Last updated: February 14, 2026
Overview
NDC 42291-0632 refers to Remdesivir (Veklury), an antiviral drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of COVID-19. Since its emergency approval in October 2020, Remdesivir has experienced fluctuating demand influenced by the pandemic’s trajectory, government procurement policies, and evolving clinical guidelines.
Market Context
- Market Size: In 2022, the global COVID-19 therapeutics market was valued at approximately $10 billion. Remdesivir accounted for roughly 35% of this segment.
- Key Competitors: Paxlovid (Pfizer), Molnupiravir (Merck), and monoclonal antibodies. Remdesivir’s market share has declined from a peak of 50% early in the pandemic to around 30% as new oral therapies gained favor.
- Regulatory Status: Remdesivir maintains FDA approval for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Several countries have approved it based on interim clinical data, but some health agencies recommend restricted use depending on disease severity.
Pricing History and Current Pricing
- Initial Pricing: In the U.S., the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) was set at $3,120 per five-dose course initially [1].
- Subsequent Pricing Adjustments: The price has remained relatively steady, though some discounts and procurement arrangements have emerged through government contracts. Contract prices tend to be approximately 10-20% lower than WAC due to negotiated rebates.
- International Pricing: Varies widely. For example, in low-income countries, Gavi support reduces prices to approximately $210 per course [2].
Current Market Dynamics
- Declining COVID-19 hospitalization rates in the U.S. and other high-income markets have led to lower demand.
- The emergence of oral antivirals and monoclonal antibodies has reduced reliance on intravenous Remdesivir.
- Production capacity and supply chain stability remain adequate, with multiple manufacturers producing the drug under licensing agreements.
Price Projections (2023-2025)
| Year |
Estimated Price Point (per course) |
Notes |
| 2023 |
$2,500 - $3,000 |
Price stabilizes against reduced demand; price pressures from competition. |
| 2024 |
$2,300 - $2,800 |
Continued decline; market shifts toward oral options. |
| 2025 |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
Further price reduction expected; potential generic entry if patents expire or licensing expands. |
Market Drivers for Price Trends
- Demand Fluctuations: Decreases in COVID-19 cases directly reduce demand, pressures on pricing.
- Regulatory Approvals: If broader approval expands to outpatient use, price and volume could increase.
- Manufacturing Competition: Multiple manufacturers entering or increasing production might reduce prices.
- Government Negotiations: Medicaid, Medicare, and private payers bargaining for lower prices influence final purchase costs.
Risks to Price Stability
- Potential supply chain disruptions or patent disputes.
- New competing treatments with improved efficacy or convenience.
- Changes in clinical guidelines or emergency use authorizations.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Companies: Maintaining supply and expanding indications could preserve revenue streams.
- Healthcare Providers: Cost considerations influence treatment protocols.
- Payers: Negotiating better discounts as demand declines or alternative treatments become more prevalent.
- Investors: Price trajectories suggest diminishing margins unless new indications or formulations are developed.
Key Takeaways
- NDC 42291-0632 (Remdesivir) remains a relevant COVID-19 treatment with stable but declining demand.
- Current U.S. market price is approximately $3,120 per course, with discounts lowering actual transaction prices.
- Expect continued price reductions through 2025 driven by market saturation, new competitors, and clinical practice shifts.
- International prices vary significantly, with aggressive discounts in low-income settings.
- Future market growth depends on expanded indications, regulatory status, and competition.
FAQs
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Will the price of Remdesivir decrease further in the future? Yes. Demand declines and increased competition tend to drive prices downward, with projections indicating reductions to approximately $2,000-$2,500 per course by 2025.
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Are there plans to expand the indications for NDC 42291-0632? Potentially. Data on efficacy in outpatient settings could lead to expanded approval, possibly increasing demand and stabilizing prices.
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What factors most influence the price changes? Demand fluctuations, regulatory changes, manufacturing capacity, and competition from alternative treatments.
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How does international pricing compare to U.S. pricing? International prices, especially in low-income countries, are significantly lower, often supported by global health initiatives and licensing agreements.
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Could patent expiration or licensing affect future prices? Yes. Patent expiry or licensing agreements with generic manufacturers could lead to substantial price declines.
Sources
[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Veklury (Remdesivir) approval and pricing data, October 2020.
[2] Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance. COVID-19 Therapeutics Pricing, 2022.
