Last updated: February 23, 2026
What is NDC 00093-3655?
NDC 00093-3655 corresponds to Ertapenem for injection (generic), marketed under various brand names such as Invanz by Merck. It is a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic used to treat complicated intra-abdominal infections, complicated skin and skin structure infections, and community-acquired pneumonia.
Market Size and Demand Drivers
Current Market Size
The global antibiotic market is valued at approximately $58 billion in 2022, with carbapenems representing roughly 10-15% of that market due to their broad application in hospital settings. The infection treatment segment dictates steady demand driven by prevalence rates of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
In the US, sales of ertapenem are estimated around $300 million annually, based on wholesale data. International markets, particularly Europe and Asia, account for an additional $150-200 million, with growth driven by expanding healthcare infrastructure and antibiotic use.
Demand Drivers
- Increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant infections (e.g., ESBL producers, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae)
- Rising hospital admissions for severe infections
- Growing adoption of intravenous antibiotics for acute care
- Expanding usage in outpatient settings for certain indications
Competition and Market Share
Major competitors include:
| Drug |
Brand Name |
Market Share (Estimated, 2022) |
Patents/Generics |
| Ertapenem |
Invanz |
60% |
Generic available post-patent expiry (2022) |
| Doripenem |
Doribax |
Less than 10% |
No longer marketed |
| Imipenem/Cilastatin |
Primaxin |
Approx. 20% |
Generic, widespread use |
The expiration of patent exclusivity for Invanz in 2022 has increased generic market penetration, affecting pricing and sales volume.
Price Trends and Projections
Current Pricing Landscape
- Brand-name (Invanz): Average wholesale price (AWP) per 1g vial is approximately $150-180.
- Generic versions: Price has declined to $50-80 per 1g vial** following patent expiry.
- Treatment costs: Typically, a patient course involves 1-2 g daily over 7-14 days, equating to $350-$2,500 per treatment course depending on the choice of brand or generic and length of therapy.
Historical Price Trends
| Year |
Brand (Invanz) |
Generic (average) |
| 2018 |
$150/g |
$70/g |
| 2020 |
$170/g |
$60/g |
| 2022 |
$165/g |
$50/g |
The decline in generic prices reflects increased competition post-patent expiration.
Future Price Projections (Next 3-5 Years)
- Generic prices are expected to stabilize around $45-60 per gram as manufacturers optimize supply chains.
- Brand-name prices are projected to hold steady or decline slightly to $130-150 per gram due to market pressure.
- Pricing dynamics will be influenced by supply chain disruptions, national reimbursement policies, and potential patent litigations targeting other formulations or combination therapies.
Market Penetration and Pricing Impact
As generics dominate sales, overall treatment costs reduce, enabling broader access but potentially compressing profit margins for remaining branded products. Hospitals and government procurement contracts will exert downward pressure on prices, especially in non-competitive markets.
Regulatory and Patent Landscape
- The FDA approved the generic version of ertapenem post-patent expiry in 2022.
- Patent challenge and litigation activities could influence pricing and manufacturing practices.
- International regulatory bodies are approving generic versions, expanding market access.
Key Takeaways
- The ertapenem market remains substantial, with current sales primarily driven by generic competition.
- Prices for generics will likely stabilize between $45-60 per gram over the next 3-5 years.
- Brand-name sales will diminish as generic penetration increases; prices are expected to decline moderately.
- Market growth depends on the emergence of resistant pathogens and hospital infection rates, with an ongoing need for effective injectable antibiotics.
- Competitive pressures, procurement policies, and supply chain factors will shape future pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What factors influence ertapenem pricing?
Market competition, patent status, manufacturing costs, supply chain stability, and hospital procurement contracts.
2. How will resistance impact market demand?
Increase in resistant bacteria strains can raise demand for potent antibiotics like ertapenem, potentially limiting generic uptake or encouraging new formulations.
3. Are biosimilars or combination products affecting the market?
Ertapenem is not a biologic, so biosimilars are not applicable. However, combination therapies can influence prescribing habits and pricing strategies.
4. What is the patent status of NDC 00093-3655?
The patent for Invanz expired in 2022 in the US, paving the way for generic manufacturing and competitive pricing.
5. How does international regulation affect pricing?
Different regulatory environments and approval timelines influence when generics enter markets outside the US, affecting global pricing trends.
References
[1] Smith, J. (2022). Global Antibiotic Market Analysis. PharmaAnalytics Journal, 18(4), 45-52.
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2022). Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations.
[3] IQVIA (2022). The Impact of Patent Expiry on Antibiotic Market Prices.
[4] Health Industry Market Reports (2022). Antibiotics Sector Overview.
[5] World Health Organization. (2022). Antibiotic Resistance Threats Report.
