Last updated: March 2, 2026
What Is NDC 00173-0722?
NDC 00173-0722 refers to a specific drug identified by the National Drug Code. According to the FDA and commercial databases, NDC 00173-0722 corresponds to Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), a monoclonal antibody used for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. It is marketed by Genentech, a member of Roche.
Market Overview
Therapeutic Area and Market Size
- Ocrelizumab is approved for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis and primary progressive MS.
- The global MS treatment market was valued at approximately US$ 21 billion in 2022. Expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is around 3.5% through 2027 [1].
- Ocrelizumab's market share is estimated at 10–15% within the MS segment, driven by its efficacy and label expansion.
Competitive Landscape
-
Main competitors include:
- Natalizumab (Tysabri) by Biogen
- Cladribine (Mavenclad) by EMD Serono/Pfizer
- Ofatumumab (Kesimpta) by Novartis
- Siponimod (Mayzent) by Novartis
-
Ocrelizumab differentiates through its high efficacy in primary progressive MS, a market segment with limited treatment options.
Usage and Prescriptions
- Estimated annual prescriptions: roughly 150,000–200,000 globally.
- U.S. prescriptions approximate 80,000–100,000 annually.
- Growth driven by new indications, expanded access, and increasing diagnosis rates.
Price Structure and Reimbursement
List Price and Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC)
- Ocrevus' wholesale price in the U.S. is approximately $65,000 per infusion, with treatment courses typically involving two infusions (every six months).
| Parameter |
Estimate |
| List price per infusion |
$32,500 |
| Cost per year (2 infusions) |
$65,000 |
| Average annual patient cost |
$65,000 |
Price Comparison to Competitors
| Drug |
Estimated Annual Cost |
Therapeutic Area |
Market Position |
| Ocrevus |
$65,000 |
Multiple Sclerosis |
High efficacy in primary progressive MS |
| Tysabri |
$78,000 |
Multiple Sclerosis |
Higher cost, high reference point |
| Kesimpta |
$60,000 |
Multiple Sclerosis |
Slightly lower price, similar efficacy |
Reimbursement Trends
- Commercial insurance and government programs like Medicare cover Ocrevus at negotiated rates.
- Maximum allowable costs (MACs) are influenced by CMS reimbursement rates, which generally align with the average sales price (ASP) plus 6%.
Price Projections
Short-Term (Next 2 Years)
- Expect stabilization of price points due to existing patent protections and negotiated payer discounts.
- No major price reductions anticipated, but payers may negotiate larger discounts or rebates.
Medium to Long-Term (3-5 Years)
- Patent expiration for Ocrelizumab is projected around 2030 [2].
- Entry of biosimilars could reduce payer costs by 15–25%, leading to potential price declines.
- Market pressures and increased competition from newer agents could push prices down by 10–20%.
Impact of Biosimilars
- Biosimilar development for Ocrelizumab is active, with competitors looking to enter the MS biologics market.
- Biosimilar price discounts typically range from 20–30% compared to originator prices, potentially impacting revenue and reimbursement rates.
Future Market Drivers
- Expanded approval for additional MS subtypes.
- Price adjustments driven by biosimilar entry.
- Increasing diagnosis rates and treatment initiation.
Risks and Uncertainties
- Regulatory delays or restrictions on indications.
- Patent challenges or legal disputes.
- Market penetration by cheaper generics or biosimilars.
Key Takeaways
- NDC 00173-0722 (Ocrelizumab) holds a significant position in the MS therapeutics market.
- Current list prices hover around $65,000 annually, with moderate payer discounts.
- Revenue growth is expected to stabilize in the short term, but long-term pricing will be susceptible to biosimilar competition.
- Competition from other MS biologics and shifts in treatment guidelines will influence market share and pricing.
FAQs
1. What is the patent expiration date for Ocrelizumab?
Patent protection is scheduled to expire in 2030, allowing biosimilar development.
2. How does Ocrevus compare in efficacy to its competitors?
Ocrelizumab demonstrates superior efficacy in primary progressive MS and comparable efficacy in relapsing forms compared to alternatives like Tysabri and Kesimpta.
3. What are the main factors influencing future price declines?
Biosimilar entry, payer negotiations, and market competition will likely drive prices downward.
4. Are there geographic pricing differences?
Yes, U.S. prices are generally higher than in Europe or other regions, where negotiated discounts and healthcare policies influence prices.
5. What is the outlook for market share?
Market share will depend on clinician preference, safety profile, reimbursement policies, and biosimilar availability.
Citations
[1] IQVIA. (2022). Global MS market report.
[2] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent expiration for Roche's Ocrelizumab.
