Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the Drug Identified by NDC 23155-0578?
NDC 23155-0578 corresponds to Avelumab, marketed under the brand name Bavencio. It is an immunotherapy drug, approved for treating metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma, locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, and other cancers.
Current Market Overview
Market Size and Growth
- The global oncology immunotherapy market was valued at approximately $29 billion in 2022.
- Projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR): 8.5% from 2023-2028.
- Avelumab's share remains limited within the broader immunotherapy segment, primarily due to competition from PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors like pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and atezolizumab.
Key Competitors
| Drug |
Indications |
Market Share (2022) |
Price (per dose) |
Approval Date |
| Avelumab |
Merkel cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma |
~15% |
$7,000 |
March 2017 |
| Pembrolizumab |
Multiple cancers |
~35% |
$9,600 |
September 2014 |
| Nivolumab |
Multiple cancers |
~35% |
$9,500 |
October 2015 |
| Atezolizumab |
Urothelial carcinoma |
~10% |
$7,000 |
October 2016 |
Pricing Trend
- The initial wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for Avelumab was approximately $7,000 per dose.
- Prices for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have increased modestly due to inflation and manufacturing costs.
- Payor discounts, biosimilar competition, and negotiations with Medicare/Medicaid influence real-world pricing.
Market Drivers
- Increasing incidence of Merkel cell carcinoma and urothelial cancers.
- Expanded indications; ongoing trials may lead to new approvals.
- Rising healthcare expenditure on innovative oncology therapies.
Market Challenges
- Competition from well-established PD-1 inhibitors.
- High treatment costs impacting adoption.
- Limited approved indications restrict revenue potential.
Price Projections (Next 5 Years)
| Year |
Estimated Price per Dose |
Rationale |
| 2023 |
$7,000 |
Stabilizes amid steady demand; no major pricing changes expected |
| 2024 |
$6,900 |
Price adjustments due to payer discounts |
| 2025 |
$6,800 |
Entry of biosimilars or generics may influence pricing |
| 2026 |
$6,600 |
Continued pressure from competition and biosimilar proliferation |
| 2027 |
$6,400 |
Further price reductions expected as biosimilar market develops |
Factors Influencing Price Changes
- Biosimilar Development: No biosimilars introduced yet, but potential entry around 2026-2027 could reduce prices.
- Regulatory and Policy Changes: Medicare negotiations and drug pricing reforms could influence price trajectories.
- Market Expansion: New indications expanding patient population may stabilize or increase prices.
Market Penetration and Revenue Outlook
- Estimated U.S. revenue for Avelumab: approximately $400 million in 2022.
- Potential for growth to $600 million by 2025 if expanded indications and adoption accelerate.
- International markets expected to contribute an additional 20-30% of revenue.
Strategic Considerations
- Emerging biosimilars could depress prices.
- Increasing competition may require strategic pricing to maintain market share.
- R&D investments into combination therapies could impact future demand.
Key Takeaways
- NDC 23155-0578 (Avelumab) operates in a competitive oncology immunotherapy market.
- Price stability is expected through 2024, with potential reductions beginning in 2025.
- Market growth depends on expansion into new indications, biosimilar competition, and regulatory policies.
- Current annual revenue estimates range from $400 million to $600 million in the U.S., with global revenues potentially exceeding $1 billion.
FAQs
Q1: What are the main factors influencing the pricing of Avelumab?
Market competition, biosimilar development, payer negotiations, and regulatory policies influence its price.
Q2: How does Avelumab compare to other PD-L1 inhibitors?
It has similar indications but generally commands a slightly lower price than PD-1 inhibitors due to market positioning.
Q3: Are biosimilars likely to impact Avelumab’s price soon?
Biosimilars are in development and could enter the market by 2026-2027, exerting downward pressure on prices.
Q4: What are the main indications driving demand?
Merkel cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma are primary drivers, especially in regions with aging populations.
Q5: What are the future prospects for Avelumab in the oncology market?
Expansion into additional indications and combination regimens could sustain revenue, but price competition remains a key risk.
References
- MarketLine. (2022). Oncology immunotherapy market size and forecast.
- IQVIA. (2022). U.S. prescription drug spending report.
- FDA. (2017). Approval of Avelumab for Merkel cell carcinoma.
- Pfizer Inc. (2022). Bavencio prescribing information.
- EvaluatePharma. (2023). Oncology drugs: Market outlook and competitive landscape.
