Last updated: February 27, 2026
What is NDC 72603-0394?
NDC 72603-0394 refers to a specific pharmacy patent-protected drug. Based on the National Drug Code (NDC) database, this code corresponds to Eliquis (apixaban), an oral anticoagulant used for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE).
Market Size and Demand
Current Market Data
- Global Market (2022): $4.3 billion, with expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 6% over five years [1].
- U.S. Market Share: Accounts for 65% of total sales, driven by high prevalence of atrial fibrillation and thrombotic conditions.
- Patient Volume: In 2022, approximately 2.1 million patients prescribed apixaban in the U.S. [2].
Key Drivers
- Rising aging population increases incidence of atrial fibrillation and thrombotic disorders.
- Physician preference for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) over warfarin due to ease of use and safety profile.
- Ongoing pipeline developments targeting novel anticoagulants.
Competitive Landscape
- Major competitors include rivaroxaban (Xarelto), dabigatran (Pradaxa), and edoxaban (Savaysa).
- Patent exclusivity of apixaban extends through at least 2024 in the U.S., with some jurisdictions facing patent litigations and challenges.
Price Trends and Projections
Historical Pricing
- Average Wholesale Price (AWP): Approximately $500 for a 30-day supply of brand-name Eliquis.
- Reimbursement Rates: Commercial insurers and Medicare Part D pay roughly $450–$500 per month.
Pricing Dynamics
- Post-Patent Cliff: Anticipated patent expiry in 2024 is expected to induce price reductions of 20-30% due to generic entry.
- Generic Competition Impact: Typically results in a 50–60% decrease from brand prices within the first year of generic availability.
- Market Penetration Rate: Generics may capture up to 80% of prescriptions within three years of launch [3].
Future Price Projections
| Year |
Estimated Average Price (USD) |
Assumptions |
| 2023 |
$470 |
Pre-patent expiry, slight discounts to maintain market share |
| 2024 |
$350–$400 |
Onset of generic competition, price declines commence |
| 2025 |
$250–$300 |
Increased generic market penetration, lower prices |
| 2026+ |
$200–$250 |
Stabilization at reduced price point with multiple generics |
Revenue Impact
- The drug's revenue in the U.S. could decline by approximately 50% within two years of generic entry, reflecting extensive price erosion and volume shifts.
- Market share shifts may stabilize after 3-4 years, with branded sales diminishing and generics dominating.
Regulatory and Market Risks
- Patent challenges could accelerate generic entry.
- New competing therapies or biosimilars could supplant apixaban in clinical practice.
- Price regulation, especially in international markets, may influence projections.
Strategic Opportunities
- Development of combination therapies to extend patent life.
- Expansion into new indications or formulations (e.g., injectable or extended-release forms).
- Geographic expansion into emerging markets with growing cardiovascular disease burdens.
Summary
| Aspect |
Data/Projection |
| Current market size |
$4.3 billion (2022) |
| U.S. market share |
65% |
| Patent expiry |
Expected in 2024 |
| Price pre-expiry |
$470 average wholesale price per 30-day supply |
| Price post-expiry (first year) |
$350–$400 |
| Price stabilizes after 5 years |
$200–$250 |
| Estimates of revenue decline |
Up to 50% within 2 years of generic entry |
Key Takeaways
- The apixaban market is sizable with strong growth prospects until patent expiry.
- Price reductions post-patent are significant, with brand sales dropping sharply.
- Competitive pressures and patent litigation influence timing and extent of generic entry.
- Strategic development may mitigate revenue declines, especially by extending patent protections or expanding indications.
FAQs
1. What factors influence the timing of generic entry for NDC 72603-0394?
Patent protection, patent litigation outcomes, and regulatory challenges determine timing. Patent expiry is slated for 2024, but litigation can extend exclusivity.
2. How will the price of apixaban change post-generic entry?
Prices are projected to decline by 50–60% within the first year after generics enter the market.
3. Are there ongoing patent litigations affecting this drug?
Yes. Several patents are under challenge, which could either delay or accelerate generic competition.
4. Which markets besides the U.S. represent growth opportunities?
Europe, Canada, and emerging markets like China and India are key future markets for apixaban, subject to regulatory approvals.
5. What strategic actions can pharmaceutical companies take before patent expiry?
Developing new formulations, extending patents through formulation patents or new indications, or entering co-pay assistance programs.
References
[1] Allied Market Research. (2022). Global anticoagulants market forecast, 2022-2027.
[2] IQVIA. (2022). Market data on anticoagulant prescriptions, U.S.
[3] EvaluatePharma. (2022). Global brand and generic pharmaceutical sales analysis.
