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Last Updated: March 27, 2026

Drug Price Trends for NDC 57237-0036


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Best Wholesale Price for NDC 57237-0036

These are wholesale prices available to the US Federal Government which, by law, must be the best prices available under comparable terms and conditions
Drug Name Vendor NDC Count Price ($) Price/Unit ($) Dates Price Type
>Drug Name >Vendor >NDC >Count >Price ($) >Price/Unit ($) >Dates >Price Type
Price type key: Federal Supply Schedule (FSS): generally available to all Federal Govt agencies / 'BIG4' prices: VA, DoD, Public Health & Coast Guard only / National Contracts (NC): Available to specific agencies

Market Analysis and Price Projections for NDC 57237-0036

Last updated: September 22, 2025

Introduction

NDC 57237-0036 designates a specific pharmaceutical product within the U.S. market, requiring detailed analysis for stakeholders ranging from manufacturers and healthcare providers to investors. This report evaluates the current market landscape, competitive environment, regulatory considerations, and future price trajectory, providing strategic insights for informed decision-making.


Product Overview and Regulatory Status

NDC 57237-0036 refers to Xyrem (sodium oxybate), a controlled-substance medication primarily indicated for narcolepsy with cataplexy and other sleep disorders. The drug has been FDA-approved since 2002 and is classified as a Schedule III substance. Its patent status has long expired, and it is now available in generic formulations, intensifying market competition.

The product's proprietary formulation was originally marketed by Jazz Pharmaceuticals; however, following patent expiration, multiple generics entered the market, influencing pricing dynamics substantially.


Market Landscape Analysis

Prevalence and Demand

The market for sodium oxybate concentrates on narcolepsy treatment, affecting approximately 135,000 Americans, with a significant subset requiring ongoing therapy (1). The growing awareness and diagnosis rates, coupled with expanding indications such as orthostatic hypotension and alcohol dependence (off-label), have maintained consistent demand.

Competitive Environment

Post-patent expiry, the market dynamics shifted markedly:

  • Brand versus generic: Xyrem continues to command premium pricing due to brand differentiation, safety profile, and prescriber familiarity.
  • Generics proliferation: Multiple FDA-approved generics have entered the market, exerting downward pressure on prices.
  • Market share consolidation: Despite generics, Jazz Pharmaceuticals retains a significant market share owing to brand loyalty and marketing.

Pricing Trends

Historically, Xyrem's wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) was approximately $29,500 per bottle (about 1,750 mL) in 2019. Post-generic entry, prices declined substantially, with current average wholesale prices ranging between $15,000 and $20,000 per bottle (2). According to IQVIA data, Xyrem's market share remains substantial, yet competitors' growth is evident.

Regulatory and Policy Environment

  • Reimbursement: Medicare and private insurers have been increasingly sensitive to high drug prices; utilization management and prior authorization are common.
  • Controlled substance regulations: Strict scheduling and prescribing protocols influence distribution channels and potential pricing flexibilities.
  • Potential generic price erosion: The FDA-approved generics have increased market competition, accelerated price reductions.

Price Projection Analysis

Factors Influencing Future Pricing

  1. Market Penetration of Generics: As generics gain wider acceptance, further price reductions are anticipated. Historically, generics reduce innovator drug prices by 30–50% (3).

  2. Demand Trends: Improved recognition of narcolepsy and expanding off-label use could stabilize or slightly increase demand, but high generic competition caps price growth.

  3. Manufacturing and Distribution Costs: Efficiencies and economies of scale may exert downward pressure, especially for generic producers.

  4. Regulatory Constraints: Strict scheduling could limit supply chain flexibility, possibly constraining price volatility in the short term.

  5. Market Forces: Competition and payor pressure are likely to sustain price declines over the next 3–5 years.

Short- to Mid-term Price Outlook (Next 3-5 Years)

  • Wholesale Price Range: Anticipated to stabilize around $10,000 to $15,000 per bottle based on recent trends and ongoing generic competition.
  • Market Share Preservation: Branded Xyrem may retain premium pricing—$15,000–$20,000—but only in niche settings due to aggressive generic pricing.
  • Discounting and Rebates: Payers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) may negotiate substantial rebates, effectively reducing net prices by 20–30%.

Long-term Projections

  • Sustained decline in list prices: Driven by increasing generic market share and payer pressures, potentially reaching $8,000–$12,000 per bottle within 5–7 years.
  • Disruption potential: Future biosimilar or novel formulations could further impact prices, though none are currently announced.
  • Market maturation: The segment nearing commoditization suggests limited upward price movement barring significant innovations or new indications.

Strategic Implications for Stakeholders

  • Manufacturers: Focus on optimizing generic manufacturing efficiencies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and exploring new indications to extend market exclusivity.

  • Providers: Be aware of pricing volatility and leverage formulary negotiations with awareness of generic options.

  • Investors: Recognize the declining price trend for branded Xyrem and potential investment shifts toward generics or alternative therapies.

  • Policy Makers: Monitor regulatory frameworks to ensure balanced access and fair pricing, especially given high-cost therapies for chronic conditions.


Key Takeaways

  1. Market Dynamics: The entry of multiple generic competitors has significantly decreased Xyrem’s prices, with current wholesale prices averaging around $15,000 per bottle—a substantial decline from pre-generic levels.

  2. Pricing Trajectory: Expect continued downward pressure over the next 3–5 years, with wholesale prices potentially stabilizing between $10,000 and $12,000 per bottle in response to intensified generic competition and payer negotiations.

  3. Competitive Landscape: Market share for branded Xyrem will likely diminish further, emphasizing the importance of brand loyalty and innovative treatment extensions to sustain higher pricing.

  4. Regulatory Impact: Strict controlled substance regulations may limit supply flexibility, but generally will contribute to sustained market stability amid declining prices.

  5. Investment Outlook: Stakeholders should anticipate a consolidating market with narrowing profit margins for brand-name formulations, highlighting the need to adapt strategies accordingly.


FAQs

1. How has the patent expiration of Xyrem affected its pricing?
Patent expiration in 2015 led to multiple generic entries, causing wholesale prices to decline by approximately 30–50%. This has increased market competition, reduced brand dominance, and contributed to price erosion.

2. What are the main drivers of future price reductions for NDC 57237-0036?
Increased generic market penetration, competitive bidding by payers, regulatory pressures, and manufacturing efficiencies are primary drivers of downward price trends.

3. Are there any upcoming regulatory changes that could impact the market?
While current regulations limit supply flexibility due to controlled substance scheduling, future policy adjustments could influence distribution, pricing, or approval pathways for alternative formulations.

4. How significant is the off-label use of sodium oxybate, and how does it influence market prices?
Off-label applications, such as for orthostatic hypotension or alcohol dependence, are growing but remain a minority of total usage. They may modestly support demand but do not significantly alter pricing driven by narcolepsy treatment.

5. What strategies can manufacturers employ to maintain profitability amid decreasing prices?
Innovative drug delivery, new indications, improved formulation efficiencies, and strategic partnerships can help offset revenue declines due to generic competition.


References

  1. National Institutes of Health. (2021). Narcolepsy prevalence estimates.
  2. IQVIA. (2022). U.S. Pharmaceutical Market Data.
  3. Kesselheim, A. S., et al. (2013). "The Price of Competition: Generic Drug Prices and Market Entry." JAMA.
  4. FDA. (2020). Guidance for Industry on Generic Drug Development.
  5. Jazz Pharmaceuticals. (2019). Xyrem Pricing and Market Data.

Note: All market figures and projections are based on publicly available data as of early 2023 and are subject to change based on market, regulatory, and technological developments.

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