Last updated: March 5, 2026
What is the drug associated with NDC 00555-0779?
NDC 00555-0779 corresponds to Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release (SR) Tablets, 100 mg. It is marketed under the brand Wellbutrin SR, primarily used for depression and smoking cessation.
What is the current market landscape?
Market size:
The global antidepressant market was valued at approximately $15 billion in 2022, with sustained growth driven by increasing mental health awareness and expanded indications. Bupropion accounts for around 10% of this market, roughly $1.5 billion.
Competitors:
- SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, fluoxetine) dominate with greater market share.
- Other atypical antidepressants like mirtazapine and trazodone.
- Smoking cessation aids like varenicline (Chantix) compete in the nicotine addiction segment.
Pricing:
Generic formulations of Bupropion SR 100 mg sell for approximately $35 to $60 per month supply (30 tablets). Brand Wellbutrin SR retails at ~$250 to $300 per month.
Formulary access:
Both generic and brand forms are widely covered by insurance plans, with generics representing the preferred cost-effective option.
How has the market evolved recently?
Patent status:
The original patent for Wellbutrin SR expired in 2012. Since then, multiple generic versions, including NDC 00555-0779, entered the market, increasing competition and reducing prices.
Market penetration:
Generic utilization exceeds 90% among prescriptions, pushing average prices downward.
Regulatory shifts:
FDA approval of AB-rated generics in 2012 increased market share for generics. No recent patent litigations or exclusivities affect NDC 00555-0779.
What are the price projections?
Near-term (Next 12 months):
- Average wholesale price (AWP) for generic Bupropion SR 100 mg remains steady at $35–$60 per month.
- Price stability persists due to established generics and minimal supply constraints.
Medium-term (1–3 years):
- Slight price reductions expected as new generics potentially enter the market or as existing competitors increase production.
- Wholesale acquisition costs may decrease by 5–10%, approaching $30–$55 per month.
Long-term (3+ years):
- Price declines could reach 15–20% from current levels if more generics or biosimilars penetrate the market.
- Introduction of higher-dose formulations or combination products may influence pricing dynamics.
Potential impact factors:
- Patent litigation challenges or new patent filings could temporarily obscure generics’ market share.
- Changes in insurance formularies favoring or disfavoring generics impact price points.
- Regulatory changes impacting drug approval pathways or import policies.
What are the market entry barriers?
- Manufacturing capacity requirements for generic producers.
- Limited incentives once initial patent protections expire.
- Saturated market with established competitors.
- Price sensitivity among payers and patients.
How do pricing strategies differ among stakeholders?
- Pharmaceutical companies focus on manufacturing efficiency and market coverage to sustain profitability.
- Payers leverage lower-cost generics to control expenditure.
- Patients face copays influenced by formulary placements; generics reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Summary table: Price Projection Overview (2023–2026)
| Year |
Expected Average Wholesale Price (per month) |
Key Influencing Factors |
| 2023 |
$35–$60 |
Market stability, mature generics |
| 2024 |
$33–$55 |
Entry of additional generics |
| 2025 |
$30–$50 |
Increased competition |
| 2026 |
$30–$45 |
Market saturation, price negotiations |
Key takeaways
- The drug NDC 00555-0779, Bupropion Hydrochloride 100 mg SR, faces a mature generic market with stable but decreasing prices.
- Prices are expected to decline gradually, driven by increased generic competition and manufacturing efficiencies.
- Long-term projections suggest a potential 15–20% decrease from current averages.
- Market dynamics are significantly influenced by regulatory, patent, and formulary policy factors.
- The drug maintains relevance primarily for depression and smoking cessation, with limited new indications.
FAQs
Q1: Will the price of NDC 00555-0779 increase or decrease?
Prices are expected to decrease gradually, driven by generic competition and market saturation.
Q2: Are there upcoming patent protections that could influence pricing?
No recent patent protections or exclusivities are active for this formulation; generic competition dominates.
Q3: How does insurance coverage impact price?
Insurance plans favor generics, reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients and stabilizing pharmacy-level prices.
Q4: What factors could disrupt current price trends?
Introduction of new formulations, regulatory changes, or supply chain disruptions could alter price dynamics.
Q5: How does this drug compare pricing-wise to other antidepressants?
It remains among the more cost-effective antidepressants due to widespread generic availability, often priced below newer or branded options.
References
[1] MarketWatch. (2022). Global antidepressant market size.
[2] IQVIA. (2023). U.S. prescription drug sales data.
[3] FDA. (2022). Approved drug products database.
[4] GoodRx. (2023). Bupropion SR 100 mg pricing data.
[Note: All data are estimates based on publicly available sources as of 2023.]
