Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the drug associated with NDC 31722-0383?
The National Drug Code (NDC) 31722-0383 identifies Remdesivir (Veklury), an antiviral medication approved by the FDA in October 2020 for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients. Remdesivir has been the primary antiviral therapy for severe COVID-19 cases, with limited alternatives approved or in late-stage development.
Market Size and Demand Dynamics
COVID-19 Treatment Landscape
- Global COVID-19 cases: Over 750 million confirmed infections as of 2023.
- Hospitalization rate: Approximately 20% of cases result in hospitalization.
- Severe cases requiring antivirals: Estimated at 10–15% of hospitalized cases.
- Remdesivir utilization: Stable for initial pandemic waves but declining as new treatments and Omicron variants emerge.
Market segments
| Segment |
Description |
Value (USD, 2022) |
Notes |
| Hospitalized COVID-19 patients |
Primary recipients of remdesivir |
Estimated 10–15 million globally |
Based on global hospitalization rates and drug adoption. |
| Long-term COVID-19 therapy |
Off-label or secondary use in post-acute sequelae |
Minimal |
No significant approvals; limited reimbursement. |
| Alternative treatments |
Paxlovid, Molnupiravir, monoclonal antibodies |
Growing presence |
Shrinking market share for remdesivir in outpatient care. |
Market Value Estimates
- 2022 global sales: Estimated at USD 3.5 billion.
- Market growth rate: Declined from double-digit growth in 2020–2021 to approximately 1–2% annually, due to reduced reliance after the initial pandemic phase.
- Market share: Remdesivir accounts for approximately 65%–70% of COVID-19 inpatient antivirals.
Price Trends and Projections
Historical Pricing Data
- Initial reimbursement price (2020): Around USD 520 per vial, set by Gilead Sciences, Inc.
- 2022 average wholesale price (AWP): Approximately USD 520–550 per vial.
- Pricing strategies: Gilead employs tiered pricing, discounts for government contracts, and volume-based rebates.
Current Pricing (2023)
| Year |
Approximate Price per Vial |
Notes |
| 2020 |
USD 520 |
Launch price |
| 2022 |
USD 520–550 |
Stabilized, with minor discounts |
| 2023 |
USD 500–530 |
Slight reduction, market saturation effects |
Price Projection (2024–2028)
-
Pricing stability: Marginal decline expected; prices expected to settle around USD 480–520 as competition and biosimilar entries potentially emerge.
-
Market volume: Estimated to decrease marginally due to policy shifts favoring oral therapies, such as Paxlovid, and durable immunity from vaccines.
Factors Influencing Price Trends
- Regulatory landscape: Potential for patent expirations or biosimilar approvals.
- Manufacturing costs: Remdesivir’s complex synthesis process keeps production costs high; no significant decrease expected.
- Reimbursement policies: Insurance coverage and government procurement programs influence net prices.
- Market competition: Emergence of other antivirals or generic versions can exert downward pressure.
Competitive Environment
- Primary competitors: Oral antivirals Paxlovid (Pfizer) and Molnupiravir (Merck).
- Market share shifts: Increased outpatient use of oral agents reduces inpatient demand for remdesivir.
- Potential biosimilar emergence: No biosimilar entrants reported; patent protections likely until 2030.
Regulatory and Policy Considerations
- FDA approvals: Pending supplemental filings for broader indications.
- Global access programs: Gilead’s tiered pricing for low-income countries influences global market share.
- Stockpiling and preparedness: Governments maintain strategic reserves, keeping some baseline demand.
Summary
Remdesivir (NDC: 31722-0383) remains a key inpatient antiviral for COVID-19. Its market is characterized by modest growth and stabilization, with prices hovering around USD 500 per vial, subject to slight reductions due to market saturation and competition. The total market is shrinking as healthcare shifts towards oral therapies and other treatments. Future price declines are limited unless biosimilars or generics enter the market or new indications are approved.
Key Takeaways
- The 2022 global sales of remdesivir approximate USD 3.5 billion.
- Price per vial has stabilized near USD 520, with expected slight decreases.
- Market demand is declining due to shifting treatment paradigms.
- Competition from oral antivirals impacts remdesivir’s market share.
- Patent protections likely extend into the next decade, constraining biosimilar entry.
FAQs
1. Will remdesivir’s price decrease significantly in the next five years?
Answer: Minor reductions are possible, likely in the 5–10% range, driven by market saturation and competition, but no major drops expected unless biosimilars enter the market.
2. Is remdesivir still the preferred inpatient treatment for COVID-19?
Answer: It remains used in hospitalized, severe cases, but its prominence decreases as new oral options and monoclonal antibodies are adopted.
3. What factors could accelerate remdesivir’s market decline?
Answer: Introduction of biosimilars, approval of new antiviral drugs, or shifts in treatment guidelines favoring oral therapies.
4. How does global access influence remdesivir’s market?
Answer: Gilead’s tiered pricing and donation programs for lower-income countries sustain demand but do not significantly alter overall market size.
5. Are there any upcoming regulatory changes that could affect remdesivir’s pricing?
Answer: Possible patent challenges or approvals of biosimilars could impact pricing, but no such events are imminent as of 2023.
References
[1] Gilead Sciences. (2023). Veklury (Remdesivir) Prescribing Information.
[2] IQVIA. (2023). Global COVID-19 Therapeutics Market Review.
[3] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). FDA Approves First Treatment for COVID-19.
[4] World Health Organization. (2023). COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines and Market Data.
