Last updated: March 1, 2026
What is the Drug Identified by NDC 60505-0142?
The drug with the National Drug Code (NDC) 60505-0142 is Remdesivir, marketed by Gilead Sciences under the brand name Veklury. FDA approved Veklury in October 2020 for the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. It has also received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for specific COVID-19 cases.
Market Overview
Remdesivir is the first antiviral drug authorized for COVID-19 treatment, with significant demand during pandemic peaks. Production capacity remains limited relative to global demand, but Gilead has scaled manufacturing significantly.
Key Market Drivers
- COVID-19 hospitalization rates
- FDA and EMA approval status
- Clinical guidelines favoring Remdesivir usage
- Competition from other antiviral agents (e.g., Molnupiravir, Paxlovid)
Market Segments
- Hospital-administered treatments
- Emergency settings
- Limited outpatient use under EUA (pending broader approvals)
Market Size and Demand Trends
| Year |
Estimated Global Demand (Units) |
Notes |
| 2022 |
20 million doses |
Pandemic peaks drive demand; manufacturing scales up |
| 2023 |
15-18 million doses |
Slight decline as vaccination reduces severe cases |
| 2024 |
12-14 million doses |
Market stabilizes; COVID-19 becomes endemic |
Market demand is closely correlated with COVID-19 case trends and evolving treatment protocols. Deployment varies by country, with the U.S. leading in usage due to high hospitalization rates and early adoption.
Price Points and Cost Structures
Historical and Current Pricing
- List Price (U.S.): Approximately $3,120 per 100 mg vial (as of 2022).
- Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC): Ranged from $2,300 to $3,100 per vial, depending on distribution contracts.
- Per-Patient Cost: Typically involves 5-day treatment course, requiring 6 vials (at 100 mg each), resulting in $13,800-$18,600 per course at list price.
Payor Pricing and Reimbursements
- Reimbursed primarily through Medicare, Medicaid, private insurers.
- Reimbursement rates vary geographically; average hospital reimbursement approximates 80-90% of list price.
Cost Factors
- Manufacturing complexity
- Raw material costs
- Distribution logistics
- Price negotiations with payors
Price Projections (Next 3 Years)
| Year |
Estimated Price Range per Vial |
Key Assumptions |
| 2024 |
$2,400 - $2,800 |
Increased manufacturing scale; competitive pressures |
| 2025 |
$2,200 - $2,500 |
Market saturation; patent protections impact pricing |
| 2026 |
$2,000 - $2,300 |
Pandemic LAB demand stabilizes, normalizes prices |
Prices are expected to decline gradually as manufacturing efficiencies improve and competition increases. The emergence of generic or biosimilar options may accelerate price reductions. Nonetheless, Gilead’s market position and patent protections are expected to maintain a baseline above $2,000 per vial through 2026.
Competitive Landscape
| Competitors |
Market Presence |
Status |
| Molnupiravir (Merck) |
Oral antiviral; approved in several countries |
Growing competition, lower price point (about $700-$1,000 per treatment course) |
| Paxlovid (Pfizer) |
Oral antiviral; FDA authorized |
Price estimated below $1,000 per course; increasing market share |
| Other emerging therapies |
Under clinical evaluation |
Potential future competitors; limited current impact |
Gilead's Veklury maintains a foothold based on intravenous administration in hospitals, which limits direct competition but faces pressure from affordable oral options.
Policy and Regulatory Outlook
- FDA: Continued EUA renewal and potential full approval decisions expected through 2024.
- Global Approvals: Used in multiple countries via Emergency Use Authorization or standard approval, expanding market access.
- Pricing Regulations: Price negotiation trends are increasingly influenced by government health agencies aiming to contain pandemic-related expenditures.
Key Takeaways
- Remdesivir (NDC 60505-0142) remains a primary antiviral for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
- Current U.S. list prices are approximately $3,120 per vial; patient treatment costs average $13,800-$18,600.
- Market demand peaks during COVID-19 surges; demand is projected to decline as endemic management improves.
- Prices are expected to decline gradually, influenced by manufacturing scale, patent protections, and competition from oral antivirals.
- The competitive landscape shifts toward oral therapies, which may impact long-term demand for intravenous remdesivir.
FAQs
1. How does the price of remdesivir compare to oral COVID-19 treatments?
Remdesivir costs about $3,120 per vial, with a treatment course costing roughly $14,000-$18,600. Oral treatments like Paxlovid are priced below $1,000 per course, making them more accessible and appealing outside hospital settings.
2. Will the price of remdesivir decrease significantly?
Prices are projected to decline modestly over the next three years due to manufacturing efficiencies and competition, potentially stabilizing around $2,000 per vial by 2026.
3. What factor most influences demand for remdesivir?
Hospitalization rates and the severity of COVID-19 in the population are primary drivers. Vaccination rates and emerging variants also impact the demand.
4. How might regulatory changes impact pricing and market access?
Full FDA approval could lead to broader insurance reimbursements and negotiations, potentially stabilizing or slightly increasing prices. Conversely, approval of alternatives could suppress demand and prices.
5. Are there any supply constraints affecting remdesivir availability?
Global manufacturing capacities have increased, reducing supply constraints, though periodic surges in COVID-19 cases may strain production temporarily.
References
- Gilead Sciences. (2022). Veklury (remdesivir). https://www.gilead.com
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). FDA approves first COVID-19 treatment. https://www.fda.gov
- IQVIA. (2023). Market dynamics: COVID-19 therapeutics.
- Statista. (2023). COVID-19 antiviral drug pricing.
- World Health Organization. (2022). COVID-19 treatment landscape.
