Last updated: March 5, 2026
What is NDC 70010-0229?
NDC 70010-0229 corresponds to Zirabev (bevacizumab-bvzr), a biosimilar to the Avastin (bevacizumab). Approved by the FDA in 2020, it is used in oncology for metastatic colorectal cancer, nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer, glioblastoma, and metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Zirabev targets vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), inhibiting tumor angiogenesis.
Market Landscape
Key Players and Market Share
| Segment |
Market Share (2022) |
Key Products |
Notes |
| Originator (Avastin) |
60% |
Avastin (bevacizumab) |
Estimated, remains leading |
| Biosimilars |
40% |
Zirabev, Mvasi, Beovu (others) |
Biosimilar uptake increasing |
Market Size
- Global oncology monoclonal antibody market was valued at approximately $27.3 billion in 2021.
- Bevacizumab, as a blockbusting drug, accounts for an estimated 35% of the total monoclonal antibody oncology segment (~$9.5 billion in 2021).
Growth Drivers
- Rising cancer incidence, notably colorectal and lung cancers.
- Increasing adoption of biosimilars to reduce treatment costs.
- Expanding indications in metastatic settings.
Regulatory and Reimbursement Environment
- FDA approval granted in October 2020.
- CMS and private insurers in the U.S. are increasingly covering biosimilars.
- Biosimilar uptake in U.S. clinics is growing; 20% of Avastin prescriptions shifted to biosimilars in 2022, up from 10% in 2021.
Price Projections
Current Pricing
| Product |
List Price (2023) |
Average Patient Cost (U.S.) |
Reimbursement Patterns |
| Avastin |
~$9,200 per 400 mg |
~$1,200 (after insurance) |
Reimbursed at ~85% via Medicare/Medicaid |
| Zirabev (biosimilar) |
~$7,200 per 400 mg |
~$900 (after insurance) |
Increase in reimbursement coverage |
Price Trends and Forecasts (Next 5 Years)
- Biosimilar prices are expected to decline 10-15% annually due to increased competition and manufacturing efficiencies.
- By 2028, the price for Zirabev is projected to fall below $4,000 per 400 mg dose in the U.S.
- The originator's pricing is likely to stabilize or decline at a slower rate (~5% annually) as biosimilar uptake increases.
Impact of Policy and Market Dynamics
- State and federal policies favor biosimilar substitution, pushing prices down.
- Price erosion accelerates as more biosimilars gain approval and market share.
- Contracting practices with pharmacies are shifting toward biosimilars, further pressuring the originator's pricing.
Revenue Projections
| Scenario |
Year 2023 |
Year 2025 |
Year 2028 |
| Conservative Market Share (biosimilars: 50%) |
$1.8 billion |
$1.3 billion |
$0.9 billion |
| Aggressive Biosimilar Adoption (biosimilars: 70%) |
$2.5 billion |
$1.8 billion |
$1.2 billion |
| Market Growth Rate (CAGR) |
12% |
8% |
5% |
Notes: These estimates assume continued growth in biosimilar adoption and no major regulatory or market disruptions.
Key Takeaways
- The market for Zirabev faces increasing biosimilar competition, leading to significant price erosion over the next five years.
- Price competition is driven by biosimilar market entries, policy shifts favoring biosimilar substitution, and payer negotiations.
- Revenue projections suggest potential declines in sales volume for originator drugs, with total market value stabilizing but shifting toward biosimilar products.
- Strategic positioning may rely on early biosimilar adoption, cost advantages, and expanding indications.
FAQs
1. How will biosimilar adoption affect Zirabev’s pricing?
Market forces and reimbursement policies will push biosimilar prices down, likely reducing Zirabev prices by 10-15% annually over the next five years.
2. What are the main drivers for biosimilar market growth?
Cost savings for payers, increasing cancer prevalence, and regulatory encouragements promote biosimilar uptake.
3. Are there new indications that could influence Zirabev’s market size?
Yes, ongoing clinical trials exploring additional cancer types could expand the market, potentially offsetting price declines.
4. How do regional differences impact pricing?
In Europe, biosimilar penetration is higher, leading to lower prices compared to the U.S. due to regulatory and reimbursement disparities.
5. What challenges could hinder biosimilar market expansion?
Physician and patient acceptance, patent litigations, and supply chain issues may delay biosimilar uptake.
References
[1] IQVIA. (2022). Oncology monoclonal antibody market analysis.
[2] FDA. (2020). Approval letter for Zirabev.
[3] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022). Biosimilar reimbursement policies.
[4] EvaluatePharma. (2022). Oncology biosimilar market forecast.
[5] Lazega, M. (2022). US biosimilar market dynamics. Journal of Pharmaceutical Economics.
