Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is NDC 60505-0040?
NDC 60505-0040 is a medication marketed under the brand name Recarbrio, produced by Merck. It combines the antibiotics imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam. Approved by the FDA in August 2019, it targets complicated intra-abdominal infections, complicated urinary tract infections, and hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia or ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia.
Market Size and Demand
Key Indications and Epidemiology
Recarbrio targets serious bacterial infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. These infections primarily occur in hospitalized patients, especially those in intensive care units (ICUs).
Estimated total annual cases in the U.S.:
| Infection Type |
Estimated Cases (USA) |
Population at Risk |
Source |
| Complicated urinary tract infections |
250,000 |
Hospitalized patients with comorbidities |
[1] |
| Intra-abdominal infections |
200,000 |
Patients post-surgery |
[2] |
| Hospital-acquired pneumonia |
150,000 |
ICU patients |
[3] |
Competitive Landscape
Recarbrio faces competition from:
- Zerbaxa (cefepime/tazobactam): Broad-spectrum antibiotic for similar indications.
- Avycaz (ceftazidime/avibactam): Covers multidrug-resistant bacteria.
- Zynquista (sulopenem): Pending approval indications.
- Existing carbapenem combinations: Imipenem alone, meropenem.
Market share is expected to shift based on efficacy, resistance patterns, and formulary preferences.
Pricing Overview and Historical Trends
Current Pricing (U.S. Market)
| Product |
Price per Dose |
Cost per Treatment Course |
Source |
| Recarbrio |
$1,200 – $1,500 |
$9,600 – $12,000 (6-8 days treatment) |
[4] |
| Zerbaxa |
$1,100 – $1,400 |
Similar |
[5] |
| Avycaz |
$1,300 – $1,600 |
Similar |
[6] |
Pricing Factors
- Drug Complexity: Multi-component IV drugs with complex manufacturing.
- Market Exclusivity: Patent protection until at least 2030.
- Reimbursement Environment: Payers negotiate significant discounts; net prices lower than list prices.
- Supply Chain: Potential cost increases due to raw material shortages or manufacturing constraints.
Price Projections (2023–2028)
Assumptions
- No significant patent expiries or biosimilar competition.
- Incremental price increases aligned with inflation and market demand.
- Prescriber uptake driven by clinical efficacy and resistance trends.
Forecast
| Year |
Projection |
Notes |
| 2023 |
$1,350 per dose |
Current market rate, slight increase from launch prices |
| 2024 |
$1,390 per dose |
Adjusted for inflation and demand growth |
| 2025 |
$1,430 per dose |
Slight market share gains expected |
| 2026 |
$1,460 per dose |
Increased resistance may justify higher prices |
| 2027 |
$1,480 per dose |
Entry of competitive biosimilars unlikely |
| 2028 |
$1,500 per dose |
Stable pricing with moderate increases |
Volume and Revenue Projections
Given estimated annual treatment courses:
| Year |
Estimated Treatment Courses |
Revenue Estimate (at projected price) |
| 2023 |
25,000 |
~$33.75 million |
| 2024 |
27,000 |
~$37.53 million |
| 2025 |
29,000 |
~$41.57 million |
| 2026 |
31,000 |
~$45.26 million |
| 2027 |
33,000 |
~$49.02 million |
| 2028 |
35,000 |
~$52.50 million |
Market penetration depends on evolving resistance patterns, pricing strategies, and formulary inclusion.
Strategic Considerations
- Patent Litigation & Exclusivity: Patent challenges or extensions can influence pricing power.
- Biosimilar Competition: Bios அதிகுபயன்களால் வரும் வந்துவிடும்.
- Regulatory Environment: Changes in healthcare policy and reimbursement can impact price and volume.
Key Takeaways
- The drug is positioned in a high-acuity, high-cost segment with steady demand from hospitalized patients.
- Current list prices are around $1,200–$1,500 per dose, with net prices affected by negotiated discounts.
- Price projections suggest marginal increases over five years, driven by market demand and resistance trends.
- Revenue potential approximates $33–$53 million annually in the next five years, contingent on utilization rates.
- Competitive pressures and resistance evolution pose ongoing risks to market share and pricing.
FAQs
-
What factors influence the pricing of Recarbrio?
Manufacturing complexity, patent protections, market demand, resistance developments, and negotiated payor discounts influence pricing.
-
How does resistance impact Recarbrio's demand?
Rising resistance to other antibiotics increases use of Recarbrio, potentially raising prices and expanding market share.
-
What are the main competitors?
Zerbaxa, Avycaz, and other carbapenem/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations.
-
Are biosimilars likely to affect pricing?
Biosimilar competition is unlikely before patent expiry, but future generics could pressure prices.
-
How do payers impact net revenue?
Negotiated discounts, formulary placement, and reimbursement policies reduce list prices, impacting net revenue.
Sources
[1] CDC. (2022). Healthcare-associated infections.
[2] U.S. CDC. (2021). Intra-abdominal infections epidemiology.
[3] CDC. (2022). Pneumonia statistics.
[4] GoodRx. (2023). Recarbrio price data.
[5] Ehrlich, et al. (2022). Antibiotic market update. Journal of Infectious Diseases.
[6] IQVIA. (2022). Drug pricing and reimbursement trends.
Note: All data are estimates based on industry reports, prescribing trends, and current market conditions.
