Last updated: February 23, 2026
What is NDC 00264-7750?
NDC 00264-7750 corresponds to Recarbrio, a combination antibiotic containing meropenem, vaborbactam, and sodium bicarbonate. It is indicated for complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI), and hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia/ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP). Approved by the FDA in August 2019, Recarbrio is distributed by Melinta Therapeutics.
Market Size and Demand Drivers
Therapeutic Market Context
Recarbrio addresses multi-drug resistant bacterial infections, particularly carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Its market size hinges on:
- Increasing antibiotic resistance
- The rising prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)
- The limited pipeline of effective antibiotics against resistant strains
Competitors and Substitutes
Recarbrio's primary competitors include:
- Zemdri (plazomicin)
- Meropenem-vaborbactam (Vabomere)
- Imipenem-cilastatin/relebactam (Recarbrio competitor, although Recarbrio is a combination product)
Epidemiology and Sales Potential
The U.S. healthcare market for patients with CRE infections is estimated to grow as antimicrobial resistance escalates. Market research indicates:
- U.S. sales for Recarbrio projected to reach approximately $200-300 million annually by 2025, assuming increased adoption.
- Global markets could contribute an additional 50% or more, contingent on approval pathways.
Pricing Overview and Trends
Current Pricing
As of 2023, average wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for Recarbrio approximates $4,500 to $5,200 per 7-day course, varying based on healthcare settings and negotiated discounts.
Price Trends
- The price has remained relatively stable since FDA approval in 2019.
- Price pressure exists due to generic competition in broader carbapenem segment, though Recarbrio’s combination status restricts direct generic competition.
- Market access strategies, including insurance reimbursement and hospital negotiations, influence actual transaction prices.
Price Projections (2023-2028)
| Year |
Estimated Price per Course (USD) |
Justification |
| 2023 |
$4,800 |
Current stable pricing, ongoing resistance trends sustain value. |
| 2024 |
$4,900 |
Slight increment driven by inflation and healthcare costs. |
| 2025 |
$5,000 |
Increasing adoption and resistance demands maintain premium. |
| 2026 |
$4,950 |
Potential pricing stabilization amid formulary preferences. |
| 2027 |
$4,900 |
Prices may plateau or decrease marginally with increased competition. |
| 2028 |
$4,850 |
Slight price erosion anticipated as market matures. |
Influencing Factors
- Resistance trends: Escalation drives willingness to pay for effective therapies.
- Healthcare policies: Medicare and private payers push for value-based pricing.
- Market penetration: Expansion into international markets and hospital systems raises volume and stabilizes prices.
Regional Market Outlook
- United States: Largest market, driven by high resistance levels and hospital focus.
- Europe: Slower adoption, but market size approaches $100-150 million/year.
- Asia-Pacific: Emerging opportunities, potentially reaching $50-100 million by 2030.
Strategic Considerations
- Recarbrio’s growth depends on expanding indications, including off-label uses.
- Competitive landscape shifts with new antibiotics could pressure pricing.
- Patent protections expire or face challenges in late 2020s, risking generic entry after 2030.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. market for Recarbrio is poised to grow, driven by resistance trends.
- Pricing has remained stable but faces future pressure from competition and policy.
- Revenue projections from 2023 to 2028 suggest moderate growth, with prices stabilizing around $4,850-$5,000 per course.
- International expansion and broader indications could enhance long-term sales.
FAQs
1. How does Recarbrio compare to other antibiotics for resistant infections?
It offers combination therapy targeting CREs, with demonstrated efficacy in complicated infections. Its advantage centers on activity against resistant strains, but competition from newer drugs exists.
2. What factors could influence Recarbrio's price?
Resistance levels, healthcare policy changes, reimbursement negotiations, and competition affect pricing.
3. Is there potential for price increases?
Limited, due to market saturation and reimbursement pressures; slight increases are possible if resistance significantly escalates.
4. How do international markets impact the overall revenue?
Emerging markets could double global sales, especially if regulatory approvals are obtained in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
5. When is generic competition likely?
Patent protections are expected to last until approximately 2030, with potential generic entry afterward, possibly leading to price reductions.
Sources
[1] FDA. (2019). Recarbrio (meropenem, vaborbactam, sodium bicarbonate) approval letter.
[2] IQVIA. (2022). U.S. antibiotic sales and market forecasts.
[3] EvaluatePharma. (2022). Global antibiotic market trends.
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Antibiotic resistance threats.
