Last updated: March 22, 2026
What is the Drug Identified by NDC 23155-0864?
NDC 23155-0864 corresponds to Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin-blmf), a marketed monoclonal antibody-drug conjugate approved by the FDA in August 2020 for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. It is developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
Market Landscape
Indication and Approved Patient Population
- Indication: Multiple myeloma, relapsed or refractory after at least four prior therapies.
- Target Market: Mainly adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, estimated at 40,000-50,000 US patients annually (source: IQVIA, 2022).
Competitive Environment
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Key competitors:
- Carfilzomib (Kyprolis): Proteasome inhibitor.
- Daratumumab (Darzalex): Anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.
- Selinexor (Xpovio): Exportin 1 inhibitor.
- Anti-BCMA therapies: Belantamab mafodotin is among the few targeting BCMA.
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Market share dynamics:
- Belantamab mafodotin entered a crowded space with multiple approved options.
- Its unique mechanism offers an alternative for patients resistant to other therapies.
Commercial Adoption
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Sales Data:
- In 2021, GSK reported approximately $122 million in sales globally, predominantly US sales.
- US sales stand at roughly 80% of total revenue, with other markets including Europe and Japan.
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Prescription Trends:
- Usage is increasing gradually as physicians gain familiarity.
- The drug faces challenges from alternative BCMA therapies and CAR-T options.
Pricing Overview
Current Price Points
- Average Wholesale Price (AWP): Approximately $7,500 per dose (based on Medicare formulary listings).
- Per-Patient Cost:
- Dosing: 2.5 mg/kg every three weeks.
- Median patient weight: 75 kg.
- Typical course: approximately 8-12 doses per treatment cycle.
- Approximate total cost per cycle: $150,000 to $225,000.
Reimbursement and Payer Dynamics
- List Price: $4,900 per 20-mg vial.
- Treatment Cost: Variation based on dosing, patient weight, and administration costs.
- Most insurers negotiate rebates reducing the net price by 15-25%.
Price Trends and Projections
Policy and Regulatory Influences
Future Market and Price Projections
| Year |
Projected US Sales (USD millions) |
Assumptions |
| 2023 |
150-200 |
Continued adoption, stable pricing, expanding indications. |
| 2024 |
175-225 |
Market penetration improves, moderate price erosion. |
| 2025 |
200-250 |
Competition impacts, potential biosimilar threat. |
| 2026+ |
150-200 |
Biosimilar entry, discounting, pricing pressure. |
Note: These projections account for increasing utilization, payer negotiation strategies, and competitive dynamics.
Market Risks and Opportunities
Risks:
- Entry of biosimilars may reduce pricing power.
- Competition from CAR-T therapies could diminish demand.
- Payer resistance to high-cost treatments.
Opportunities:
- Expansion into earlier lines of therapy.
- Combination therapies improving efficacy.
- Improvements in administration or formulation reducing costs.
Key Takeaways
- The drug's current list price hovers around $7,500 per dose, with total treatment costs between $150,000 and $225,000.
- Sales are growing gradually, driven by increasing adoption in the relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma space.
- Market share faces pressure from competing therapies, especially CAR-Ts and other BCMA-targeted treatments.
- Price reductions are expected over the next 3-5 years due to biosimilar competition and payer negotiations.
- Future growth hinges on label expansion, combination strategies, and potentially lower-cost biosimilar entrants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How does the price of Blenrep compare to similar therapies?
A: Blenrep's cost per dose is comparable to other monoclonal antibody or ADC treatments in multiple myeloma, such as Darzalex, but slightly lower than some CAR-T therapies, which can exceed $400,000 per treatment.
Q2: What factors could cause prices to decline faster?
A: Biosimilar development, significant payer negotiations, or new approved therapies offering better efficacy can accelerate price declines.
Q3: Are there planned indications that could affect the market size?
A: Yes, ongoing trials and label expansions into earlier lines of therapy could increase the eligible patient population.
Q4: How significant are rebates and discounts in net pricing?
A: Rebates can reduce list price by 15-25%, significantly affecting net revenue and impacting pricing strategies.
Q5: What is the best strategy for investors concerning this drug?
A: Monitor biosimilar development timelines, payer negotiations, and expansion of indications to assess future revenue potential.
References:
[1] IQVIA, 2022. Market Data on Multiple Myeloma Treatments.
[2] FDA. (2020). FDA Approval Announcement for Blenrep.
[3] GSK. (2022). Annual Financial Report.
[4] CMS. (2023). Medicare Drug Pricing and Reimbursement Policies.
