Last updated: February 17, 2026
What is the drug NDC 62135-0663?
NDC 62135-0663 is the code for Veklury (remdesivir), marketed by Gilead Sciences. Remdesivir is an antiviral developed for the treatment of COVID-19. It received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in the U.S. during 2020 and full FDA approval in October 2020.
What is the current market size for remdesivir?
Remdesivir's market peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales in 2021 reached approximately $3.5 billion, declining in subsequent years as vaccines and other therapeutics gained prominence.
- 2021 sales: ~$3.5 billion (source: IQVIA)
- 2022 projections: ~$2.1 billion, accounting for decreased demand and competition (source: Evaluate Pharma)
- 2023 estimates: Slight further decline or stabilization at around $1.8–2.0 billion, reflecting its limited use outside of specific clinical contexts
Key factors influencing market size:
- Diminished use outside hospital settings
- Approval for additional COVID-19 variants
- Competition from emerging antivirals (e.g., Paxlovid)
What are the price projections for remdesivir?
Pricing insights indicate a decline from initial COVID-19 response levels due to market saturation and competitive pressures. The wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) has averaged $520–$540 per vial over the past two years.
Current Pricing
- Vial price: Approx. $520–$540 (source: ASHP drug pricing data)
- Treatment course: Typically 5–6 vials, calculating to $2,600–$3,240 per treatment
Price trajectories
- Post-pandemic stabilizes near $500–$600 per vial with minimal fluctuation
- Prices may decrease further to align with generic biosimilars or alternative treatments, although generic versions are not yet available due to patent protections
Factors affecting price changes
- Patent exclusivity until at least 2030
- Negotiations with government and payer entities
- Entry of biosimilars or generics, which are not currently available in the U.S.
How does the competitive landscape influence market projections?
Remdesivir faces competition from several other COVID-19 therapeutics:
- Paxlovid (Pfizer): Oral antiviral, oral bioavailability, highly preferred outside hospital settings
- Molnupiravir (Merck): Oral, lower efficacy but easier to administer
- Antibody therapies: Used in outpatient settings, but less favored due to logistics and resistance issues
- Other IV therapies: Emerging treatments in clinical trials
Market share will shift towards treatments with easier administration and favorable efficacy profiles, which will impact remdesivir's market dominance.
What are the regulatory and reimbursement influences?
- The FDA's full approval in October 2020 solidified remdesivir's status in hospital treatments.
- Healthcare payer policies increasingly favor oral therapies and outpatient treatments.
- Medicaid and Medicare coverage aligns with FDA approval, but future reimbursement rates depend on clinical guidelines and competitive entries.
Future market forecasts
Based on current data, expected trends for remdesivir include:
| Year |
Estimated Sales |
Price per Vial |
Market Share |
Key Influences |
| 2023 |
$1.8–2.0 billion |
~$520–$540 |
Declining |
Competition, reduced COVID-19 hospitalization rates |
| 2024–2025 |
$1.5–1.8 billion |
Stable |
Further decline |
Market saturation, biosimilar considerations |
| 2026+ |
Stabilization or decline below $1B |
Slight decrease |
Low |
Emergence of biosimilars, change in treatment protocols |
Projections assume continued patent protections until 2030, with biosimilar competition potentially decreasing prices if approved.
Key Takeaways
- Market size peaked at ~$3.5 billion in 2021, now declining due to decreased COVID-19 hospitalization rates and competitive therapies.
- Pricing remains stable around ~$520 per vial but faces downward pressure from biosimilar developments.
- Market share shifts favoring oral antivirals like Paxlovid will further reduce remdesivir's hospital-based niche.
- Regulatory environment supports current use, but future cost reductions are likely with biosimilar entry.
- The long-term outlook remains uncertain, primarily influenced by the pace of biosimilar development and evolving COVID-19 treatment guidelines.
FAQs
1. When will biosimilars for remdesivir likely enter the market?
Patent protections last until at least 2030; biosimilar development may begin within the next 3–5 years, with approval potentially by 2025–2027, depending on regulatory pathways.
2. How has remdesivir pricing changed since initial EUA approval?
Pricing has remained relatively stable, averaging $520–$540 per vial, but it faces downward pressure as demand declines and biosimilars approach.
3. What are major factors driving decline in remdesivir’s market share?
Preference for oral treatments, emergence of new therapeutics with easier administration, and reduced hospitalization rates for COVID-19.
4. Will remdesivir still be used outside hospital settings in the future?
currently limited to hospitalized patients; future outpatient use depends on clinical guidelines and comparative efficacy.
5. How might future COVID-19 variants influence remdesivir’s market?
If new variants respond poorly to remdesivir or if new treatments outperform it, demand may further decline.
Sources:
[1] IQVIA, Evaluate Pharma, ASHP drug pricing data, FDA approvals (2020–2022).
