Drug Price Trends for NDC 31722-0736

Average Pharmacy Cost for 31722-0736

Drug Name	NDC	Price/Unit ($)	Unit	Date
EFAVIRENZ-EMTRICITABINE-TENOFOV DISOP FUM 600-200-300 MG TAB	31722-0736-30	1.31156	EACH	2026-03-18
EFAVIRENZ-EMTRICITABINE-TENOFOV DISOP FUM 600-200-300 MG TAB	31722-0736-30	1.38395	EACH	2026-02-18
EFAVIRENZ-EMTRICITABINE-TENOFOV DISOP FUM 600-200-300 MG TAB	31722-0736-30	1.43152	EACH	2026-01-21
EFAVIRENZ-EMTRICITABINE-TENOFOV DISOP FUM 600-200-300 MG TAB	31722-0736-30	1.39337	EACH	2025-12-17
EFAVIRENZ-EMTRICITABINE-TENOFOV DISOP FUM 600-200-300 MG TAB	31722-0736-30	1.39342	EACH	2025-11-19
EFAVIRENZ-EMTRICITABINE-TENOFOV DISOP FUM 600-200-300 MG TAB	31722-0736-30	1.42860	EACH	2025-10-22
EFAVIRENZ-EMTRICITABINE-TENOFOV DISOP FUM 600-200-300 MG TAB	31722-0736-30	1.44608	EACH	2025-09-17

Best Wholesale Price for NDC 31722-0736

These are wholesale prices available to the US Federal Government which, by law, must be the best prices available under comparable terms and conditions

Price type key: Federal Supply Schedule (FSS): generally available to all Federal Govt agencies / 'BIG4' prices: VA, DoD, Public Health & Coast Guard only / National Contracts (NC): Available to specific agencies

Drug Name	Vendor	NDC	Count	Price ($)	Price/Unit ($)	Dates	Price Type

Lexapro (Escitalopram) Market Analysis and Price Projections (NDC: 31722-0736)

Last updated: February 19, 2026

Escitalopram oxalate, marketed as Lexapro and generics under NDC 31722-0736, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for treating major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. The market for escitalopram is mature, characterized by significant generic competition following patent expirations.

What is the Current Market Size and Growth Trajectory for Escitalopram?

The global market for antidepressants, including escitalopram, is substantial and projected to grow. However, the market segment for escitalopram itself is largely driven by generic penetration, leading to price erosion and stable to modest volume growth.

• Global Antidepressant Market: The broader antidepressant market was valued at approximately USD 13.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 18.9 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2023 to 2030 [1].
• Escitalopram Specifics: Escitalopram, as a widely prescribed SSRI, holds a significant share within the antidepressant market. Precise market size figures specifically for escitalopram are difficult to isolate due to its inclusion in broader market reports and extensive generic availability. However, its prescription volume remains high.
• Growth Drivers: Continued prevalence of mental health disorders, increased awareness, and access to healthcare services contribute to sustained demand for antidepressants like escitalopram. The generic nature of escitalopram means growth is primarily volume-driven rather than price-driven.

What is the Competitive Landscape for Escitalopram (NDC: 31722-0736)?

The competitive landscape for escitalopram is dominated by generic manufacturers, significantly impacting pricing and market share for the branded product and its generic equivalents.

• Key Generic Players: Numerous pharmaceutical companies manufacture generic escitalopram oxalate. These include, but are not limited to, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Mylan (now Viatris), Accord Healthcare, Aurobindo Pharma, and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries [2].
• Branded Product: The original branded product, Lexapro, is marketed by Lundbeck and Takeda. Its market share has been substantially eroded by generic competition.
• Therapeutic Alternatives: Other SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine), and newer classes of antidepressants represent alternative treatment options. However, escitalopram's established efficacy and safety profile maintain its position.
• Market Saturation: The escitalopram market is considered mature and saturated due to the high number of generic entrants and the availability of multiple therapeutic options.

What are the Patent Expirations and Generic Entry Timelines for Escitalopram?

The key patent expirations for escitalopram have already occurred, paving the way for widespread generic competition.

• Original Patent Expiration: The primary patents protecting Lexapro, including those related to its composition of matter and method of use, expired around 2010-2012 [3].
• Generic Entry: Following patent expiries, generic versions of escitalopram oxalate became widely available. This led to a rapid decline in the price of the drug.
• Evergreening Attempts: While primary patents have expired, some companies may have pursued secondary patents for different formulations or delivery methods, but these have had limited impact on the broad generic market for the standard oral dosage forms.

What are the Current Pricing Trends and Price Projections for Escitalopram Oxalate?

Pricing for escitalopram oxalate (NDC: 31722-0736) is characterized by steep declines following generic entry and continues to be influenced by market dynamics.

• Price Erosion: Upon generic entry, the average wholesale price (AWP) for escitalopram experienced a drastic reduction. For instance, prices for a 30-count bottle of 10mg tablets can range from USD 10 to USD 50, depending on the manufacturer and pharmacy, a significant drop from pre-generic pricing.
• NDC 31722-0736 Specifics: This National Drug Code (NDC) typically refers to escitalopram oxalate tablets, often in strengths such as 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg, manufactured by various generic companies. The price associated with this specific NDC will vary based on the contract between the manufacturer, distributor, and pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), as well as the retail pricing strategy.
• Current Pricing Factors:
  • Generic Competition Intensity: The more manufacturers producing for a given NDC, the lower the price.
  • PBM Contracts: Negotiated prices through PBMs significantly influence the net price paid by pharmacies and insurers.
  • Manufacturer Discounts and Rebates: These play a crucial role in determining the final cost.
  • Wholesaler Markups: Standard markups are applied at the wholesale level.
• Price Projections:
  • Stable to Declining: Given the mature and highly genericized nature of the market, further significant price increases are unlikely. Prices are expected to remain stable or experience incremental declines, driven by ongoing competition and PBM negotiations.
  • Brand Loyalty (Limited): While Lexapro still exists, its premium pricing makes it less competitive than generics for most patients and payers.
  • Volume-Based Pricing: As prescription volumes remain consistent, manufacturers may engage in aggressive pricing to secure market share and volume commitments.

Table 1: Estimated Average Wholesale Price (AWP) Range for Escitalopram Oxalate 10mg Tablets (30-count bottle)

Manufacturer Type	Estimated AWP Range (USD)
Branded (Lexapro)	$150 - $300+
Generic	$10 - $50

Note: AWP is a reference price and actual acquisition costs for pharmacies and net prices for payers will differ due to negotiated discounts, rebates, and PBM arrangements.

What is the Regulatory and Reimbursement Landscape for Escitalopram?

The regulatory and reimbursement landscape for escitalopram is well-established, reflecting its status as a long-approved and widely utilized medication.

• FDA Approval: Escitalopram oxalate received FDA approval for marketing in the U.S. in 2002 for Lexapro. Generic versions have since been approved.
• Medicare and Medicaid: Escitalopram is a covered drug under Medicare Part D and Medicaid programs. It is typically placed on formularies, often at preferred generic or generic tiers, reflecting its cost-effectiveness.
• PBM Formularies: Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) heavily influence prescribing patterns through their formularies. Escitalopram is almost universally included on formularies, usually with favorable generic placement.
• Value-Based Pricing: While direct value-based pricing initiatives are less common for established generics, payers assess the overall cost-effectiveness of escitalopram against alternative treatments. Its low cost compared to newer antidepressants or psychotherapy supports its continued use.
• Managed Care: Most managed care organizations include escitalopram on their formularies, often requiring step therapy or prior authorization for more expensive alternatives.

What are the Key R&D and Innovation Trends Affecting Escitalopram?

Innovation directly related to the original escitalopram molecule is minimal, as the focus has shifted to broader treatment modalities and next-generation antidepressants.

• Focus on Novel Mechanisms: R&D efforts in mental health are increasingly directed towards drugs with novel mechanisms of action, such as those targeting NMDA receptors (e.g., esketamine) or other neurotransmitter systems.
• Combination Therapies: Research explores combining escitalopram with other agents or non-pharmacological interventions for treatment-resistant depression.
• Pharmacogenomics: Efforts are underway to use genetic testing to predict individual responses to SSRIs like escitalopram, aiming for personalized treatment. However, widespread clinical adoption remains a challenge.
• Delivery Method Research (Limited): While some research might explore modified-release formulations or alternative delivery systems, the cost-effectiveness of such innovations for a highly genericized drug is questionable unless significant clinical advantages are demonstrated. The focus remains on optimizing existing treatment protocols.

What are the Key Takeaways for Business Professionals?

• Mature Generic Market: The market for escitalopram oxalate (NDC: 31722-0736) is mature and dominated by generic manufacturers.
• Price Sensitivity: Expect continued price pressure and stability to modest declines in average wholesale prices.
• Volume-Driven Demand: Demand is sustained by the prevalence of mental health disorders and escitalopram's established efficacy and safety.
• Limited R&D Opportunity: Significant R&D investment in the escitalopram molecule itself is unlikely. Focus should be on market access, supply chain efficiency, and competitive pricing strategies for generic manufacturers.
• PBM Influence: Pharmacy benefit managers are critical gatekeepers; understanding their formulary placement and contracting terms is paramount.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the primary indications for escitalopram oxalate (NDC: 31722-0736)? Escitalopram oxalate is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults.

2. How does the price of generic escitalopram compare to branded Lexapro? Generic escitalopram prices are significantly lower than branded Lexapro, often representing a reduction of 80-95% or more due to widespread generic competition following patent expirations.

3. What are the most common side effects associated with escitalopram? Common side effects include nausea, insomnia, ejaculation disorder, fatigue, and increased sweating.

4. Are there any significant new patent filings expected for escitalopram that could impact the market? Given the age of the primary patents and extensive generic penetration, significant new patent filings that would broadly alter the market for standard oral formulations of escitalopram are unlikely.

5. Which therapeutic classes are considered alternatives to escitalopram for depression and anxiety? Alternatives include other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine and sertraline, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine, and atypical antidepressants.

Citations

[1] Grand View Research. (2023). Antidepressants Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Drug Class (SSRI, SNRI, Tricyclic Antidepressants, MAOI, Others), By Indication (Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Others), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy, Online Pharmacy), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023-2030. Retrieved from https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/antidepressants-market

[2] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (n.d.). Drugs@FDA. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/ (Note: Specific manufacturer details can be searched on this database by NDC or drug name).

[3] Multiple patent databases and pharmaceutical industry news archives confirm the expiration of key patents for escitalopram. For example, Lexapro's primary patents were litigated and expired in the early 2010s, allowing generic entry. (Specific patent numbers and litigation details are extensive and not summarized here but are publicly accessible).