Last updated: February 27, 2026
What is NDC 51079-0567?
NDC 51079-0567 refers to a specific drug product identified in the National Drug Code system. While detailed specifics are typically available from product labeling or manufacturer filings, preliminary data indicates this NDC corresponds to Remdesivir (Veklury), a broad-spectrum antiviral approved by the FDA for COVID-19 treatment.
Market Overview
Current Market Status
Remdesivir has maintained a significant position in the COVID-19 antiviral market since emergency use authorization (EUA) granted by the FDA in May 2020 and subsequent full approval in October 2020.
- Market Penetration: The drug is widely adopted in hospitals globally for early treatment of severe COVID-19.
- Manufacturers: Gilead Sciences holds the patent rights and manufacturing rights.
- Supply Chain: Production capacity has scaled up significantly, with multiple manufacturing partners ensuring supply.
Competitive Landscape
Remdesivir competes with other antiviral agents such as:
- Molnupiravir (Merck): Oral antiviral approved for mild-to-moderate COVID-19.
- Paxlovid (Pfizer): Oral protease inhibitor with high efficacy.
- Favipiravir: Used mainly outside the U.S.
While these alternatives target different treatment stages, remdesivir remains the primary intravenous antiviral for hospitalized patients.
Regulatory Environment
- FDA: Full approval (October 2020) and ongoing guidance.
- Global approvals: Several countries have granted emergency or full approval.
- Pricing policies: Gilead set the price in the U.S. at approximately $520 per vial (2022), with treatment courses averaging $2,340 per patient.
Market Drivers
- Continued COVID-19 variants requiring hospitalization.
- Healthcare provider preferences for proven IV antivirals.
- Global vaccination disparities increasing hospitalization rates.
Market Challenges
- Competition from oral agents.
- Price sensitivity in healthcare systems.
- Evolving treatment guidelines favoring newer drugs.
Price Projections
Historical Pricing Data
| Year |
Price per vial (USD) |
Treatment course (USD) |
| 2020 |
$520 |
~$2,340 (6 vials) |
| 2021 |
$520 |
~$2,340 |
| 2022 |
$520 |
~$2,340] |
Gilead initially priced remdesivir at $520 per vial, based on manufacturing costs and value proposition.
Near-Term Price Outlook (2023–2025)
- Stability: Price is expected to stay in the $520–$550 per vial range, given manufacturing costs and limited competition for IV formulations.
- Potential discounts: Negotiated prices with government procurement agencies might reduce costs for large-volume contracts.
- Reimbursement: Reimbursement remains aligned with current pricing, but innovations in hospital procurement could influence future rate adjustments.
Long-Term Price Trends (2026 and beyond)
- Market maturation: The drug's price may decline marginally due to increased competition, biosimilar development, or new formulations.
- Patent expiration: Gilead's patents are expected to expire around 2030, facilitating potential generic entries that could dramatically reduce prices.
- Global price variance: Developing countries could see prices below $50 per vial with local manufacturing and licensing agreements.
Price Sensitivity Analysis
- Small variations in price (~10%) could influence hospital adoption levels.
- Cost-effectiveness analyses favoring oral alternatives may limit future IV demand, exerting downward pressure on remdesivir prices.
Strategic Implications
- Upcoming biosimilars: May enter the market post-2030, potentially reducing prices by 50% or more.
- Regulatory shifts: Expanded approval for other indications could sustain or increase demand, supporting stable pricing.
- Volume discounts and procurement policies from government agencies remain critical factors influencing actual prices paid.
Key Takeaways
- Remdesivir (NDC 51079-0567) remains a primary intravenous antiviral for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
- The price per vial has stabilized at approximately $520 since 2020, with minimal fluctuation anticipated in the short term.
- Long-term pricing will depend heavily on patent status, biosimilar entry, and competition from oral antivirals.
- The drug's market is predominantly driven by treatment protocols and hospital procurement practices.
- Large-scale global adoption could further influence pricing trends and supply chain dynamics.
FAQs
-
Will remdesivir’s price decrease significantly in the next two years?
No, current data suggest the price will remain stable around $520 per vial unless new competitive pressures emerge.
-
When are biosimilars or generics expected to enter the market?
Patent protections in the U.S. expire around 2030, after which biosimilar versions could reduce prices substantially.
-
What factors could influence the drug’s market share?
Introduction of new oral antivirals, evolving treatment guidelines, and global supply chain developments.
-
How do global prices compare?
Developed countries maintain prices near the U.S. rate, while emerging markets could see significantly lower prices due to licensing and manufacturing agreements.
-
What is the main driver for remdesivir’s demand?
Use in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, especially during surges caused by new variants.
References
[1] Gilead Sciences. (2022). Veklury (remdesivir) Prescribing Information. https://www.gilead.com
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Remdesivir EUA and approval. https://www.fda.gov
[3] IQVIA. (2022). Global Pharmaceutical Pricing Data. https://www.iqvia.com
[4] CNBC. (2022). COVID-19 antiviral drug market developments. https://www.cnbc.com
[5] World Health Organization. (2022). COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines. https://www.who.int
