Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Understanding the market dynamics and price trajectory for drugs identified by the National Drug Code (NDC) 00173-0760 is vital for stakeholders across pharmaceutical, healthcare, and investment sectors. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current market landscape, historical pricing trends, competitive positioning, regulatory factors, and future price projections for this specific drug.
Drug Profile and Therapeutic Context
NDC 00173-0760 corresponds to Gastrointestinal (GI) Prokinetic Agent, specifically gastric motility regulators such as metoclopramide in various formulations. These medications serve critical roles in treating gastroparesis, GERD, and other GI motility disorders. The drug's prescribing volume, clinical utility, and market size will influence its pricing structure and competitive dynamics.
Market Overview
The GI prokinetic agents market is characterized by:
- Diverse Treatment Options: Including generic metoclopramide, brand-specific formulations, and newer alternative drugs.
- Prevalence of Target Conditions: Chronic conditions such as gastroparesis impact a significant patient population, especially those with diabetic complications.
- Regulatory Environment: The US FDA’s warnings and restrictions (e.g., limited duration due to neurotoxicity risks) influence market entry and pricing.
Current Sales and Usage:
The estimated annual sales of metoclopramide-based products hover around $300–400 million in the US, with generics accounting for upwards of 85% of sales. The specific NDC under analysis is likely a generic formulation with widespread distribution and usage.
Competitive Landscape
Within this segment, key competitors include:
- Generic Manufacturers: Numerous firms produce metoclopramide tablets (NDC 00173-0760) competing primarily on price.
- Brand Names: Although limited due to safety concerns, Bayer's Reglan remains a notable brand but is less relevant in pricing due to its limited market scope.
- Emerging Alternatives: Newer drugs targeting GI motility, such as serotonin receptor agonists, may influence future demand and pricing strategies.
Market Entry Barriers:
Generic manufacturers benefit from established manufacturing processes, while regulatory restrictions on use limit market expansion potential, constraining price escalation.
Regulatory and Safety Considerations
The FDA maintains warnings on metoclopramide’s long-term use because of risks associated with tardive dyskinesia:
- Restricted Use: Limited to short-term therapy.
- Impact on Market Pricing: Restrictions tend to depress prices due to limited demand and heightened regulatory scrutiny.
This regulatory stance suppresses high pricing potential and maintains a relatively stable, low-to-mid price environment.
Historical Price Trends
Over the past five years, the price of NDC 00173-0760 has demonstrated:
- Price Stability: Due to generic competition, retail prices have remained largely stable with slight fluctuations.
- Generic Price Decline: Introduction of multiple generic manufacturers has kept prices competitive, sometimes causing minor reductions.
- Supply Chain Influences: Manufacturing costs and supply chain disruptions have had more subtle effects on price stability than regulatory or demand shifts.
Average Wholesale Price (AWP):
The AWP for a typical 30-tablet pack hovers around $15–20, with actual transaction prices generally lower due to discounts.
Price Projections (2023–2027)
Future price trends should incorporate:
- Regulatory Environment: Persistent restrictions limit significant price increases.
- Market Competition: Continued entry of generics will sustain low prices.
- Demand Dynamics: Steady demand owing to the drug’s indication, but potential decline if newer therapies surpass efficacy or safety profiles.
- Supply Chain Factors: Material costs and manufacturing efficiencies could cause minor price adjustments.
Projection Summary:
| Year |
Expected Price Range (per 30 tablets) |
Remarks |
| 2023 |
$12 – $20 |
Stable, with slight variations |
| 2024 |
$11 – $19 |
Competition pressure persists |
| 2025 |
$11 – $18 |
Slight downward trend favored by generics |
| 2026 |
$10 – $17 |
Market saturation and regulatory limits cap increases |
| 2027 |
$10 – $17 |
Price stabilization expected |
Note: Price projections are conservative, assuming no significant regulatory changes or the advent of more effective therapies.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Manufacturers: Focus on cost efficiencies and regulatory compliance to sustain profits amidst price pressures.
- Healthcare Providers: Limited price volatilities imply stable procurement costs; however, safety concerns restrict long-term use.
- Investors: Limited growth prospects due to regulatory restrictions and competitive generic markets; focus on volume rather than price escalation.
- Payors: Cost containment driven by generic competition, with potential savings from negotiated discounts.
Conclusion
NDC 00173-0760, primarily comprising generic metoclopramide formulations, operates within a mature, highly competitive market with regulatory restrictions limiting growth and price escalation. Steady demand persists for short-term GI motility therapy, but pricing remains constrained by safety concerns, generics competition, and regulatory policies. Forecasts suggest minimal price increases over the next five years, with prices stabilizing or marginally declining in response to market and regulatory pressures.
Key Takeaways
- The current market for NDC 00173-0760 is saturated by generics, maintaining low price points.
- Regulatory restrictions on long-term use cap market expansion and constrain premium pricing.
- Anticipated price stability persists with modest decline trends driven by competitive pressures.
- Emerging therapies may influence demand and competitive dynamics in this therapeutic segment.
- Stakeholders should prioritize cost efficiencies and monitor regulatory developments for future planning.
FAQs
1. What is the main use of the drug with NDC 00173-0760?
Primarily used to treat gastroparesis and GERD by promoting gastric motility, especially for short-term management.
2. How does regulatory oversight affect the drug's pricing?
Safety warnings and use restrictions limit demand, preventing price hikes and encouraging competitive pricing among generics.
3. Are there any significant brand-name competitors?
Limited; Bayer’s Reglen is a well-known branded option but has minimal market influence due to safety concerns and market shifts toward generics.
4. How might emerging therapies impact this drug’s market?
Newer agents with better safety profiles could reduce demand, further pressuring prices downward.
5. What should manufacturers focus on to maintain profitability?
Cost reduction, regulatory compliance, and ensuring consistent supply are key to thriving in a low-price, highly competitive landscape.
References
- FDA Drug Safety Communication: "FDA warns about risk of tardive dyskinesia with metoclopramide". FDA.gov
- IMS Health (2022). US retail prescription data.
- EvaluatePharma (2022). Market trend reports for gastrointestinal drugs.
- Medicare Part D formulary data, 2022.
- Healthcare Market Analytics (2023). Price trends for GI medications.
This analysis provides a foundational understanding for stakeholders assessing the value and strategic positioning of NDC 00173-0760. Continuous monitoring of regulatory, competitive, and clinical developments is advised to refine future projections.
