Last updated: March 22, 2026
What is the medical use of NDC 49702-0217?
The drug identified by NDC 49702-0217 is Remdesivir, marketed as Veklury. It is an antiviral agent primarily used for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients. It has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA and later full approval for specific COVID-19 indications.
What is the current manufacturing status and availability?
Remdesivir (Veklury) is produced by Gilead Sciences. As of late 2022, Gilead retains exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute the drug in the United States and several international markets. Production capacity has increased since initial EUA approval in 2020, with multiple manufacturing facilities globally. The drug is available via hospital pharmacies and authorized distribution channels.
How is the current pricing structured?
Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC)
- As of Q4 2022, the average wholesale price for a 100 mg vial is approximately $390.
- Treatment involves a five-day course, typically requiring 6 vials (assuming an initial 200 mg loading dose followed by 100 mg daily).
- Estimated treatment cost: $2,340 per patient.
Reimbursement and Insurance
- Reimbursement via Medicare and private insurers aligns closely with WAC plus billing adjustments.
- Gilead offers assistance programs, including patient support and discount initiatives, especially for uninsured or underinsured populations.
Contractual and International Pricing
- International pricing varies due to negotiated agreements, healthcare system structures, and economic factors.
- Countries like India and Brazil report lower negotiated prices — roughly 20-50% of U.S. WAC.
- Gilead has committed to differential pricing for lower-income markets, with prices in some regions below $100 per vial.
What are the market dynamics influencing demand?
Patent and Exclusivity Status
- Gilead holds patent rights until at least 2030.
- No recent patent challenges have emerged, maintaining market exclusivity.
Competition
- No direct generic competitors are currently authorized.
- Other antiviral agents, such as Paxlovid (Pfizer), are used as alternative COVID-19 treatments but target different disease stages.
Market Penetration
- The drug's use is mainly confined to hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
- Utilization declined post-2022 as new treatments and vaccination efforts reduced hospitalization rates.
- According to CDC data, hospital administrations prescribe Veklury in approximately 25-30% of hospitalized COVID-19 cases during peak periods.
Demand Trends
- Demand peaked in mid-2021, coinciding with COVID-19 surges.
- Declined in 2022, aligning with lower hospitalization rates and evolving treatment protocols.
What are future price projections?
Short-term (2023-2024)
- Price stability expected due to continued patent protection and Gilead’s market control.
- Possible slight reduction (up to 10%) in WAC as manufacturing efficiencies improve and volume increases, but significant drops unlikely without generic entry.
Long-term (post-2025)
- Potential price declines contingent on patent expiration, patent challenges, or regulatory changes.
- Emergence of generics could lower prices by 50-70% within 2-4 years post-patent expiry.
- International price reductions likely to follow U.S. trends but adjusted for local market conditions.
What external factors could impact pricing?
| Factor |
Effect |
Explanation |
| Patent expiry |
Price decline |
Entry of generics reduces prices significantly. |
| Regulatory actions |
Price stabilization or increase |
FDA approvals or restrictions influence demand and pricing. |
| Market demand |
Price sensitivity |
Decline in COVID-19 cases reduces hospital demand, pressure on prices. |
| Global economic conditions |
Price variation |
Exchange rates and procurement policies impact international prices. |
Summary of key data points
| Aspect |
Data |
| Current WAC per vial |
~$390 |
| Typical treatment cost |
~$2,340 |
| Patent status |
Extends through 2030 |
| International price range |
20-50% of U.S. cost |
| Expected generic entry |
Post-2025 (if patent challenges succeed) |
Key Takeaways
- NDC 49702-0217 corresponds to Remdesivir (Veklury), an antiviral for COVID-19.
- Current U.S. market price for a treatment course is approximately $2,340, with stable pricing expected through 2024.
- No immediate generic competition; patent protection persists until 2030.
- Market demand declined after 2021 but remains in use for certain hospitalized patients.
- Future prices will depend on patent status, regulatory environment, and global market factors.
FAQs
1. Will the price of Remdesivir decrease significantly after patent expiry?
Yes, generic entry typically causes substantial price reductions, potentially lowering costs by more than half.
2. Are there any approved biosimilars or generics for this drug?
No, currently no biosimilars or generics are available due to patent protections and regulatory hurdles.
3. How does international pricing compare to U.S. prices?
International prices are generally 20-50% of U.S. costs due to negotiated procurement agreements and differing market conditions.
4. What factors could stabilize or increase prices in the future?
Regulatory changes, new indications, or supply chain disruptions could influence prices upward.
5. How might demand for the drug evolve in the coming years?
Demand is expected to decline unless COVID-19 variants or new indications increase need; ongoing vaccination efforts also reduce hospitalization rates.
References
[1] Gilead Sciences. (2022). Veklury (Remdesivir) Prescribing Information.
[2] CDC. (2022). COVID-19 Hospitalization and Treatment Data.
[3] IQVIA. (2022). U.S. Pharmaceutical Pricing Data.
[4] World Health Organization. (2022). International Price Reporting.
[5] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent Status for Remdesivir.
