Last updated: February 21, 2026
Is NDC 60505-0041 a Widely Used Therapeutic?
NDC 60505-0041 corresponds to Erenumab (Aimovig), a monoclonal antibody approved by the FDA on May 17, 2018, for preventive treatment of migraine in adults. It belongs to the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitor class.
Market Size and Growth Drivers
- Prevalence of Migraine: Approximately 39 million Americans suffer from migraines, representing a substantial patient base.[1]
- Therapeutic Landscape: Erenumab competes with other CGRP inhibitors (e.g., fremanezumab, galcanezumab) and older therapies like beta-blockers, anti-seizure drugs, and Botox.
- Market Penetration: As of 2022, Erenumab captures about 20–30% of the preventative migraine market.[2]
- Insurance Coverage: High insurance coverage limits out-of-pocket costs, facilitating broader adoption.
Revenue Trends
- In 2021, global sales of Erenumab reached approximately $1.2 billion, with the U.S. accounting for 70%.[3]
- The drug's revenue increased by approximately 15% YoY from 2019 to 2021.
Price Points and Reimbursement
- The wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for Erenumab is approximately $6,000 per year per patient.[4]
- Insurance reimbursement reduces patient out-of-pocket expenses to around $0–$50 monthly.
Price Comparison with Competitors
| Drug |
Average Annual Price |
Approved Indications |
Market Share (2022) |
| Erenumab (Aimovig) |
$6,000 |
Migraine prevention |
35% |
| Fremanezumab (Ajovy) |
$6,000 |
Migraine prevention |
25% |
| Galcanezumab (Emgality) |
$6,000 |
Migraine, cluster headache |
15% |
| OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) |
$10,000+ |
Chronic migraine |
15% |
Market Projections (2023–2028)
- Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR): Projected at 9% for the CGRP inhibitor segment.[3]
- Total Market Value: Expected to grow from $2 billion in 2022 to over $3.5 billion by 2028.
- Pricing Trends: Price stabilization anticipated due to patent protections and limited biosimilar competition before 2028.
Impact of Biosimilars and Patent Expiry
- Patent expiry is not scheduled until 2035.
- Potential biosimilar entry could reduce prices by 20–40% post-patent expiration, similar to trends seen with monoclonal antibodies in oncology.
Regulatory Developments and Market Expansion
- Approval in Europe (EMA) and other regions expands accessible markets.
- Ongoing studies exploring use for other indications (e.g., cluster headaches) could broaden sales.
Strategic Considerations
- Manufacturer Novartis maintains aggressive marketing emphasizing efficacy and safety profiles.
- Companion diagnostics (e.g., genetic markers) remain under development, potentially allowing personalized therapy and higher pricing models.
Price Outlook Summary
| Year |
Estimated Price per Year |
Comments |
| 2023 |
$6,000 |
Stable with current patent protection |
| 2024 |
$6,000 |
No significant changes anticipated |
| 2025 |
$5,800–$6,000 |
Slight downward pressure from reimbursement trends |
| 2026 |
$5,800–$6,000 |
Biosimilar market entry unlikely yet |
| 2028 |
$4,500–$5,500 |
Potential biosimilar competition begins |
Key Takeaways
- NDC 60505-0041 (Erenumab) commands a premium price due to efficacy and market demand.
- The segment is growing at nearly 9% CAGR, driven by increased awareness and approval expansions.
- Price stability is expected until patent expiry, after which biosimilars could reduce costs by up to 40%.
- Market expansion into new regions and indications may sustain revenue growth.
- Competitive pricing among CGRP inhibitors tightens margins but maintains high revenue streams.
FAQs
Q1: When is patent expiration for Erenumab?
A1: Patent protection extends until 2035, delaying significant biosimilar entry.
Q2: Are there price differences between different markets?
A2: Yes. The U.S. pricing averages $6,000 annually, while European prices are slightly lower due to regional pricing regulations.
Q3: How do biosimilars impact the market?
A3: Biosimilars could reduce prices by 20–40%, affecting revenue but may enter only post-2028.
Q4: Is insurance reimbursement stable?
A4: High insurance coverage persists, with coverage often covering most or all of the $6,000 annual cost.
Q5: What is the main driver for increased sales?
A5: Growing awareness and expanding indications, along with the drug’s efficacy, drive sales growth in the migraine prevention market.
References
[1] National Institutes of Health. (2022). Migraine prevalence statistics.
[2] IQVIA. (2022). U.S. Migraine Treatment Market report.
[3] EvaluatePharma. (2022). 2022 Global Drug Sales Data.
[4] Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022). Average reimbursement rates for CGRP inhibitors.
