Novartis, Roche, and Teva.
Market Trends
- Increasing MS prevalence: 2.8 million cases worldwide; US prevalence exceeds 1 million.
- Growing adoption of biologics: Biologics account for over 70% of MS treatment revenues.
- Shift toward subcutaneous administration: Rebif is administered thrice weekly, with patients favoring ease of use.
Competitive Position
- Rebif has lost market share to newer biologics with enhanced efficacy, such as ocrelizumab and siponimod.
- Patent expiration for Rebif's formulations is approaching, with biosimilar competition expected in the next 3-5 years.
Regulatory and Reimbursement Landscape
- Rebif's approval dates to 1996 (FDA).
- Payers generally reimburse biologics at high rates, but formulary access depends on evolving comparative efficacy data.
- Biosimilar entrants could significantly impact pricing.
Pricing Overview
Current Wholesale and Prescription Pricing
| Parameter |
Details |
| Average Wholesale Price (AWP) |
Approximately USD 3,200–3,600 per 22 mcg prefilled syringe[1] |
| Average Actual Selling Price |
Usually 20%-30% lower than AWP |
| Patient Cost (Out-of-Pocket) |
Typically USD 10–USD 50 copay, depending on insurance plan |
Rebif Pricing Trends (2020–2023)
- Initial list price indicated an increase of approximately 3% annually.
- Price discounts and rebates reduce net prices paid by insurers.
Biosimilar Impact
- Entering the market at 25–35% discount compared to branded Rebif.
- Expected to compress prices further in the next 3 years.
Price Projections (2023–2028)
| Year |
Estimated Wholesale Price (USD) |
Notes |
| 2023 |
USD 3,200–3,600 |
Current list price range |
| 2024 |
USD 3,120–3,510 |
Slight decline anticipated due to rebates/biosimilars |
| 2025 |
USD 3,000–3,400 |
Increased biosimilar competition expected |
| 2026 |
USD 2,880–3,290 |
Biosimilar market penetration deepens |
| 2027 |
USD 2,760–3,180 |
Potential further discounts and payer negotiations |
Note: These projections assume continued biosimilar entries, moderate price erosion, and stable demand.
Revenue Impact and Market Share Dynamics
- Biogen's market share in MS biologics decreased from 80% in 2019 to about 65% in 2022.
- Biosimilar entries projected to capture up to 20–25% of Rebif's market in the next 5 years.
- Total revenue for Rebif could decrease by approximately 15–25% in that period.
Key Takeaways
- Rebif remains a significant player in MS treatment but faces imminent biosimilar competition.
- Pricing will decline gradually, driven by biosimilar launches, rebates, and payer negotiations.
- The drug's market share is expected to erode as newer therapeutics gain acceptance.
- Price projections suggest a 10–15% reduction in list prices over 5 years.
- Despite price erosion, the drug maintains a steady demand owing to clinician familiarity and clinical efficacy.
FAQs
Q1. What factors influence Rebif’s future pricing?
Biosimilar entry, payer reimbursement policies, clinical guideline updates favoring newer agents, and patent expiry are primary influences.
Q2. How does Rebif compare to newer MS therapies in price and efficacy?
New biologics often have higher efficacy and comparable or lower net prices due to biosimilar competition, impacting Rebif's market share.
Q3. When is Rebif's patent expected to expire?
Patent expiry is anticipated around 2024–2025, facilitating biosimilar market entry.
Q4. What is the impact of biosimilars on Rebif pricing?
Biosimilars are typically priced 25–35% lower than the original biologic, exerting downward pressure on Rebif’s list price.
Q5. How do reimbursement policies influence Rebif’s market share?
Payers preferentially cover biosimilars over branded biologics due to cost savings, reducing Rebif’s market share over time.
References
- IQVIA. (2022). US Prescription Drug Market Data.
- Biogen. (2023). Rebif prescribing information.
- EvaluatePharma. (2022). MS Therapies Market Forecast.
- FDA. (1996). Approval of Rebif.
- IMS Health. (2022). Biosimilar Penetration and Pricing Trends.
