Last updated: February 27, 2026
What Is Known About the Drug identified by NDC 27241-0274?
The National Drug Code (NDC) 27241-0274 corresponds to Zirabev (bevacizumab-bvzr), a biologic medication approved for multiple cancer indications, including metastatic colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and glioblastoma. Zirabev is a biosimilar indicated as a lower-cost alternative to the reference product, Avastin (bevacizumab).
Market Landscape
Market Size and Demand Drivers
- U.S. Oncology Market: The demand for bevacizumab and biosimilars totaled approximately $4.2 billion in 2022, with anticipation of growth, driven by increased cancer prevalence and biosimilar adoption.
- Biosimilar Penetration: Biosimilars are gaining market share due to cost-effectiveness and payer incentives. In 2022, biosimilars captured roughly 35% of the bevacizumab market in the U.S.
- Regulatory Environment: The FDA has approved Zirabev under a biosimilar pathway, emphasizing its use as a cost-saver, spurring increased adoption.
Competitive Landscape
| Product |
Originator/Manufacturer |
Indications |
Launch Year |
Price (Approximate) |
Market Share (2022) |
| Avastin |
Genentech (Roche) |
Multiple cancers |
2004 |
$5,200 per 400 mg |
65% |
| Zirabev |
Pfizer |
Same as Avastin |
2019 |
20-25% lower than Avastin |
20% |
| Other Biosimilars |
Various |
Varying, including Amgen/Celltrion |
2020-2022 |
Similar range to Zirabev |
10% |
Regulatory and Policy Impact
- Medicaid and Medicare coverage policies favor biosimilars, encouraging switching from originators.
- State laws in several regions mandate certain patients receive biosimilar versions where indicated.
Price Projection Insights
Short-Term (Next 1-2 Years)
- Current Price Range: $3,700 to $4,200 per 400 mg dose, representing a 20-25% discount relative to Avastin.
- Factors Influencing Price:
- Increased biosimilar market share.
- Payer negotiations, including formulary placement.
- Manufacturer discounts and rebates.
Mid-Term (3-5 Years)
- Forecasted Prices: Expected to stabilize around $3,500 to $4,000 per 400 mg dose.
- Market Dynamics:
- New biosimilars entering the market could drive prices down further by 10-15%.
- Payer demand for lower-cost options will pressure manufacturers to lower list prices.
- Adoption rates depend on clinician and patient acceptance.
Long-Term (Beyond 5 Years)
- Prices could decline by an additional 10-20% if biosimilar competition and healthcare policies favor cost reduction.
- Innovation and potential new indications or formulations could influence pricing strategies.
Key Influences on Price Development
- Patent Expirations and Biosimilar Approvals: Biosimilars approved in the U.S. between 2018-2022 will continue to erode the market share and prices of originator products.
- Healthcare Policy Shifts: Prioritization of biosimilar use in public and private plans affects retail prices.
- Manufacturing Costs: Biosimilar production costs are lower than originators but remain high; pricing depends on manufacturing efficiencies and market competition.
Key Takeaways
- Zirabev is positioned as a cost-saving biosimilar for Avastin, with prices approximately 20% lower.
- The market is expanding driven by increased biosimilar acceptance, with current pricing in the $3,700 to $4,200 range per 400 mg dose.
- Future price reductions depend on biosimilar market penetration, policy strategies, and manufacturer competition.
- Biosimilars will likely capture 50% or more of the bevacizumab market in the U.S. within 5 years, further pressuring prices downward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What factors most influence biosimilar pricing for Zirabev?
Market share of biosimilars, payer negotiations, manufacturing costs, and regulatory policies significantly impact pricing.
Q2: How does Zirabev compare cost-wise to Avastin?
Zirabev lists at 20-25% lower than Avastin, with actual discounts varying by payer agreements.
Q3: What is the expected trajectory for biosimilar market share?
Biosimilars are projected to account for over 50% of the market within 5 years, exerting pressure on prices.
Q4: Are there geographical differences in pricing?
Yes, prices are generally lower in the U.S. due to market dynamics but vary globally based on regulations and healthcare systems.
Q5: What are the main barriers to biosimilar adoption?
Physician acceptance, patient education, reimbursement policies, and formulary preferences influence adoption rates.
References
[1] IQVIA. (2022). "Biologic and Biosimilar Trends."
[2] FDA. (2022). “Biosimilar Product Approvals.”
[3] EvaluatePharma. (2022). "Biologic Market Trends."
[4] CMS. (2022). "Medicare Policy and Biosimilar Adoption."
[5] MarketWatch. (2022). "Oncology Bioscience Market Data."
