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Last Updated: January 1, 2026

Drug Price Trends for NDC 00185-0939


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Best Wholesale Price for NDC 00185-0939

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Market Analysis and Price Projections for NDC 00185-0939

Last updated: July 29, 2025

Introduction

NDC 00185-0939 corresponds to Xeljanz (tofacitinib), a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor developed by Pfizer for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and other autoimmune disorders. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the current market landscape, competitive dynamics, pricing trends, and future pricing projections for Xeljanz, considering its regulatory status and evolving therapeutic landscape.


Market Landscape

Therapeutic Area and Market Demand

Xeljanz entered the rheumatology and immunology markets over a decade ago, carving a niche within the class of targeted immunomodulators. It is used primarily for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), where it competes with biologics such as Humira (adalimumab), Enbrel (etanercept), and Stelara (ustekinumab). The drug's oral administration offers an advantage over injectable biologics, enhancing patient adherence and convenience.

The global autoimmune disease treatment market, valued at approximately USD 62 billion in 2022[1], is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% through 2030. The increasing prevalence of RA, estimated at 0.5-1% worldwide, and expanding indications for JAK inhibitors bolster demand for tofacitinib.

Regulatory Milestones and Approvals

Pfizer secured FDA approval for Xeljanz in 2012. Subsequent approvals expanded its use to ulcerative colitis in 2018, with additional indications in psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. The drug’s regulatory journey also includes recent label updates in response to safety concerns such as thromboembolic risks, influencing prescribing patterns.

Competitive Dynamics

Xeljanz faces competition from newer JAK inhibitors like Olumiant (baricitinib, Eli Lilly), Rinvoq (upadacitinib, AbbVie), and other biologics. While biologics retain dominance due to established efficacy, the oral route and rapid onset of Xeljanz provide a competitive edge, especially in patient populations reluctant to inject.


Market Performance and Pricing Trends

Current Market Penetration

While sales peaked at approximately USD 2.3 billion in 2019, they declined to nearly USD 1.8 billion in 2022, partly due to safety advisories, competition, and the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on healthcare utilization[2]. Nonetheless, Xeljanz remains a key player, especially for patients with inadequate response to biologics.

Pricing Overview

The wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for Xeljanz 5 mg tablets varies by region. In the United States, the average monthly list price is approximately USD 3,200-3,500[3]. The drug's pricing is influenced by the following factors:

  • Therapeutic competition: Recent entry of rival JAK inhibitors with comparable efficacy has led to increased price competition.
  • Safety concerns: Black box warnings and post-marketing safety concerns have influenced payer formulary placements and out-of-pocket costs.
  • Rebates and discounts: Negotiated rebates significantly impact net pricing, often reducing the actual cost to payers.

Reimbursement Landscape

Insurance coverage is generally favorable, with formulary placement driven by cost-effectiveness analyses. The increasing adoption of biosimilars in biologic markets pressures pricing; however, as a small-molecule JAK inhibitor, Xeljanz does not currently face direct biosimilar competition but faces generic threats once patents expire.


Future Price Projections

Key Drivers for Price Trends

  • Regulatory and safety updates: Ongoing safety monitoring can cause temporary price adjustments or formulary restrictions.
  • Market penetration and competition: Entry of generics and biosimilars typically exerts downward pressure on prices, expected to become relevant post-patent expiry (anticipated around 2027-2028).
  • Pipeline developments: New formulations, combination therapies, or indications can influence pricing stability.

Projected Price Trends (2023-2030)

  • Short-term (2023-2025): Stable pricing driven by ongoing demand, but gradual erosion due to increasing competition among JAK inhibitors. Price reductions of 5-10% annually are plausible, driven by payer negotiations and market share adjustments.

  • Mid-term (2026-2028): Anticipated patent expiration (~2027), leading to generic entry. This includes potential biosimilars if biologic competition influences the market. Expect a sharp decline in list prices—potentially 50-70% reduction—over a two-year window post-patent expiry.

  • Long-term (2029-2030): Stabilization at a significantly lower price point, around USD 1,200-1,600 per month, aligned with generic and biosimilar pricing dynamics.

Impact of Regulatory and Market Factors

Safety warnings may temporarily suppress upward pricing trends, but as safety profiles stabilize and new indications are approved, prices could marginally recover. Health technology assessments (HTA) and value-based pricing models are likely to influence pricing negotiations, especially in Europe and other regulated markets.


Conclusion

The market for NDC 00185-0939 (Xeljanz) is characterized by robust demand driven by its oral administration and expanding indications. While current prices remain high, increasing competition from novel JAK inhibitors and biosimilars will exert downward pressure over the coming years, especially post-patent expiry. Strategic pricing, safety profile management, and market differentiation remain crucial for Pfizer's sustained revenue.


Key Takeaways

  • Xeljanz maintains a significant share in autoimmune disease treatment owing to its oral formulation and expanding indications.
  • Presently, US list prices hover around USD 3,200-3,500 per month, with rebates and discounts influencing actual net pricing.
  • Market competition, safety concerns, and patent expirations will drive substantial price reductions starting around 2027-2028.
  • Strategic positioning in safety management and value-based pricing will be essential for maintaining profitability.
  • Early planning for biosimilar and generic entries is critical to mitigate revenue erosion.

FAQs

1. When is patent expiration expected for Xeljanz (NDC 00185-0939)?

Pfizer's patent for Xeljanz is expected to expire around 2027-2028, opening the market to biosimilar and generic competition.

2. What are the primary competitive drugs for Xeljanz?

Key competitors include Eli Lilly's Olumiant (baricitinib) and AbbVie's Rinvoq (upadacitinib), both oral JAK inhibitors with similar indications and efficacy profiles.

3. How are safety concerns influencing Xeljanz’s market?

Post-marketing safety alerts, including risks of thromboembolism, have led to FDA label updates and restricted use in certain patient populations, impacting prescribing patterns and pricing negotiations.

4. What factors could influence Xeljanz’s future pricing besides competition?

Regulatory changes, new approved indications, safety profile developments, and health technology assessments could all influence future pricing strategies and reimbursement levels.

5. How does the landscape of biosimilars and generics affect Xeljanz’s long-term revenue prospects?

Once patent protections expire, biosimilar and generic entries are expected to bring significant price reductions, potentially reducing Pfizer’s revenue from Xeljanz by over 50%, emphasizing the importance of lifecycle management strategies.


Sources:
[1] MarketResearch.com, "Global Autoimmune Disease Therapeutics Market," 2022.
[2] Pfizer Annual Reports, 2022.
[3] GoodRx, "Xeljanz Prices," accessed 2023.

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