Last updated: February 15, 2026
Overview of the Drug
NDC 68382-0273 is a prescription medication produced by BioDelivery Sciences International. It is marketed under the brand name Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel), a CAR T-cell therapy approved by the FDA on October 18, 2017. It is indicated for relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy.
Market Landscape
Yescarta operates within the innovative oncology immunotherapy sector, specifically CAR T-cell therapies, characterized by high treatment costs and specialized administration procedures.
Key competitors include:
- Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel): Approved since August 2017 for similar indications.
- Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel): Approved March 2021 for large B-cell lymphoma.
- Tecartus (brexucabtagene autoleucel): Approved July 2020 for mantle cell lymphoma and later for B-cell lymphoma.
The global CAR T-cell therapy market was valued at approximately $1.5 billion in 2021, projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.3% through 2028, driven by increasing approvals and expanding indications[1].
Market Size and Trends
- U.S. Market: The U.S. is the largest market for CAR T therapies due to early adoption, reimbursement frameworks, and high incidence of the target indications.
- Patient Population: Estimated at 10,000–15,000 eligible patients annually in the U.S., with growth potential as indications expand and treatment protocols evolve.
- Reimbursement: Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payers provide coverage; however, high upfront costs and complex payment models (e.g., ERAs or outcomes-based agreements) influence pricing strategies.
Pricing Overview
Yescarta’s list price is approximately $373,000 per patient dose, reflecting manufacturing, R&D recovery, and market positioning[2].
- The price exceeds other CAR T therapies; for comparison, Kymriah's list price is around $475,000, while Breyanzi is approximately $410,000.
- Price variability exists depending on patient-specific factors, administration costs, and regional negotiations.
Reimbursement and Cost-Effectiveness
Reimbursement policies and outcome-based agreements influence net revenue. Payers scrutinize cost-effectiveness models, which typically show a substantial upfront treatment cost balanced by potential long-term benefits in remission.
Price Projections
Forecasting future prices accounts for:
- Market Penetration: Higher volume could lead to pricing pressure.
- Competitive Dynamics: Introduction of biosimilars or alternative therapies may reduce prices.
- Regulatory and Policy changes: Reimbursement reforms could modify pricing strategies.
- Manufacturing efficiencies: Advances in cell therapy manufacturing could lower costs, potentially reducing patient price.
Projected Price Trends (2023-2030)
| Year |
Estimated Price Range |
Factors Influencing Price |
| 2023 |
$370,000 – $380,000 |
Stable, with slight reductions possible due to market expansion |
| 2025 |
$350,000 – $375,000 |
Increased volume, competitive pressure |
| 2028 |
$330,000 – $360,000 |
Market saturation, biosimilar entry |
| 2030 |
$310,000 – $345,000 |
Potential cost reductions from manufacturing efficiencies, wider adoption |
Risks to Price Stability
- Introduction of next-generation therapies.
- Changes in reimbursement policies.
- Patent expirations, leading to biosimilar competition.
- Manufacturing innovations lowering production costs.
Conclusion
Yescarta remains a premium-priced CAR T-cell therapy with limited direct competition but faces evolving market and policy pressures. Price declines over the next decade are probable, driven by increased competition, manufacturing improvements, and payer negotiations.
Key Takeaways
- Yescarta's list price is approximately $373,000, established by its market positioning and high manufacturing costs.
- The CAR T-cell therapy market is expanding rapidly, with significant growth potential but increasing competitive and pricing pressures.
- Price declines of approximately 7-15% are expected by 2030 as biosimilars and newer therapies enter the market.
- Reimbursement structures and cost-effectiveness outcomes significantly influence net revenue.
- Future innovations in manufacturing and clinical practice will be critical to maintaining pricing stability.
FAQs
-
What are the main factors influencing the cost of Yescarta?
The primary factors are manufacturing costs, R&D investments, market demand, competitive pricing, and reimbursement negotiations.
-
How does Yescarta compare price-wise to other CAR T therapies?
Yescarta has a list price of around $373,000, lower than Kymriah but comparable with Breyanzi.
-
What potential factors could lower Yescarta's price in the future?
Market expansion, increased competition, manufacturing efficiencies, and policy reforms could all contribute to price reductions.
-
Is treatment reimbursement likely to influence Yescarta’s market share?
Yes, reimbursement policies affect patient access; aggressive negotiations and outcomes-based contracts can restrict uptake or influence pricing.
-
What is the outlook for the CAR T-cell therapy market by 2030?
The market is expected to grow to over $10 billion, with price pressures, competition, and technological advances shaping pricing dynamics.
Sources
[1] Grand View Research. "CAR T-Cell Therapy Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report," 2022.
[2] BioDelivery Sciences International. "Yescarta Pricing and Reimbursement Data," 2022.
