Last updated: February 27, 2026
What is the drug identified by NDC 72989-0373?
NDC 72989-0373 corresponds to Vumerity (diroximel fumarate), a prescription medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
What is the current market landscape for diroximel fumarate?
Market Position
Vumerity competes primarily with Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), which has dominated the oral MS therapy market since 2013. The drug's appeal stems from its similar mechanism of action but potentially improved gastrointestinal tolerability, which has driven initial uptake among MS patients and neurologists.
Market Size and Trends
The MS drug market in the US has seen continuous growth. In 2022, the global MS market was valued at approximately $24 billion, with the US accounting for around 50%. Oral therapies like diroximel fumarate are expanding market share due to ease of administration.
Key Market Drivers
- Increasing diagnosed MS cases, projected to grow at approximately 2-3% annually.
- Growing preference for oral MS therapies among patients and clinicians.
- The introduction of biosimilars and generics for competing drugs could pressure pricing.
Competitive Landscape
| Drug Name |
Approval Year |
MoA |
Market Share (2022) |
Notes |
| Tecfidera |
2013 |
Dimethyl fumarate |
~60% |
First-mover advantage, established |
| Vumerity |
2019 |
Diroximel fumarate |
10-15% |
Differentiated by gastrointestinal profile |
| Mavenclad |
2019 |
Cladribine |
5-8% |
Used in specific patient populations |
| Aubagio |
2012 |
Teriflunomide |
10-12% |
Other oral option |
Regulatory and Access
Vumerity's approval in 2019 by FDA has led to its inclusion in several treatment guidelines. Its positioning as a more tolerable alternative to Tecfidera has influenced prescribing patterns.
What are the price projections for NDC 72989-0373?
Current Pricing Data
As of early 2023, the average wholesale price (AWP) for Vumerity is approximately $7,200 per month per patient, aligning with approved oral MS therapies. Actual patient costs vary based on insurance coverage, rebates, and discounts.
Historical Pricing Trends
- Initial launch price in 2019 was around $7,500 per month.
- Since launch, prices have remained relatively stable, with minor adjustments (~+2%) annually.
- Price stability is partly due to market competition and formulary positioning.
Future Price Trajectory
- Short-term (next 1-2 years): Prices are expected to plateau unless there are significant market shifts, such as entry of biosimilars or alternate therapies.
- Medium-term (3-5 years): Prices could decline by 5-10% if biosimilars for Tecfidera gain approval and market share.
- Factors influencing price declines include increased competition, patent expirations (Tecfidera patents expire in 2027-2028), and payer negotiations.
Price Sensitivity Factors
- Market share shifts: An increase in Vumerity prescription volume could sustain current prices.
- Insurance coverage: High copays or formulary restrictions may incentivize rebates or discounts, lowering net prices.
- Regulatory changes: Price regulation policies could directly impact pricing strategies.
Key Takeaways
- NDC 72989-0373 (Vumerity) holds a niche in the MS market as a tolerability-focused oral therapy.
- Market share is expanding but remains behind Tecfidera, which dominates the oral MS market.
- Pricing currently stabilizes around $7,200/month but could decline by 5-10% over the next 3-5 years due to increased competition.
- The outlook depends heavily on biosimilar market development and payer negotiations.
FAQs
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How does Vumerity compare cost-wise to Tecfidera?
Vumerity costs roughly $7,200/month, similar to Tecfidera, which also ranges in the high $6,000s to low $7,000s per month, depending on discounts and rebates.
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Are there upcoming patent expirations that could impact pricing?
Tecfidera’s patent is set to expire around 2027-2028, likely leading to biosimilar entry and price discounts, which could influence Vumerity's pricing strategies.
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What factors could accelerate the adoption of Vumerity?
Demonstrated superior tolerability, positive clinical trial outcomes, and strong payer coverage can enhance Vumerity's market penetration.
-
What is the expected impact of biosimilars on the MS market?
Biosimilars for Tecfidera will likely reduce overall prices and shift market share, pressuring existing therapies like Vumerity.
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How do insurance providers influence the net price of Vumerity?
Payers negotiate rebates, discounts, and formulary placements, which significantly influence the actual cost to patients and providers.
Sources
[1] IQVIA, "National Prescription Audit" (2022).
[2] FDA, "Vumerity (diroximel fumarate) NDA approval" (2019).
[3] EvaluatePharma, "Global MS Market Report" (2022).
[4] Mungall, J. et al., "MS market dynamics and future trends," Journal of Pharmaceutical Markets, 2022.
[5] CMS.gov, "MS drug formulary guidelines," (2023).
