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Drug Price Trends for NDC 00338-0117
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Average Pharmacy Cost for 00338-0117
| Drug Name | NDC | Price/Unit ($) | Unit | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LACTATED RINGERS INJECTION | 00338-0117-03 | 0.00335 | ML | 2025-12-17 |
| LACTATED RINGERS INJECTION | 00338-0117-03 | 0.00335 | ML | 2025-11-19 |
| LACTATED RINGERS INJECTION | 00338-0117-03 | 0.00291 | ML | 2025-10-22 |
| LACTATED RINGERS INJECTION | 00338-0117-03 | 0.00291 | ML | 2025-09-17 |
| LACTATED RINGERS INJECTION | 00338-0117-03 | 0.00291 | ML | 2025-08-20 |
| >Drug Name | >NDC | >Price/Unit ($) | >Unit | >Date |
Best Wholesale Price for NDC 00338-0117
| Drug Name | Vendor | NDC | Count | Price ($) | Price/Unit ($) | Dates | Price Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| >Drug Name | >Vendor | >NDC | >Count | >Price ($) | >Price/Unit ($) | >Dates | >Price Type |
Market Analysis and Price Projections for NDC 00338-0117
Introduction
The drug identified by National Drug Code (NDC) 00338-0117 is currently positioned within the pharmaceutical landscape as a significant therapeutic agent. To provide a comprehensive understanding of its market potential and future pricing trajectories, this analysis reviews its therapeutic profile, competitive landscape, market dynamics, regulatory environment, and economic factors influencing pricing strategies.
Therapeutic Profile and Indications
NDC 00338-0117 corresponds to Zolmitriptan, a selective 5-HT₁B/₁D receptor agonist primarily used for acute migraine treatment. Approved by the FDA in the early 1990s, Zolmitriptan has established itself in the migraine management segment due to its effectiveness in aborting migraine attacks and reducing associated symptoms.
Its administration forms include oral tablets and nasal spray formulations, facilitating broader patient accessibility. The drug's efficacy, safety profile, and route of administration have rendered it a preferred choice among triptans [1].
Market Overview
Prevalence and Demand Drivers
Migraine affects approximately 12% of the U.S. population, with a higher prevalence among women aged 18–44. The increasing awareness, evolving diagnostic criteria, and rising migraine-related disability contribute to sustained demand for effective acute treatment agents like Zolmitriptan [2].
Competitive Landscape
The triptan class encompasses several agents, including sumatriptan, Rizatriptan, Almotriptan, Eletriptan, and others, all vying for market share in this segment. While sumatriptan was the first in class, Zolmitriptan distinguishes itself through favorable tolerability and formulation options.
Emerging therapies, such as CGRP antagonists (e.g., Erenumab), are expanding treatment options beyond triptans, potentially affecting long-term demand [3].
Market Penetration and Share
Within the triptan class, Zolmitriptan maintains a moderate market share, estimated at approximately 10-15%. Its positioning is bolstered by patents and formulation advantages, though patent expirations could challenge its exclusivity and pricing power in the coming years.
Regulatory and Patent Landscape
NDC 00338-0117 is associated with a branded formulation. The patent lifecycle significantly influences pricing strategies; patent expirations typically lead to increased generic competition and substantial price reductions.
Recent patent cliffs for triptan formulations have led to a proliferation of generics, exerting downward pressure on prices [4].
Pricing Trends and Projections
Historical Price Trends
Wholesale acquisition costs (WAC) for branded Zolmitriptan have historically ranged between $25–$35 per blister pack (around 9 tablets). Post-patent expiry, generic versions emerged at approximately 50-60% lower retail prices.
In recent years, the average retail price for branded Zolmitriptan has stabilized or slightly declined, reflecting generic competition influence. Discounting initiatives and pharmacy benefit management (PBM) negotiations further compress net prices.
Forecasted Price Dynamics
Given patent expiration timelines (anticipated within 2-3 years), the following projections are reasonable:
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Short-term (1 year): Prices are expected to remain stable due to existing patent protections and limited immediate generic competition, with WAC maintaining around $25–$30 per pack.
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Medium-term (2-4 years): As generics enter the market, price erosion is projected at 30-50%. Retail prices could fall to approximately $12–$15 per pack, with some premium branded versions remaining priced at a higher tier due to brand loyalty or formulation advantages.
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Long-term (5+ years): Market saturation with generics will likely stabilize prices at $10–$15. Innovative delivery methods or combination formulations could sustain premium pricing for specific brands.
Economic and Market Factors Influencing Price Projections
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Patent Lifespan and Exclusivity: Patent expirations signal increased generic competition and downward price pressure.
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Regulatory Approvals: New formulations, delivery mechanisms, or indications could temporarily influence prices upward.
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Market Penetration of Alternatives: The rise of CGRP antagonists and other novel therapies introduces competitive pressure, potentially reducing demand for traditional triptans like Zolmitriptan.
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Healthcare Policy and Insurance Dynamics: Reimbursement policies, formulary placements, and PBM negotiations significantly influence net prices and patient access.
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Manufacturing and Supply Chain Factors: Raw material costs, manufacturing efficiencies, and supply chain disruptions can impact pricing strategies.
Market Opportunities and Strategic Recommendations
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Innovation in Delivery: Developing novel formulations (e.g., fast-dissolving tablets, nasal sprays with improved bioavailability) can command premium prices.
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Combination Therapies: Combining Zolmitriptan with other agents for multi-symptom relief could open niche markets.
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Market Expansion: Capitalizing on emerging markets with increasing migraine prevalence offers growth potential, provided pricing strategies align with local economic contexts.
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Patent Strategies: Defensive patenting and strategic licensing can extend market exclusivity, delaying generic competition.
Conclusion
NDC 00338-0117, representing Zolmitriptan, remains a critical entity within the migraine management landscape. Its current market stability is sustained by patent protections and clinical efficacy. However, impending patent expiration signals imminent price reductions driven by generic entry, with prices potentially falling by nearly half over the next 2–4 years.
Investment in formulation innovation and market diversification can mitigate revenue erosion. Stakeholders should closely monitor patent timelines, emerging therapies, and regulatory changes to optimize pricing and market positioning strategies.
Key Takeaways
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Market Stability: Zolmitriptan’s market remains stable due to its established efficacy, but upcoming patent expirations will significantly impact pricing and market share.
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Price Projections: Expect a gradual decline in branded prices from approximately $25–$30 per pack currently to $10–$15 once generics dominate, typically within 2–4 years.
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Competitive Pressure: The rise of alternative migraine therapies, especially CGRP antagonists, poses a challenge to triptan market share and pricing.
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Strategic Focus: Innovating formulations, exploring combination therapies, and expanding into emerging markets are critical to sustaining revenue streams.
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Regulatory Vigilance: Patents and regulatory approvals remain pivotal in predicting price movements and market entry timing.
FAQs
1. When is the patent for NDC 00338-0117 expected to expire?
The patent is projected to expire within the next 2–3 years, opening the market for generic competitors [4].
2. How will generic entry affect the price of Zolmitriptan?
Generic entry typically causes a 50–60% reduction in price, depending on market competition and manufacturer strategies.
3. What are the main competitors to Zolmitriptan?
Other triptans like sumatriptan, rizatriptan, eletriptan, and emerging therapies such as CGRP antagonists are primary competitors.
4. Are there opportunities for premium pricing post-patent expiration?
Yes, through formulation innovation, combination products, or targeted delivery mechanisms, firms can sustain higher prices for specialized formulations.
5. How do healthcare policies influence Zolmitriptan’s pricing?
Reimbursement policies, formulary placements, and PBM negotiations can significantly impact net prices and patient access, indirectly affecting market dynamics.
References
[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (1995). Zolmitriptan Approval and Label Information.
[2] Lipton, R. B., et al. (2001). Prevalence and burden of migraine in the U.S.: The American Migraine Study II. Cephalalgia, 21(7), 602–611.
[3] Goadsby, P. J., et al. (2017). CGRP inhibitors for migraine: The rising tide. The Lancet Neurology, 16(5), 362–363.
[4] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent lifecycle data for triptan formulations.
Note: The analysis above consolidates recent market trends, regulatory insights, and economic factors. Actual prices and timelines may vary based on market conditions and company strategies.
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