Last updated: February 27, 2026
What Is NDC 24979-0230?
NDC 24979-0230 is a prescription medication listed in the National Drug Code (NDC) database. This specific code corresponds to Interferon Beta-1a, a biologic used primarily to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). The product is marketed by Biogen under the brand name Avonex.
Market Overview
Indication and Usage
- Indicated for relapsing forms of MS.
- Administered via intramuscular injection.
- Part of the first-line disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS.
Market Size
- The global MS drug market was valued at approximately USD 23.6 billion in 2021.
- The U.S. accounts for around 70% of this market.
- The U.S. MS population is estimated at 1 million patients, with approximately 60% considered suitable candidates for interferon therapies.
Competition Landscape
Key competitors include:
- Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, GlaxoSmithKline)
- Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus, Roche)
- Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera, Biogen)
- Plegridy (PEGylated interferon beta-1a, Steve)
Market share is divided among these, with Avonex maintaining approximately 25-30% of the MS biologic market segment.
Market Dynamics
- The MS biologic market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4-5% (2022–2027).
- Patent expirations for some biologics, notably other interferons, have led to a slight decline in Avonex sales post-2018.
- The increasing adoption of oral DMTs, such as oral sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators, has slightly tempered growth.
Price Analysis
Current Price of NDC 24979-0230 (Avonex)
- Average Wholesale Price (AWP): Approximately USD 3,200 per 10 μg/mL auto-injector prefilled syringe.
- Estimated Medicare Part B reimbursement: USD 2,750–USD 3,000 per syringe.
Pricing in Hospital and Pharmacy Settings
- Hospital outpatient settings: Reimbursement around USD 4,000 per injection.
- Employer-sponsored insurance: Similar to Medicare, USD 2,500–USD 3,000 per dose.
Pricing Trends
- Approximate list price has remained stable since 2018.
- Rebates and discounts typically reduce net price paid by payers by 10–15%.
- Price increases in biologics have historically been about 3-5% annually but have stabilized in recent years due to market pressures.
Price Projections
Short-Term (Next 1-2 Years)
- Market stabilization will likely maintain current price levels.
- Rebate pressures could slightly reduce net prices.
- No significant price hikes expected barring new indications or formulation changes.
Medium to Long Term (3-5 Years)
- Patent exclusivity in the U.S. extends until mid-2024; biosimilar competition is expected beyond this.
- Introduction of biosimilars could reduce net prices by 20–30%, similar to trends seen with other biologics.
- Potential for value-based pricing models to emerge, linking reimbursement to patient outcomes.
Potential Trends to Watch
- Price adjustments driven by competitive pressure from biosimilars.
- Expanded usage driven by policy shifts toward biologic price controls.
- Impact of biosimilars and alternative therapies might reduce market share and pressure prices downward.
Summary
| Aspect |
Data / Projection |
| Current List Price |
USD 3,200 per syringe |
| Net Price (after rebates) |
USD 2,750–USD 3,000 |
| Market Share |
25–30% in MS biologic segment |
| Expected Price Stability |
Stable through 2023/2024 |
| Biosimilar Impact |
20–30% price reduction post-2024 |
Key Takeaways
- NDC 24979-0230 (Avonex) holds a significant share in the MS biologics sector.
- Current pricing remains stable, with limited upward movement since 2018.
- Biosimilar entry anticipated for mid-2024, likely reducing prices by up to 30%.
- Market growth driven by increasing MS prevalence, but facing competitive and policy pressures.
- Reimbursement remains consistent for key payer groups but declining net prices due to rebates.
FAQs
Q1: When is biosimilar competition expected for Avonex?
A1: Biosimilars are anticipated to launch around mid-2024, following patent expiration in mid-2024.
Q2: How have recent patent expirations affected Avonex sales?
A2: Sales declined approximately 20% since 2018 due to generic and biosimilar entries and increased competition from oral therapies.
Q3: What factors could influence future pricing of interferon beta-1a?
A3: Biosimilar competition, regulatory policies on drug pricing, and adoption rates of oral MS therapies.
Q4: How does the U.S. market compare to global MS markets?
A4: The U.S. accounts for 70% of the global MS biologic market, with higher per-patient expenditures and reimbursement rates.
Q5: What potential changes could lead to price increases?
A5: Expansion of indications, formulation innovations, or policy shifts favoring biologics could trigger price hikes.
References
[1] IQVIA. (2022). MS Drugs Market Report.
[2] Biogen. (2022). Avonex Product Information.
[3] FDA. (2021). Biosimilar Drug Approvals.
[4] MarketWatch. (2023). Global Multiple Sclerosis Drugs Market Size & Trends.
[5] CMS. (2022). Medicare Part B Drug Reimbursement Data.
Note: All price figures are estimates based on current market data and may vary by region and payer terms.
