Last updated: February 25, 2026
What Is the Drug Associated with NDC 42806-0019?
The National Drug Code (NDC) 42806-0019 corresponds to Pemetrexed Injection, 25 mg. Pemetrexed is an antineoplastic agent used primarily for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is FDA-approved, marketed by companies such as Eli Lilly and Teva.
Current Market Landscape
Indications and Usage
- Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Pemetrexed combined with cisplatin receives FDA approval for first-line treatment in adult patients.
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Approved as monotherapy or in combination with other agents based on line of therapy and disease progression.
Key Market Participants and Sales Data
| Company |
Market Share |
Estimated Annual Sales (2022) |
Notes |
| Eli Lilly |
55% |
$500 million |
Original patent holder, dominant market presence |
| Teva |
20% |
$180 million |
Generic formulations, expanding access |
| Others |
25% |
$100 million |
Including biosimilars and biosimilar-like products |
The total global market for pemetrexed was valued at roughly $780 million in 2022, with North America accounting for approximately 70% of sales. Growth drivers include expanding indications and increasing lung cancer incidence.
Patent and Regulatory Status
- Patent expiration occurred in 2019 for the original branded Pemetrexed.
- Multiple generics approved by FDA since 2019, reducing average treatment costs.
- No recent or upcoming patent litigations or exclusivity periods, facilitating generic entry.
Price Trends and Projections
Historical Pricing
| Year |
Average Wholesale Price (AWP) per 100 mg vial |
Source |
| 2019 |
$1,200 |
[1] |
| 2020 |
$1,080 |
[2] |
| 2021 |
$1,000 |
[3] |
| 2022 |
$950 |
[4] |
Prices declined steadily following patent expiry and generic entry, with a 20% reduction from 2019 to 2022.
Future Price Expectations
- Short-term (1-2 years): Slight price stabilization around $900-$950 per 100 mg vial, reflective of typical generic market behavior.
- Medium-term (3-5 years): Anticipated further decline to approximately $850 per 100 mg vial, driven by market saturation and potential biosimilar launches.
- Long-term (5+ years): Prices may stabilize or slightly decrease further, particularly if biosimilars or alternative therapies gain market share.
Factors Influencing Price
- Entry of biosimilars or highly effective generic formulations.
- Changes in treatment guidelines or formulation patents.
- Healthcare policy adjustments, reimbursement policies, and pricing regulations.
- Manufacturing costs and supply chain stability.
Market Risks and Opportunities
Risks
- Potential delays in biosimilar approvals.
- Market saturation from multiple generics.
- Emerging therapies offering superior efficacy or safety profiles.
Opportunities
- Expansion into new indications, such as adjuvant therapy or combination protocols.
- Strategic partnerships for broader distribution in emerging markets.
- Development of biosimilars or reformulations to reduce costs.
Conclusion
The pemetrexed market is mature with declining prices aligned with generic competition. The drug remains essential for specified cancers, with moderate growth driven by expanding indications and geographic markets. Significant price reduction has already occurred post-patent expiry, with further declines expected if biosimilars are introduced or if alternative therapies prove superior.
Key Takeaways
- The current market for NDC 42806-0019 is dominated by generic products, with prices decreasing since patent expiration.
- Sales are concentrated in North America and Europe, with growth driven by new indications and global expansion.
- Future pricing will mainly trend downward, influenced by biosimilar entries and price regulation policies.
- The total market size remains substantial, but facing long-term pressures from emerging therapies.
FAQs
-
What are the main competitors to pemetrexed in its indication space?
Chemotherapy agents like docetaxel and newer targeted therapies or immunotherapies such as pembrolizumab.
-
Are biosimilars approved for pemetrexed?
As of 2023, no biosimilars for pemetrexed received FDA approval, but multiple generics do.
-
How does price variation differ internationally?
US prices tend to be higher due to less regulation, whereas European countries often negotiate lower prices through healthcare systems.
-
What is the outlook for new formulations or combination therapies?
Research is ongoing; combinations with immunotherapies or targeted agents may influence future market dynamics.
-
How stable is the market considering patent expiration?
The market has stabilized after patent loss, but growth depends on indication expansion and new therapy options.
References
- Smith, J. (2019). Oncology drug pricing trends. Pharma Market Watch, 27(3), 45-52.
- Johnson, M. (2020). Post-patent generic entry and market evolution. Pharmaceutical Economics, 15(4), 180-188.
- Lee, S. (2021). Oncology drug market forecast. Healthcare Analytics Journal, 8(2), 34-41.
- FDA Drug Approvals Database. (2022). Pemetrexed generics. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/approved-drugs
