Last updated: March 17, 2026
What is NDC 69238-1733?
NDC 69238-1733 corresponds to Remdesivir (Veklury), an antiviral drug used primarily for the treatment of severe COVID-19. It is developed by Gilead Sciences.
Market Overview
Current Market Position
Remdesivir was the first antiviral approved for COVID-19 treatment in several countries, including the U.S. (approved by the FDA in October 2020). It is indicated for hospitalized patients requiring supplemental oxygen.
Market Size and Trends
- The global COVID-19 antiviral market is projected to reach USD 11 billion by 2027, with remdesivir accounting for approximately USD 3-4 billion of that (source: MarketsandMarkets, 2022).
- Usage peaked in 2021; recent data show declining demand due to variant emergence and vaccine coverage.
- Demand remains steady in regions with lower vaccination rates and for hospitalized cases.
Competitive Landscape
Remdesivir faces competition from:
- Oral antivirals like Pfizer's Paxlovid and Merck's Lagevrio.
- Corticosteroids like dexamethasone, used adjunctively.
- Emerging antiviral compounds in late-stage development.
Regulatory and Reimbursement Environment
- Approved or authorized based on emergency use or full approval in multiple jurisdictions.
- Pricing and reimbursement vary; the U.S. government initially acquired large quantities, then transitioned to commercial sales.
- Price in the U.S. under commercial arrangements ranges from USD 520 to USD 880 per treatment course (source: CDC).
Price Projections
Historical Pricing
- Original U.S. government procurement price: approximately USD 390 per vial.
- Commercial list price (per 100 mg vial): USD 520.
- Estimated cost per course (six vials): USD 3,120.
Future Price Trends
- Pricing pressures due to increased competition and generic manufacturing expected to push prices downward.
- Potential for price stabilization around USD 150–USD 300 per course in some markets within 2–3 years.
- Global disparities will persist, with lower prices in emerging markets, potentially USD 50–USD 150 per course.
Factors Influencing Price
| Factor |
Impact |
| Market demand |
Decreases as vaccination rates rise |
| Competition from generics |
Drives prices downward in off-patent markets |
| Regulatory approvals |
Expand access, potentially lower cost in new markets |
| Manufacturing capacity |
Increases supply, reducing prices |
| Healthcare policies |
Price controls and negotiations vary by country |
Price Comparison with Similar Drugs
| Drug |
Indication |
Approximate Price (USD) per course |
Notes |
| Remdesivir (NDC 69238-1733) |
COVID-19 severe cases |
USD 3,120 |
Bulk of costs in the U.S. |
| Paxlovid |
Mild to moderate COVID-19 |
USD 530 |
Orally administered, competitor |
| Lagevrio |
COVID-19 (emergency use) |
USD 700 |
Oral antiviral, newer on market |
Regional Price Variability
- United States: USD 3,120–USD 4,000 per course, depending on payer and insurance negotiations.
- Europe: Prices often lower, USD 1,200–USD 2,000 due to negotiations.
- Emerging Markets: USD 50–USD 150 per course, supported by generic production.
Future Market Drivers
- Increased use in outpatient settings if oral formulations gain regulatory approval.
- Expansion into new indications, such as antiviral therapy for other RNA viruses.
- Continued demand in low-vaccination regions and for new variants.
Risks and Challenges
- Declining demand as pandemic waves subside.
- Potential losing exclusivity if patents expire or are challenged.
- Development of more effective or more convenient therapies.
Key Takeaways
- The COVID-19 antiviral market is shrinking but remains significant, with remdesivir holding a sizable share.
- Prices are trending downward due to competition and generic entry, especially outside the U.S.
- Price per course in developed markets is around USD 3,000–USD 4,000 but may decline to USD 150–USD 300 within 2–3 years.
- Regional disparities are substantial, driven by negotiation power, procurement policies, and regulatory approval status.
- Long-term demand depends on viral variants, vaccine coverage, and new respiratory pandemic threats.
FAQs
1. What factors currently affect the pricing of remdesivir?
Regulatory status, market demand, competition, manufacturing capacity, and negotiations with payers influence pricing. The initial high prices in the U.S. reflect limited competition and emergency use authorization.
2. How will market entry of generic versions impact remdesivir's price?
Generic manufacturing is expected to reduce prices significantly in markets where patents expire or are challenged, potentially lowering costs to USD 50–USD 150 per course in emerging economies.
3. Are there alternatives to remdesivir that could replace it in the market?
Oral antivirals like Paxlovid and Lagevrio offer easier administration and are gaining market share, which could further reduce remdesivir's market size and pricing.
4. What is the outlook for remdesivir in non-COVID indications?
Research is ongoing for use in other viral infections, such as hepatitis C and influenza, but no major approvals are currently expected within the next 3 years.
5. How has the COVID-19 vaccination rollout affected remdesivir demand?
Higher vaccination rates reduce hospitalization and severe cases, decreasing demand for inpatient COVID-19 antivirals like remdesivir.
References
[1] MarketsandMarkets. (2022). COVID-19 antiviral market size and forecast.
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Remdesivir pricing and utilization reports.
[3] Gilead Sciences. (2022). Veklury (Remdesivir) product information.
[4] World Health Organization. (2022). COVID-19 therapeutics guidance panel.
[5] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Remdesivir emergency use authorization approval documents.
