Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is NDC 31722-0008?
NDC 31722-0008 corresponds to a specific drug listed under the National Drug Code directory. Based on available records, it identifies Chantix (varenicline) 0.5 mg and 1 mg tablets used for smoking cessation. It is marketed by Pfizer.
Market Landscape
Current Market Size
The prescription volume for Chantix (NDC 31722-0008) has fluctuated in recent years. In 2022, U.S. prescriptions reached approximately 4.2 million. The total market value for smoking cessation drugs was estimated at $1.2 billion in 2022, with Chantix accounting for roughly 45% of this segment.
Competitive Environment
Major competitors include:
- Varenicline (generic equivalents): Several generics are available, with prices significantly lower than branded Chantix.
- Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT): Patches, gums, and lozenges.
- E-cigarettes and vaping products: Increasingly used but not approved as cessation devices.
Key Market Drivers
- Rising awareness of smoking-related health risks.
- FDA approvals of combination therapies.
- Payer reimbursement policies favoring established pharmaceuticals.
Regulatory Status
- FDA approved Chantix in 2006.
- Patent expired in 2017; generics entered the market subsequently.
- Pfizer’s patent protection on the branded version lapsed, increasing generic competition.
Price Trends and Projections
Current Pricing Data
| Product Type |
Price per Pack |
Annual Cost (per patient) |
Notes |
| Branded Chantix |
$400–$450 |
$1,200–$1,350 |
Prices vary by pharmacy |
| Generic Varenicline |
$100–$150 |
$300–$450 |
Widely available |
| Nicotine Replacement |
$7–$15 |
$150–$400 |
Monthly cost for products |
Short-term Price Trends (Next 1–2 Years)
- Branded Price: Likely to decline by 10-15% due to generic competition.
- Generics: Will stabilize around current levels but may decrease further if new formulations or biosimilars enter.
Long-term Price Projections (3–5 Years)
- Branded Price: Expected to fall below $300 per pack as market penetration deepens and generic shares increase.
- Generics: Anticipated to stay within the current scope but might experience prices below $100 per pack if a high-volume manufacturer introduces volume-based discounts.
Impact of Policy and Market Dynamics
- Payer negotiations could further reduce prices.
- Legislation favoring generic substitution can accelerate price declines.
- Market expansion driven by quit-smoking campaigns could increase volume, offsetting price declines somewhat.
Revenue Outlook and Market Share
| Year |
Estimated Volume (million scripts) |
Revenue (approximate) |
Key Assumptions |
| 2023 |
4.2 |
$600 million–$700 million |
Stable prescription trend |
| 2025 |
4.5–4.7 |
$500 million–$650 million |
Price decline balanced by volume growth |
| 2030 |
5.0+ |
$350 million–$500 million |
Continued price erosion, generic dominance |
Key Takeaways
- The market for NDC 31722-0008 (Chantix) is mature with significant generic competition.
- Prices have declined significantly post-patent expiry, with branded prices dropping faster.
- Long-term projections suggest further price reductions, especially for the branded version, driven by generics.
- Volume growth driven by smoking cessation initiatives may offset some price declines.
- Reimbursement policies and formulary stances will influence future pricing dynamics.
FAQs
Q1: Will the branded Chantix regain market share?
A: Unlikely, given patent expiry and the availability of generics. Brand loyalty reductions and pricing favor generics.
Q2: How will new smoking cessation therapies impact prices?
A: They could reduce demand for Chantix, pressuring prices further and encouraging innovation in combination or non-pharmacologic treatments.
Q3: Are there regulatory hurdles that could alter pricing?
A: Changes in FDA policies, including approval pathways or patent litigation, could influence drug prices.
Q4: What role do insurance companies play?
A: Payers tend to favor generics, which lowers out-of-pocket costs for patients and pressures branded pricing.
Q5: What is the outlook for biosimilar or alternative formulations?
A: No biosimilars exist yet for Chantix, and new formulations would need regulatory approval, likely taking years.
References
- IQVIA. (2023). Market Data Report on Smoking Cessation Drugs.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Approval history of Chantix.
- National Prescribing Data. (2022). Prescription Trends for Smoking Cessation Aids.
- GoodRx. (2023). Pricing data for Chantix and generic varenicline.
- EvaluatePharma. (2023). Pharmaceutical Market Forecasts to 2028.
[1] IQVIA. (2023). Market Data Report on Smoking Cessation Drugs.
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Approval history of Chantix.
[3] National Prescribing Data. (2022). Prescription Trends for Smoking Cessation Aids.
[4] GoodRx. (2023). Pricing data for Chantix and generic varenicline.
[5] EvaluatePharma. (2023). Pharmaceutical Market Forecasts to 2028.
