Last updated: February 28, 2026
What is NDC 72603-0167?
NDC 72603-0167 is a prescription drug listed under the National Drug Code (NDC) directory. It corresponds to Empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor approved for managing type 2 diabetes.
Market Overview
The global SGLT2 inhibitor market was valued at approximately $6.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $12 billion by 2030, driven by increasing diabetes prevalence and expanded indications for existing drugs (ResearchAndMarkets, 2022).
Empagliflozin holds a significant share within this market, competing primarily with canagliflozin and dapagliflozin. The drug's sales were approximately $3.2 billion in 2022, making it one of the top-selling drugs in the class [1].
Pricing Analysis
Current Pricing
Empagliflozin’s average wholesale price (AWP) ranges from $300 to $370 per month, depending on dosage and formulation. Post-rebate net prices are estimated to be 20-25% lower.
Comparator Pricing
| Drug |
AWP per month |
Approximate net price |
Indications |
| Empagliflozin (Jardiance) |
$300-$370 |
$225-$280 |
Diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease |
| Canagliflozin (Invokana) |
$290-$350 |
$215-$265 |
Diabetes, kidney disease |
| Dapagliflozin (Fasigliflozin) |
$280-$340 |
$210-$255 |
Diabetes, heart failure |
Price Trends
Over the past five years, Empagliflozin's price has remained relatively stable. Price erosion has primarily resulted from increased generic competition in the class, although Empagliflozin itself remains under patent until 2026 in the U.S.
Market Dynamics
Patent and Exclusivity
Empagliflozin's patent protection extends until 2026 in the United States, delaying generic entry. The expiration of this patent could lead to significant price reductions, similar to the 40-50% price drop observed during other drug patent cliff events.
Reimbursement Landscape
Insurance coverage favors Empagliflozin due to its proven cardiovascular benefits. Medicare Part D and Medicaid formularies include it with preferred coverage positions, influencing patient access and prescribing habits.
Competitive Landscape
The marketplace has seen increased entry from generics and biosimilars post-2026. Market share is expected to decline as generics dominate, affecting price and revenue.
Future Price Projections
| Year |
Price Range (AWP) |
Assumptions |
| 2023 |
$300 - $370 |
Current market, patent protection intact |
| 2024 |
$290 - $360 |
Slight market pressure, no generic entry |
| 2025 |
$280 - $340 |
Approaching patent expiration |
| 2026 |
$200 - $250 |
Patent expires, generic competition begins |
Post-2026, prices are expected to fall by approximately 50% or more, aligning with historical patterns of regulatory approval for generics.
Revenue Projections
| Year |
Market Share |
Estimated Sales (USD) |
Remarks |
| 2023 |
45% |
$3.2 billion |
Stable patent protection, strong market position |
| 2024 |
40% |
$2.9 billion |
Slight erosion, competition increases |
| 2025 |
35% |
$2.3 billion |
Patent expiration, generic uptake accelerates |
| 2026 |
20% |
$1.0 billion |
Significant generic presence |
| 2027+ |
10-15% |
<$0.5 billion |
Primarily branded sales for brand loyalty |
Risks and Opportunities
- Risks: Patent expiration, pricing pressures from generics, reimbursement shifts.
- Opportunities: Expansion into new indications like heart failure, combination therapies, and global markets with different patent timelines.
Key Takeaways
- Empagliflozin (NDC 72603-0167) is a leading SGLT2 inhibitor with high sales, primarily within the U.S.
- It maintains a premium price in the current market, averaging $300-$370/month.
- Patent expiry in 2026 will likely trigger price declines up to 50% or more.
- Revenue forecasts will decline sharply post-2026, unless new indications or formulations extend lifecycle.
- Market share will diminish as generics and biosimilars enter the landscape.
FAQs
Q1: Will Empagliflozin’s price increase before patent expiration?
A1: Likely minimal; prices tend to stabilize or decline slightly due to market competition and payer negotiations.
Q2: How will generic entry affect Empagliflozin’s market share?
A2: It could decrease by over 50% within the first year of generic availability, impacting revenue substantially.
Q3: Are other drugs in the same class more expensive or cheaper than Empagliflozin?
A3: They are comparable, with prices within a $50 range; pricing is influenced more by formulary positioning than by wholesale costs.
Q4: What factors could delay generic entry beyond 2026?
A4: Patent litigation, patent term extensions, or regulatory delays.
Q5: How might new indications affect pricing or market positioning?
A5: Additional approvals for conditions like heart failure could sustain demand and stabilize prices temporarily.
Sources
[1] IQVIA. (2022). Pharmaceutical market analysis.
[2] ResearchAndMarkets. (2022). Global SGLT2 inhibitor market forecast.
[3] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2022). Empagliflozin approved indications.
[4] Medicare Part D formulary data.
