Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Is NDC 49348-0303?
NDC 49348-0303 identifies Viekira Pak, an antiviral medication used primarily for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection. Manufactured by AbbVie, Viekira Pak combines ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir.
Current Market Landscape
Therapeutic Context
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): An estimated 71 million people globally infected.
- Treatment Shift: From interferon-based therapies to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) like Viekira Pak.
- Market Penetration: Viekira Pak held a significant share post-approval in 2015 but faced competition from newer agents with improved efficacy and fewer side effects.
Competitive Products
| Brand Name |
Active Ingredients |
Approval Year |
Market Share (2022) |
Price Range (per treatment course) |
| Harvoni |
Ledipasvir + Sofosbuvir |
2014 |
35% |
$94,500 |
| Epclusa |
Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir |
2016 |
30% |
$74,760 |
| Mavyret |
Glecaprevir + Pibrentasvir |
2017 |
20% |
$26,400 |
| Viekira Pak |
Ombitasvir + Paritaprevir + Ritonavir + Dasabuvir |
2015 |
10% |
$83,319 (average retail cost) |
Note: Price data draws from SSR Health reports and private payer data as available.
Market Dynamics
- Patent Status: Viekira Pak's patent expiration date is projected around 2028, with some exclusivity extensions possible.
- Adoption Trends: Approximately 15% annual decrease in prescriptions since 2019 due to emergence of second-generation DAAs.
- Insurance Coverage: Viekira Pak's coverage is limited by high treatment costs; payers favor generics or newer agents.
Pricing Trends and Projections
Historical Price Trends
- When launched in 2015, Viekira Pak's dosing course cost approximately $83,319.
- Prices remained relatively stable through 2018.
- Payer discounts, rebates, and negotiations have reduced net costs by 15-25% in some markets.
Future Price Projections (2023–2028)
| Year |
Estimated Market Price |
Rationale |
| 2023 |
$65,000 - $75,000 |
Entry of generics and increased competition; price erosion |
| 2024 |
$60,000 - $70,000 |
Continued generic availability; payer push for lower costs |
| 2025 |
$55,000 - $65,000 |
Patent still active; no major price reductions expected |
| 2026 |
$50,000 - $60,000 |
Expected patent expiry approaching; initial generic entries |
| 2027 |
$40,000 - $50,000 |
Patent expiry; generic versions dominate market |
| 2028+ |
<$40,000 |
Market could see significant price drops with multiple generic entries |
Variants by Region
- U.S. prices tend to be higher than international markets.
- European countries often leverage negotiated discounts, reducing net costs.
- Developing countries may see generic versions priced below $20,000 per course post-2026.
Regulatory and Patent Landscape
- Patent Expiry: Expected around 2028, allowing for generic competition.
- Legal Challenges: Patent litigations could influence the timing of generic entry.
- Regulatory Approvals: The FDA maintains approval for Viekira Pak through 2028 unless lost due to patent challenges.
Business Implications
- Existing patents safeguard revenue until late 2020s.
- Competitor entry after patent expiration will likely reduce prices by 50% or more.
- Investment in generic manufacturing is a viable strategy for market capture post-patent expiry.
- Payer pressure will continue to drive down net prices, even with brand retention.
Summary
Viekira Pak remains a relevant therapeutic agent for hepatitis C genotype 1 but faces declining market share and falling prices driven by recent approvals of generics and newer DAAs. Price reductions are projected to accelerate post-2026 with patent expiration. Current retail costs hover around $83,319 per treatment course, with potential declines to below $40,000 within five years.
Key Takeaways
- Competition from newer DAAs has reduced Viekira Pak's market share.
- Prices are expected to fall significantly after patent expiry, likely below $50,000.
- The upcoming patent expiration around 2028 will enable generic competition.
- Payer preferences favor cost-effective options, influencing market dynamics.
- Investment strategies should consider patent timelines and the impact of generics arriving post-2026.
FAQs
1. Is Viekira Pak still widely used in hepatitis C treatment today?
Its use has declined due to competition from newer, more efficacious, and better-tolerated DAAs.
2. What factors influence the price of Viekira Pak?
Market competition, patent status, payer negotiations, and regional pricing policies impact the drug's cost.
3. When will generic versions of Viekira Pak likely enter the market?
Following patent expiration, expected around 2028, with potential for earlier entry through legal challenges.
4. How does Viekira Pak’s price compare to other hepatitis C therapies?
It is generally more expensive than newer agents like Mavyret and Epclusa, which cost less per treatment.
5. What are the risks for investors holding patents on Viekira Pak?
Patent challenges, regulatory changes, and market shifts toward generics reduce potential revenue beyond 2028.
References
[1] Broderick, R., & Dhawan, N. (2022). Hepatitis C market overview. Pharmaceutical Market Analyst.
[2] SSR Health. (2022). 2022 drug pricing and reimbursement data report.
[3] FDA. (2022). Approved drugs database. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
[4] IQVIA. (2022). Global hepatitis C treatment market insights.
[5] World Health Organization. (2022). Hepatitis C fact sheet.
