Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is NDC 27241-0126?
NDC 27241-0126 corresponds to Remdesivir (Veklury), an antiviral medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of COVID-19. It is distributed by Gilead Sciences. Its active ingredient inhibits viral replication by targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.
Market Overview
Market Context
Remdesivir became mainstream during the COVID-19 pandemic, receiving Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in May 2020, followed by full approval for hospitalized patients in October 2020. The drug's market dominance was influenced heavily by pandemic dynamics, evolving treatment guidelines, and competition from other antivirals and immunotherapies.
Market Size
- Estimated global COVID-19 antiviral market value in 2023: $8.2 billion (Source: IQVIA).
- The U.S. market for remdesivir during 2022: approximately $3.3 billion.
- Volume of treatment courses (2022): approximately 6.2 million doses sold globally.
- U.S. market share of remdesivir prescriptions in hospitalized COVID-19 cases: approximately 70%.
Competitive Landscape
Common competitors include:
- Molnupiravir (Lagevrio) by Merck & Ridgeback
- Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) by Pfizer
- Emerging oral antivirals decreasing IV remdesivir's market share over time
Institutional and Government Usage
- U.S. public health agencies have negotiated pricing contracts, reducing costs.
- Sale volume correlates with infection rates, which fluctuated seasonally and with variants.
Regulatory and Policy Impact
- The FDA maintains full approval, providing sustained prescription authority.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) covers remdesivir under Medicare Part B, facilitating access.
- New clinical data and guidelines influence prescribing patterns.
Price Projections
Historical Pricing Trends
- List price (per vial): approximately $520 (Gilead's published rate).
- Actual negotiated or discounted price: varies, often ranging from $390 to $520, depending on payer contracts.
Short-term (Next 1-2 years)
- Due to inflationary pressures and evolving payer negotiations, list prices are projected to stabilize or increase slightly by up to 3% annually.
- Payer discounts and rebates reduce effective prices, with net prices estimated around 20-25% below list.
Long-term (Next 3-5 years)
- Market saturation and decreasing COVID case counts may lead to a decline in demand.
- Approvals for oral antivirals reduce reliance on IV remdesivir.
- Price erosion expected, with potential decreases of 10-20% in list prices as generic or biosimilar options develop.
Factors Influencing Future Pricing
- Regulatory decisions regarding use in outpatient settings.
- Competitive pressure from oral antivirals.
- Reimbursement policies and healthcare spending priorities.
- Development of biosimilars or generics.
Market Drivers and Risks
| Driver |
Impact |
| Increasing global vaccination rates |
Reduces COVID-19 hospitalizations |
| Emergence of new variants |
Maintains need for IV antiviral therapy |
| Expansion to outpatient treatment settings |
Potentially increases volume |
| Competition from oral antivirals |
Pressures market share and pricing |
| Reimbursement reforms |
Influences net pricing |
| Risk |
Impact |
| Decrease in COVID-19 cases |
Market contraction |
| Patent expiration or biosimilar entry |
Price erosion, market share loss |
| Regulatory restrictions or guidance changes |
Altered prescribing patterns |
Summary
Remdesivir (NDC 27241-0126) remains relevant primarily within hospital settings during active COVID-19 surges. It benefits from established reimbursement and full FDA approval, supporting stable but gradually declining prices. Competition from new oral therapies and decreasing case numbers pose potential threats to volume and price. Price stability is projected in the short-term; long-term trends indicate potential meaningful reductions.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. market for remdesivir stands at approximately $3.3 billion annually.
- List prices hover around $520 per vial with discounts lowering actual transaction prices.
- Market growth depends on infection rates, treatment guidelines, and competition.
- Price erosion of 10-20% over 3-5 years is likely due to biosimilar competition and declining demand.
- Market transformation toward outpatient use and oral antivirals will reshape long-term supply and pricing dynamics.
FAQs
1. Will remdesivir's price increase or decrease in the near future?
Prices are expected to stabilize with slight increases due to inflation and contract negotiations, but long-term declines of 10-20% are probable because of the growth of oral antiviral therapies.
2. How does competition from oral antivirals affect remdesivir?
Oral antivirals like Paxlovid and Lagevrio are easier to administer, reducing the sequential use of intravenous remdesivir and decreasing its market share in outpatient settings.
3. What factors could cause remdesivir’s price to drop sharply?
Patent expiry, biosimilar approvals, or regulatory restrictions against its use could lead to rapid price erosion and market exit.
4. How do reimbursement policies influence remdesivir pricing?
Reimbursement negotiations and discounts with government payers lower the net price, influencing the market dynamics and profitability.
5. Are there emerging markets for remdesivir?
Yes, several low- and middle-income countries are adopting remdesivir, often at lower prices negotiated via deals with Gilead or international organizations. This expands market volume but often at reduced margins.
References
[1] IQVIA. (2023). COVID-19 antiviral market analysis.
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). FDA approval of remdesivir.
[3] Gilead Sciences. (2023). Veklury (remdesivir) pricing and sales data.
[4] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022). Coverage policies for COVID-19 treatments.
