Last updated: February 13, 2026
The drug with NDC 25021-0108 is the Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release (SR), commonly marketed as Wellbutrin SR. Its market primarily targets depression and smoking cessation applications. Current market dynamics show increasing demand driven by rising mental health awareness and expansion of indications, with a competitive landscape that includes generic versions. Price projections indicate steady declines in average wholesale prices (AWP) due to generic competition but maintain a stable revenue outlook for branded formulations during patent exclusivity periods.
What Is the Market Size and Demand for NDC 25021-0108?
Market Overview
Bupropion SR is widely used for major depressive disorder (MDD), seasonal affective disorder, and nicotine dependence. The global antidepressant market was valued at approximately $17.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 2% through 2027 [1].
Key Drivers
- Increased mental health disorders prevalence.
- Medicare and Medicaid coverage expansion.
- Growing use of Bupropion for smoking cessation (market size estimated at $2.4 billion globally in 2022).
Market Penetration
- The branded version, Wellbutrin SR, held approximately 11% of the antidepressant market in 2022.
- Generic versions, including Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release, have captured roughly 85% of the market share of the antidepressant segment.
What Are the Price Trends and Projections?
Current Pricing
- Average Wholesale Price (AWP) for the branded Wellbutrin SR (NDC 25021-0108) is approximately $4.50 per tablet of 100 mg as of Q1 2023.
- Generic versions (e.g., Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release, 100 mg) are priced around $0.50 to $0.70 per tablet.
Historical Trends
| Year |
Branded AWP (per tablet) |
Generic AWP (per tablet) |
| 2018 |
$6.00 |
$1.80 |
| 2020 |
$5.50 |
$1.20 |
| 2022 |
$4.75 |
$0.60 |
| 2023 |
$4.50 |
$0.55 |
Price erosion has been steady since patent expiry in 2014, driven by generics. The branded product maintains a premium due to formulation differences and patient brand loyalty.
Price Projections (2024-2028)
- Branded Product: A gradual decline to approximately $4.00 per tablet by 2028, attributed to increasing generic penetration and manufacturing efficiencies.
- Generic Product: Stabilizes around $0.50 to $0.70, with fluctuations depending on supply chain factors and market competition.
What Is the Patent and Regulatory Landscape?
Patent Status
- The original patent for Wellbutrin SR expired in 2014.
- Selected secondary patents, such as formulation-specific patents, could extend market exclusivity until 2022 in some regions. However, most protections have expired, enabling wider generic entry.
Regulatory Approvals
- No recent new formulations or indications approved specifically for NDC 25021-0108.
- Ongoing biosimilar or alternative formulations are unlikely within the next five years.
What Are the Competitive Dynamics?
Major Competitors
- Several manufacturers offer generic bupropion SR products, including Teva, Mylan, and Apotex.
- Brand marketers include GlaxoSmithKline, which initially marketed Wellbutrin SR.
Market Share
- Generics hold about 85-90% of the antidepressant extended-release market.
- Brand share is declining but remains significant in niche patient populations and formulary protections.
Pricing Strategies
- Generics compete primarily on price, with aggressive discounts.
- Branded products rely on prescribing habits, physician loyalty, and formulary placements.
What Are the Future Market and Price Drivers?
- Expanding Indications: Potential new uses or formulations could renew interest; however, none are confirmed for NDC 25021-0108.
- Pricing Trends: Price erosion will likely continue, aligning closer to generic rates over 3-5 years.
- Market Growth: Steady demand for mental health medications supports stable revenue, despite generic price declines.
Key Takeaways
- The NDC 25021-0108 (Bupropion Hydrochloride SR) market has experienced substantial generic penetration since patent expiration.
- The current average price for branded formulations is $4.50 per tablet, declining to about $4.00 by 2028.
- Generics dominate the market and are priced at approximately $0.55 per tablet.
- The core demand stems from depression treatment and smoking cessation, with growth driven by rising mental health awareness.
- Patent protections for the original formulation have largely expired; future developments depend on new formulations or indications.
FAQs
1. Will the price of branded Bupropion SR recover from current levels?
It is unlikely. Continued generics availability and price competition will keep the branded price under pressure, with a projected decline to $4.00 per tablet by 2028.
2. Are there new formulations or indications that could impact the market?
No significant new formulations or indications for NDC 25021-0108 are approved. Future market shifts could come from biosimilars or combination therapies, but none are imminent.
3. How does generic competition affect revenue projections?
Generic market share and lower pricing significantly reduce revenue for the branded product but ensure steady demand for the drug class.
4. What are the main challenges for pharmaceutical companies maintaining market share?
Price competition, patent expirations, and formulary exclusion are key challenges. Developing differentiated formulations or new indications offers potential for growth.
5. What regions show the most substantial market activity for this drug?
The US remains the largest market due to high antidepressant usage and healthcare coverage, followed by Western Europe.
References
[1] MarketWatch, "Global Antidepressant Market," March 2023.
[2] Reuters, "Generic drug prices decline as competition intensifies," Jan 2023.
[3] FDA Drug Database, "Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release," accessed February 2023.
[4] IQVIA Reports, "US Prescription Data," Q1 2023.
