Last updated: February 27, 2026
What Is NDC 72888-0118?
NDC 72888-0118 corresponds to Rebif (interferon beta-1a), a medication indicated for multiple sclerosis (MS). It is marketed by EMD Serono. The drug is approved for subcutaneous injection to reduce the frequency and severity of MS relapses.
Market Size and Trends
Market Penetration and Usage
- Total U.S. MS market size: Estimated at approximately $7.2 billion in 2022, with Rebif accounting for about $1.1 billion of this figure[1].
- Market share: Rebif holds roughly 15-20% of the DMT (disease-modifying therapy) segment for MS in the U.S.
- Patient base: Estimated at 200,000-250,000 MS patients in the U.S., with approximately 25-30% using interferon beta formulations.
Competition Landscape
- Major competitors include:
- Avonex (Biogen): Similar interferon beta-1a formulation.
- Tysabri (Biogen/Elan): Monoclonal antibody.
- Glatopa (Sativex): Oral treatments.
- Ocrevus (Roche): B-cell depleting agent.
- The market is highly saturated, with budget-conscious payers pushing for biosimilars and generics.
Regulatory and Reimbursement Dynamics
- In 2022, the FDA approved biosimilars such as Zinbryta and Erelzi.
- Reimbursement remains tied to insurance policies; Medicare strongly influences pricing due to high usage.
Price Trends and Projections
Current Pricing (2023)
- List price per 30 mcg/0.5 mL autoinjector: Approximately $7,800
- Average net price after rebates and discounts: Estimated at $6,500 to $7,000 per dose.
- Annual treatment cost: Around $78,000 to $84,000 per patient.
Historical Price Movements
| Year |
Average Price per Dose |
Comments |
| 2018 |
~$6,800 |
Stable with minor increases |
| 2019 |
~$7,100 |
Slight hike due to inflation |
| 2020 |
~$7,400 |
Market stabilization |
| 2022 |
~$7,800 |
Introduction of biosimilars |
| 2023 |
~$7,800 (list price) |
Stable amid biosimilar entries |
Future Price Projections (2024-2028)
- Expected trend: Slight price erosion due to biosimilar competition, but list prices may remain stable or increase modestly (2-3% annually).
- Biosimilar impact: Entry of biosimilars, projected to reduce net reimbursement prices by 15-20% over five years[2].
- Pricing assumptions:
- List price: Remains at ~$7,800–$8,200.
- Net price: Declines to approximately $5,200–$6,000 per dose by 2028.
- Market share shifts: Biosimilars could capture up to 50% of the interferon beta-1a market by 2028.
Revenue Projections
| Year |
Estimated U.S. Revenue |
Key Assumptions |
| 2023 |
~$1.1 billion |
Stable market; no major price hikes |
| 2024 |
~$950 million |
Slight decline due to biosimilar competition |
| 2026 |
~$800 million |
Biosimilar uptake accelerates profit erosion |
| 2028 |
~$700 million |
Market stabilized with biosimilar market share at 50% |
Market Drivers and Risks
Drivers
- Continued high prevalence of MS.
- Physician familiarity with interferon therapies.
- Product brand loyalty.
Risks
- Biosimilar entry causing price competition.
- Increased use of oral or monoclonal antibody therapies.
- Regulatory actions reducing reimbursement or increasing biosimilar uptake.
Key Takeaways
- NDC 72888-0118, Rebif, holds a stable but declining position in the MS treatment market.
- Standard list prices are around $7,800 per dose, with net prices likely falling due to biosimilar competition.
- Market share for Rebif will diminish over the next five years as biosimilars penetrate the segment.
- The overall U.S. MS drug market is poised for modest growth, but price erosion is inevitable amid rising biosimilar availability.
FAQs
1. What factors influence the price of Rebif?
Rebif’s price depends on list price adjustments, insurance rebate negotiations, biosimilar competition, and regulatory change.
2. How will biosimilars affect Rebif's market share?
Biosimilars are expected to account for approximately 50% of the interferon beta market by 2028, reducing Rebif’s revenue share.
3. Are there upcoming patent expirations for Rebif?
No; patent protection extends into the late 2020s. Biosimilar approval occurred in 2022, but market penetration will take several years.
4. What are the main competitors for Rebif?
Biogen’s Avonex, Ocrevus from Roche, and emerging oral agents like Mavenclad (Eli Lilly) pose competitive challenges.
5. How does the MS market outlook influence Rebif’s pricing strategies?
A saturated market and biosimilar entries push for stable or decreasing net prices, while market growth sustains revenues despite price pressures.
References
[1] MarketsandMarkets. (2022). Multiple Sclerosis Therapeutics Market.
[2] IQVIA. (2022). Biosimilar Market Trends and Pricing.
