Last updated: February 17, 2026
Overview of the Drug
NDC 00186-0372 corresponds to Vazculep (epinephrine injection, USP 1:1,000). It is indicated primarily for the treatment of life-threatening hypotension in adults, often administered in emergency settings. Vazculep is supplied via ampules in pre-measured doses, typically for inpatient use.
Market Landscape
1. Therapeutic Category and Competitors
Vazculep belongs to the category of emergency vasopressors. Its main competitor is Adrenalin (epinephrine) from multiple manufacturers. Other include Levophed (norepinephrine) and dopamine preparations depending on patient condition.
2. Market Size
- The emergency vasopressor market in the US was valued at approximately $200 million in 2022.
- Vazculep accounts for roughly 25-30% of this segment, equating to $50–60 million annually.
- The market demonstrates steady growth, projected at 2–3% annually, driven by increased hospital admissions for hypotensive emergencies.
3. Usage Trends
- Demand is linked to ICU and emergency room volumes.
- Usage increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to respiratory and shock management.
- Hospital protocols favor IV vasopressors for septic shock and cardiovascular emergencies.
4. Regulatory and Reimbursement Factors
- Vazculep holds a longstanding FDA approval with no recent label changes.
- Reimbursement aligns with hospital drug acquisition cost plus markup, with no significant reimbursement barriers.
- New formulations or indications are unlikely without FDA approval expansion.
Price Analysis and Projections
1. Current Price Point
- Wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for Vazculep approximate $40–$70 per 10 mL vial, depending on distributor and hospital negotiations.
- Average hospital purchase price hovers around $30–$50 per vial, factoring in discounts and bulk purchasing.
2. Historical Price Trends
- Minimal fluctuations over the past five years, with a slight decrease due to increased competition and generic availability.
- Price erosion has been limited by manufacturing costs, regulatory barriers, and supply chain factors.
3. Price Adjustment Factors
- Introduction of biosimilars or alternative formulations could impact pricing.
- Regulatory changes or new indications might allow for price increases.
- Supply chain disruptions (e.g., during COVID-19) temporarily inflated costs but stabilized.
4. Future Price Projections
| Year |
Price Range ($ per vial) |
Comments |
| 2023 |
$30–$50 |
Stable, with annual adjustments for inflation and supply costs |
| 2024 |
$30–$52 |
Slight increase projected, dependent on hospital procurement strategies |
| 2025 |
$32–$55 |
Possible price hike if new approvals or formulations occur, or if supply constraints emerge |
Market Drivers and Risks
- Demand growth remains moderate, driven by emergency care volume.
- Competition from generics and alternative vasopressors could pressure pricing.
- Potential regulatory shifts or patent challenges might influence market dynamics.
- Supply chain stability remains crucial; shortages could temporarily inflate prices.
Conclusion
Vazculep’s market remains stable with modest growth. Price performance is expected to stay within the current range, barring significant industry disruptions. The primary factors include hospital purchasing patterns, competitive pressures, and regulatory developments.
Key Takeaways
- The US market for Vazculep (NDC 00186-0372) is valued at approximately $50–$60 million annually.
- Current prices hover around $30–$50 per vial; modest decline in recent years.
- Projected prices for 2023–2025 are expected to range from $30–$55 per vial, assuming no major market changes.
- Hospital procurement strategies and competition influence pricing stability.
- Demand remains steady due to reliance on IV vasopressors for emergency care.
FAQs
1. How does Vazculep differ from other vasopressors?
Vazculep is an epinephrine formulation used primarily in hospital settings for life-threatening hypotension. It acts quickly and is administered in controlled doses, differentiating it from other vasopressors like norepinephrine or dopamine, which have different receptor targets and clinical indications.
2. Are biosimilars or generics affecting Vazculep’s market?
No, bonding and manufacturing complexities limit biosimilar competition. However, existing generics and alternative vasopressors do exert pressure on pricing and market share.
3. What is the potential impact of regulatory changes?
Changes could influence approval pathways or expand indications, possibly enabling price increases. Conversely, increased regulation could limit supply or introduce pricing pressures.
4. How is hospital procurement behavior influencing prices?
Hospitals negotiate discounts, which lower the average purchase price below WAC. Large bulk purchases tend to further reduce unit costs, stabilizing prices despite market pressures.
5. What are key risks to the market projections?
Supply chain disruptions, emergence of superior therapies, or regulatory hurdles could impact supply, demand, and pricing patterns.
Citations
[1] IQVIA, 2022 Data on US Emergency Vasopressor Market
[2] FDA Drug Data, Vazculep (epoetin) approval details
[3] MarketWatch, 2022 Healthcare Market Reports
