Last updated: March 27, 2026
What is NDC 55150-0120?
NDC 55150-0120 corresponds to Remdesivir (Veklury), an antiviral drug approved by the FDA for COVID-19 treatment and other investigational uses. As a widely utilized drug during the pandemic, remdesivir exhibits significant market dynamics influenced by regulatory status, clinical adoption, and competitive landscape.
Market Scope and Current Usage
Indications and Approvals
- Approved in October 2020 for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
- Expanded to include treatment for certain pediatric patients.
- Prescribed primarily in inpatient settings; outpatient use remains limited.
Regulatory and Reimbursement Context
- Covered under Medicare and private insurance.
- Reimbursement is based on hospital billing codes, notably the HCPCS code J3490 and related modifiers.
Market Size
- Estimated global revenue for remdesivir reached approximately $5.4 billion in 2022.
- U.S. market accounted for roughly 80% of revenue in 2022.
Key Competitors
- Molnupiravir (Lagevrio): Oral antiviral, approved in Dec 2021, targeting outpatient COVID-19.
- Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir)): Approved in Dec 2021, strong uptake in outpatient care.
- Other investigational agents and antibody therapies.
Usage Trends
- Initial peak due to pandemic response.
- Decline in hospital administration as vaccination rates increased.
- Usage stabilized but remains significant among hospitalized patients, especially in breakthrough cases.
Market Drivers and Constraints
Drivers
- Ongoing COVID-19 hospitalizations.
- Expansion to other viral diseases under investigational use.
- Inclusion in treatment guidelines by CDC and WHO.
- Emergencies and future pandemics.
Constraints
- Competition from oral antivirals with easier administration.
- Developments of new therapies with superior efficacy.
- Pricing pressures and reimbursement limitations.
- Regulatory decisions limiting off-label use.
Price Analysis
Current Wholesale and List Prices
| Price Metric |
Estimate |
Notes |
| List Price per vial |
$520 - $650 |
Based on wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) [1]. |
| Typical dose |
200 mg IV on day 1, then 100 mg IV daily |
Approximate cost for a 5-day course: $2,600 - $3,250. |
| Reimbursement rates |
Vary by hospital and payer |
Reimbursement typically set around 50-70% of list price. |
Cost-Effectiveness
- Cost per hospitalized patient approximates $15,000 - $20,000 including adjuncts and hospital charges.
- Studies indicate modest benefits, leading to sensitivity in pricing strategies.
Price Trends (2020–2023)
- Initial pricing set at $520 per vial.
- Limited public price reductions despite declining usage.
- Distribution contracts and volume discounts affect net prices.
Contract and Negotiation Dynamics
- Large hospital systems and government negotiations influence final procurement costs.
- Price discounts of 10-20% observed with high-volume buyers.
- Contractual agreements often tie discounts to volume and supply commitments.
Future Pricing and Market Evolution
Price Projections (Next 2–5 Years)
| Year |
Price per Vial |
Expected Market Share |
Notes |
| 2023 |
$520 – $650 |
60% of initial COVID-19 inpatient use |
Maintains stable list prices; discounts possible. |
| 2024 |
$480 – $620 |
Decline due to shift to outpatient therapies |
Volume may decrease as outpatient options expand. |
| 2025 |
$450 – $600 |
Stabilization or slight reduction |
Likely driven by competition and value assessments. |
Influential Factors
- Potential approval for treating other viruses could sustain or increase prices.
- Competition from oral agents could induce price pressure.
- Policy shifts or biosimilar development could lower costs.
Key Market Insights
- Remdesivir remains a critical inpatient antiviral for COVID-19 but faces competition from outpatient therapies.
- Price levels are relatively stable but may decline with increased competition and generics.
- Strategic partnerships and bulk purchasing influence net prices.
- Clinical trial outcomes and regulatory decisions impact future adoption and pricing.
Key Takeaways
- Market size peaked during the pandemic with $5.4 billion global revenue in 2022; current trends show stabilization.
- Pricing stays within $520–$650 per vial, with discounts for high-volume buyers and negotiated contracts.
- Future projections foresee marginal price declines through 2025, influenced by competition and clinical developments.
- Market drivers include ongoing COVID-19 hospitalizations and expanded indications for other viruses.
- Market constraints involve competition from oral antivirals and potential regulatory or reimbursement changes.
FAQs
What is the expected market size for remdesivir in 2024?
The market is projected to decline modestly from the 2022 level, roughly maintaining a global revenue of $4–$4.5 billion, primarily driven by continued inpatient use and new indications.
How is the price of remdesivir likely to change over the next five years?
List prices are expected to stay within the current range but could decline by 5-10% as competitor therapies gain market share and generic versions potentially enter the market after patent expiration.
Are there upcoming regulatory decisions that could influence pricing?
Yes. If new indications receive approval or expanded emergency use authorizations, demand could increase. Conversely, regulatory restrictions on off-label use could depress demand.
What factors most influence purchase prices for hospitals?
Negotiated discounts based on volume, supply agreements, and institutional purchasing power drive prices more than list prices. Public and private payer contracts significantly affect net reimbursement.
Will biosimilars or generics impact remdesivir pricing?
While biosimilars are unlikely due to the drug's chemical complexity, patent expiration could enable generics which would lead to substantial price reductions. Patents are expected to expire around 2027–2028.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Remdesivir (Veklury). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov
- IQVIA. (2022). Pharmaceutical Pricing Data.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022). Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System.
- Reuters. (2022). Remdesivir global sales analysis.
- ClinicalTrials.gov. (2023). Remdesivir investigational uses and ongoing trials.
[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). FDA Drug Database.
