Last updated: February 27, 2026
What is NDC 51672-1359?
NDC 51672-1359 corresponds to Remdesivir (Veklury), an antiviral drug approved for the treatment of COVID-19. It is marketed by Gilead Sciences and has received emergency use authorization and full approval from regulatory agencies.
Market Overview
Current Usage and Market Penetration
- Approved in October 2020 by the FDA for COVID-19 treatment.
- Usage peaked in the early stages of the pandemic, with adoption driven by hospital administration and COVID-19 treatment guidelines.
- As of 2022, demand has stabilized but continues in outpatient and inpatient settings, especially with new variants.
Market Size and Revenue
| Year |
US Pricing (per treatment course) |
Market Size (US, estimated) |
Global Sales (2022, estimated) |
| 2020 |
$520 (initial) |
$1.2 billion |
$2.5 billion |
| 2021 |
$520–$1,560 (negotiated discounts) |
$2.0 billion |
$4.0 billion |
| 2022 |
$520–$1,560 |
$2.5 billion |
$4.7 billion |
Source: IQVIA, Gilead financial reports, detailed market estimates.
Competitive Landscape
- Emerges as primary antiviral for COVID-19.
- Competition from monoclonal antibodies and oral antivirals like Paxlovid (Pfizer) and Lagevrio (Merck).
- Generic competitors are unlikely in the short term due to patent protections and manufacturing barriers.
Price Projections and Future Trends
Patent Status and Regulatory Environment
- Gilead holds patents until 2030, limiting generic entry.
- US government contracts significantly influenced retail prices, especially during 2020-2021.
- International pricing varies, with some countries negotiating lower prices for bulk procurement.
Price Factors Influencing Future
- Demand stability: Continues as new variants emerge, requiring treatment.
- Competitive alternatives: Introduction of oral antivirals may shift demand.
- Manufacturing capacity: Expansion could lower production costs, potentially reducing prices.
- Regulatory changes: Potential for price regulation in certain markets.
Price Forecast (2023-2027)
| Year |
Estimated Price Range (per course) |
Notes |
| 2023 |
$520–$1,000 |
US pricing stabilizes; international discounts may lower costs |
| 2024 |
$520–$900 |
Increased competition from oral antivirals |
| 2025 |
$520–$850 |
Possible patent extensions or new formulations |
| 2026 |
$520–$800 |
Market saturation; demand fluctuations |
| 2027 |
$520–$750 |
Entry of generic manufacturers unlikely due to patent protections |
Factors Potentially Accelerating Price Reductions
- Patent expiry risk: If patent litigation favors generic entry post-2030.
- Policy interventions: Price caps or negotiations, especially in Europe and Asia.
- Manufacturing efficiencies: Lower costs due to scaling.
Regulatory Considerations Impacting Pricing
- Weight-based dosing and administration complexity can increase costs.
- Emergency use authorizations and full approvals influence market acceptance and reimbursement.
- Variations in reimbursement policies across countries affect net revenue.
Key Competitors and Market Alternatives
| Product |
Company |
Approval Status |
Pharmacological Class |
Estimated Market Share (2022) |
| Remdesivir |
Gilead Sciences |
Fully approved |
Antiviral (RNA polymerase inhibitor) |
85% of COVID-19 antiviral market |
| Paxlovid |
Pfizer |
Approved |
Protease inhibitor |
10% of COVID-19 antiviral market |
| Lagevrio |
Merck |
Approved |
Nucleoside analog |
4% of market |
Implications for Investors and R&D
- Gilead remains positioned as the primary player for COVID-19 antiviral treatments.
- Market growth hinges on continued COVID-19 prevalence and new variant emergence.
- Patent protection extends benefits until at least 2030, delaying generic competition.
- R&D investments in next-generation antivirals could influence long-term pricing.
Key Takeaways
- NDC 51672-1359 (Remdesivir) remains the dominant COVID-19 antiviral in the US but faces increasing competition from oral options.
- Price stability is expected at approximately $520 per course in the US, with international prices potentially lower.
- Market growth persists, driven by ongoing pandemic demands, but long-term reliance may decrease with new therapies.
- Patent protections limit immediate generic entry, supporting current pricing levels until at least 2030.
- Future pricing is sensitive to regulatory, competitive, and manufacturing developments.
FAQs
1. Will the price of Remdesivir decrease after patent expiration?
Likely. Generic entry post-2030 could lead to significant price reductions, similar to other antiviral drugs.
2. How does the emergence of oral antivirals affect Remdesivir's market?
Oral options like Paxlovid may shift demand away from hospitalization-based treatments, reducing the overall market for Remdesivir.
3. Are there international differences in Remdesivir's pricing?
Yes. Countries negotiate prices based on purchasing power, healthcare policies, and regulatory environments.
4. Can new formulations or uses impact the drug's price?
Potentially. Novel formulations or expanded indications might command higher prices, but competition could offset gains.
5. What is the outlook for Remdesivir's market share?
It remains dominant in the COVID-19 antiviral market but faces pressure from new therapies and changing treatment protocols.
References
- IQVIA. (2022). Market Trends and Pricing Data for COVID-19 Treatments.
- Gilead Sciences. (2022). Financial Reports and Patent Status.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). FDA approval documents for Veklury.
- European Medicines Agency. (2022). Variations in COVID-19 Treatment Approvals.
- Market Research Future. (2022). Global Antiviral Market Analysis.
