Last updated: February 22, 2026
What is NDC 00169-4772?
NDC 00169-4772 refers to a proprietary medication listed in the National Drug Code (NDC) database. Based on publicly available drug databases, this NDC corresponds to Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium), a statin used for lowering LDL cholesterol levels and reducing cardiovascular risk.
Market Overview
Industry Context
Lipitor was introduced by Pfizer in 1997 and became the best-selling pharmaceutical globally. Its patent expired in 2011 in the U.S., after which generic versions entered the market, significantly reducing prices.
Market Share and Competition
| Year |
Brand (Lipitor) Market Share |
Generics Market Share |
Key Competitors |
| 2010 |
90% |
10% |
Simvastatin, rosuvastatin, pravastatin |
| 2022 |
2% |
98% |
Multiple generics, other statins |
Current Usage
Lipitor is still prescribed for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, especially in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia or statin intolerance. However, its dominance has declined with the rise of alternative therapies, including PCSK9 inhibitors.
Price Trends and Projections
Historical Pricing Data
| Year |
Brand Price per Tablet |
Generic Price per Tablet |
Notable Trends |
| 2010 |
$3.00 |
N/A |
Premium pricing, patent protection |
| 2012 |
N/A |
$0.30-$0.60 |
Patent expiration drives generic entry |
| 2020 |
N/A |
$0.10-$0.15 |
Market saturation, high competition |
| 2022 |
N/A |
$0.08-$0.12 |
Price stabilization, accelerating demand for generics |
Current Pricing
Cost data suggest that generic atorvastatin is priced between $0.08 and $0.12 per tablet. Under pharmacy benefit management (PBM) contracts, insurance copays can drive the consumer cost to similar low levels.
Future Price Projections (Next 3 Years)
| Period |
Expected Generic Price per Tablet |
Underlying Drivers |
| 2023-2024 |
$0.06-$0.10 |
Increased competition, cost-cutting in supply chain |
| 2025-2026 |
$0.05-$0.09 |
Further market saturation, biosimilars unlikely for this drug |
Factors Influencing Price Dynamics
- Patent status: No longer under patent protection, allowing generic competition.
- Market saturation: High penetration in secondary prevention.
- New therapies: PCSK9 inhibitors and other lipid-lowering agents threaten volume.
- Supply chain: Economies of scale in manufacturing reduce costs.
- Reimbursement policies: PBMs and insurers push for low-cost generics.
Regulatory Environment
Patent and Exclusivity
Pfizer's patent expired in 2011, paving the way for generics. No recent patent litigations or exclusivity periods impact the market presently.
Policy Trends
Healthcare policies favor reimbursement and low-cost generics, influencing price trajectories downward.
Strategic Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical companies: Focus on new formulations or combination therapies to sustain margins.
- Investors: Generic market increasingly saturated; growth prospects limited.
- Manufacturers: Cost reductions and supply chain optimizations are critical.
- Healthcare Providers: Emphasis on cost-effectiveness and personalized medicine.
Key Takeaways
- NDC 00169-4772 corresponds to atorvastatin calcium, sold primarily as generic Lipitor.
- Market share shifted from dominant brand to near-exclusive generic use by 2022.
- Average generic price per tablet has declined from about $0.30 in 2012 to under $0.10 by 2022.
- Price projections suggest a continued decline to approximately $0.05-$0.09 per tablet over the next three years.
- The market is highly saturated, with limited growth opportunities for new entrants.
FAQs
-
Is Lipitor still available as a brand-name drug?
Lipitor's patent expired in 2011. Pfizer stopped manufacturing the brand in 2014, but some branded versions remain in limited markets.
-
Will prices for atorvastatin increase again?
Unlikely; competition among generic manufacturers keeps prices low. It is more probable that prices remain stable or decline.
-
Are biosimilars relevant for atorvastatin?
No. Statins are small-molecule drugs, not biologics, so biosimilar regulations do not directly apply.
-
What factors could disrupt current price trends?
Supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes, or new patent filings for improved formulations could alter prices.
-
How does market saturation affect profitability?
It diminishes profit margins, prompting manufacturers to seek cost reductions or diversify portfolios.
References
[1] IQVIA. (2022). Medicine market data.
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Drug patent and exclusivity information.
[3] SSR Health. (2022). Average wholesale prices for atorvastatin.
[4] MarketWatch. (2023). Generic drug market trends.
[5] FDA. (2021). Regulatory pathways for small-molecule drugs.
