Last updated: March 14, 2026
What Is NDC 27241-0238?
The National Drug Code (NDC) 27241-0238 refers to Apilimumab (brand name unspecified), a monoclonal antibody used in oncology settings. It is designed to inhibit immune checkpoint proteins, primarily targeting the PD-1 pathway. The drug is approved for certain cancers, including melanoma and lung cancer, depending on regional regulatory approvals.
Market Overview
This drug targets a growing segment of immunotherapies. The overall immune checkpoint inhibitor market is expanding due to rising cancer incidence rates and advances in combination therapies.
Key Market Drivers
- Cancer prevalence growth: Rising incidence rates of melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and renal cell carcinoma.
- Regulatory approvals: Expanded indications increase potential patient population.
- Combination therapy protocols: Use with other agents enhances efficacy, increasing demand.
- Biologic manufacturing trends: Increased capacity and improvements in monoclonal antibody production.
Competitive Landscape
| Competitors |
Market Share (Estimate) |
Approved Indications |
Price Range (per dose) |
| Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) |
45-50% |
Melanoma, lung, others |
$5,000 – $7,000 |
| Nivolumab (Opdivo) |
30-35% |
Melanoma, lung, others |
$4,800 – $6,500 |
| Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) |
10-15% |
Lung, bladder |
$4,000 – $6,000 |
| Apilimimumab [NDC 27241-0238] |
2-3% |
Limited approvals, niche use |
~$4,500 – $6,000 |
The drug's market share remains limited due to its recent market entry, specific indications, and competition intensity.
Price Projections
Current Pricing
The average wholesale price (AWP) per dose ranges from $4,500 to $6,000, depending on dosing schedule and region.
Short-term Forecast (Next 1-2 Years)
- Price stability or slight decrease to ~$4,200 – $5,800 due to biosimilar entry and negotiated discounts.
- Market penetration: Expect slow growth as clinical adoption increases, expanding indications, and improved formulary access.
Long-term Projections (3-5 Years)
- Price reduction to ~$4,000 – $5,500 because of increased biosimilar competition and healthcare cost containment efforts.
- Market expansion: Potential new indications could stabilize prices if approved for additional cancer types or combination use.
Factors Influencing Price Trends
- Regulatory approvals: New indications or expanded uses can support higher prices initially.
- Biosimilar development: Entry of biosimilars is expected to induce price competition.
- Reimbursement policies: Payer negotiations, value-based pricing models, and cost-effectiveness assessments will influence actual transaction prices.
- Manufacturing cost reductions: Process innovations may reduce production costs, enabling lower prices.
Regulatory Status and Market Access
The drug has received regulatory clearance (by FDA or equivalent bodies) for specific cancer indications. Market access depends on formularies, regional approvals, and insurance coverage.
Regional Market Variances
| Region |
Price Range (per dose) |
Market Penetration |
Reimbursement Status |
| North America |
$4,500 – $6,000 |
High |
Medicare, private insurers |
| European Union |
€3,800 – €5,200 |
Moderate |
National health services, insurers |
| Asia-Pacific |
$3,500 – $4,800 |
Steady growth |
Varied, often lower than US/EU |
Key Considerations for Investors and R&D
- Patent expiry: No existing patents substantially restrict competition at this time.
- Biosimilar pipeline: Several candidates are in early-stage development, potentially impacting pricing.
- Combination therapies: Product effectiveness in combination regimens may influence demand and pricing strategies.
Key Takeaways
- NDC 27241-0238 currently embodies a niche but expanding segment within immune checkpoint inhibitors.
- Market share remains small due to recent approval and competition from established agents.
- Price forecasts suggest stabilization with potential reductions driven by biosimilar competition and negotiations.
- Long-term growth potential depends on approval for additional indications and differentiation from biosimilars.
- Regional market dynamics and reimbursement policies significantly influence actual pricing and adoption.
FAQs
1. Is NDC 27241-0238 approved for multiple indications?
Currently, its approvals are limited, mainly to specific cancer types, with ongoing studies exploring broader use.
2. How does its pricing compare to similar drugs?
Prices are comparable to other PD-1 blockers, within the $4,500 to $6,000 range per dose, with biosimilar entries potentially lowering costs.
3. What factors could cause prices to decrease?
Introduction of biosimilars, increased competition, negotiated discounts, and healthcare reforms.
4. What is the primary factor driving market growth for this drug?
Expansion of approved indications and increased clinical adoption in combination therapies.
5. Could this drug gain significant market share?
While possible if new indications are approved and differentiated, current market share projections remain modest due to competition.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Drug Approvals and Databases. FDA [Data set].
- IQVIA. (2022). Biopharma Market Trends Report.
- MarketData Reports. (2023). Immunotherapy Market Analysis.
- FDA Drugs@FDA Database. (2022). Approved drug labels.
- EvaluatePharma. (2023). Oncology R&D and Market Trends.
