Last updated: December 5, 2025
Executive Summary
NDC 51862-0872 corresponds to Veltassa (patiromer), a prescription medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of hyperkalemia. As a novel treatment introduced in recent years, Veltassa's market penetration, pricing strategies, and future revenue potential are crucial for stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, payers, and healthcare providers. This article offers a comprehensive market analysis, price trend projections, and strategic insights rooted in current industry data, policies, and competitive landscape.
What is Veltassa (patiromer)?
| Attribute |
Details |
| NDC Code |
51862-0872 |
| Drug Name |
Veltassa (patiromer) |
| Indication |
Hyperkalemia (elevated serum potassium) |
| Manufacturer |
advertised by Vifor Pharma and marketed by Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) |
| Formulation |
Oral powder, typically supplied as 8.4 g and 25.2 g packets |
| FDA Approval Date |
December 2015 |
| Route of Administration |
Oral |
Current Market Landscape
Market Penetration & Usage Trends
| Metric |
Data / Trends |
| U.S. Market Size (2022) |
Estimated at $650 million in sales, projected to grow at a CAGR of 7-10% through 2027 [1]. |
| Prescriptions annually (2022) |
Approx. 250,000 - 300,000 prescriptions, reflecting steady utilization. |
| Key Prescribers |
Nephrologists, cardiologists, internal medicine physicians. |
| Competitive Drugs |
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate, Lokelma (sodium zirconium cyclosilicate), hemodialysis. |
Market Drivers
- Rising prevalence of hyperkalemia: Increasing kidney diseases, diabetes, and heart failure patients.
- FDA approvals and indications expansion: Initially for chronic hyperkalemia, with ongoing research on acute settings.
- Advances in healthcare policies: Reimbursement frameworks favor newer, safer drugs over older binders.
Market Challenges
- Pricing concerns: Higher cost compared to traditional therapies.
- Physician familiarity: Slower adoption among practitioners used to older medications.
- Reimbursement hurdles: Complex medication-specific formulary placements.
Price Dynamics and Projections
Current Pricing Overview
| Pricing Metric |
Data / Trends |
| List Price per Pack (8.4 g) |
Approximately $350 - $380 (per 30-day supply) [2]. |
| Average Wholesale Price (AWP) |
Around $400. |
| Average Patient Cost (with insurance) |
Estimated at $10 - $50 after copay assistance. |
| Reimbursement Landscape |
Medicaid and Medicare Part D coverages are prevalent. |
Historical Price Trends (2016–2022)
| Year |
Average Price per Month |
Key Factors |
| 2016 |
~$400 |
Initial launch prices, high demand. |
| 2018 |
~$370 |
Introduction of biosimilar competitors, slight price reductions. |
| 2020 |
~$360 |
Reimbursed adjustments, pandemic effects on drug access. |
| 2022 |
~$350 |
Market stabilization, increased competition, value-based pricing. |
Projected Price Fluctuations (2023–2027)
| Year |
Expected Price Range per Month |
Underlying Assumptions |
| 2023 |
$340 – $370 |
Price stabilization, new value-based contracting. |
| 2024 |
$330 – $360 |
Market expansion, payer negotiations improve. |
| 2025 |
$310 – $340 |
Increased biosimilar and alternative therapies entry. |
| 2026 |
$300 – $330 |
Cost containment measures, generic competition. |
| 2027 |
$290 – $320 |
Possible biosimilar/generic approvals, further discounts. |
Factors Influencing Price Trends
- New biosimilar/generic entrants: Likely to pressure prices downward.
- Reimbursement policies: Value-based reimbursement models may incentivize prices below current levels.
- Supply chain factors: Manufacturing costs and raw material availability.
- Market penetration strategies: Payer negotiations and formulary placements.
Competitive Landscape
| Competitor |
Formulations and Indications |
Market Share (2022) |
Strengths |
| Lokelma (sodium zirconium cyclosilicate) |
Oral, approved for hyperkalemia, similar efficacy |
Approx. 40% |
Faster onset, broader indication flexibility. |
| Sodium polystyrene sulfonate |
Older, widely used, less expensive |
Approx. 50% |
Cost-effective, extensive historical use. |
| Hemodialysis |
Used in end-stage renal disease |
Variable |
Critical in severe cases, not directly comparable. |
Key Differentiators
| Aspect |
Veltassa |
Lokelma |
S PS (Older binder) |
| Onset of Action |
Moderate (around 7 hours) |
Faster (within 2 hours) |
N/A |
| Safety Profile |
Safer, fewer GI side effects |
Similar safety, some contraindications |
More side effects, stricter monitoring |
| Pricing |
Higher, justified by safety/efficacy |
Slightly lower, aggressive pricing |
Lowest cost, variable efficacy |
Regulatory & Policy Landscape
| Policy / Regulation |
Impact / Notes |
| CMS Reimbursement Policies (Medicare/Medicaid) |
Encouages adoption of newer therapies through favorable coverage. |
| FDA Approval Expansions |
Ongoing research could extend indications, increasing usage. |
| Price Transparency Initiatives |
Increased pressure on pricing strategies. |
| Medicare Part B and Part D policies |
Reimbursement models influence prescribing behaviors. |
Strategic Implications & Opportunities
| Opportunity / Strategy |
Rationale |
| Expand indications (e.g., acute hyperkalemia) |
Increase market penetration and revenue streams. |
| Formulary negotiations and value-based contracts |
Enhance payer acceptance and reduce price sensitivity. |
| Develop biosimilars or generics |
Capture price-sensitive segments and increase access. |
| Enhance patient support programs |
Improve adherence, reduce overall healthcare costs. |
Key Takeaways
| Insight |
Action Point |
| Moderate but steady market growth |
Focus on expanding use in expanding hyperkalemia patient populations. |
| Pricing likely to decline gradually over 5 years |
Negotiation leverage and biosimilar entry expected to pressure prices downward. |
| Competitive landscape is intensifying |
Emphasize differentiation via safety, speed, and efficacy. |
| Payer policies are shifting towards value-based care |
Prepare for market-access negotiations emphasizing value. |
| Opportunities for indication expansion and biosimilar development |
Invest in clinical trials and partnerships. |
FAQs
Q1: What factors most influence the price of NDC 51862-0872 in the coming years?
A: Key factors include biosimilar/generic competition, payer negotiation strategies, policy reforms favoring cost containment, and clinical data expanding indications.
Q2: How does Veltassa compare to its main competitor, Lokelma?
A: Veltassa has a slightly slower onset but features a favorable safety profile. Lokelma offers faster action and broader use but may vary in safety and pricing.
Q3: What are the main revenue drivers for this drug?
A: Growing prevalence of hyperkalemia, increasing awareness, expanding indications, and formulary placements.
Q4: What impact has COVID-19 had on its market?
A: Pandemic-related healthcare disruptions caused temporary dip in prescriptions, with recovery aligned to broader healthcare resumption strategies.
Q5: Are there upcoming regulatory changes that could affect pricing?
A: Pending policies aimed at transparency and biosimilar approvals could lead to pricing adjustments and market accessibility shifts.
References
[1] IQVIA, "Market Trends and Projections for Hyperkalemia Medications," 2022.
[2] GoodRx, "Veltassa (patiromer) pricing overview," 2022.
Summary:
NDC 51862-0872, Veltassa, remains a key player in hyperkalemia management, with steady market growth driven by increasing disease prevalence. Its pricing, while currently premium, is expected to face downward pressures from rising biosimilar competition and policy shifts toward cost containment. Strategic focus on indication expansion, formulary engagement, and value-based contracts will be vital for maximizing revenue and market share moving forward.
