Last updated: February 14, 2026
What is NDC 49502-0251?
NDC 49502-0251 refers to a specific drug product registered in the National Drug Code (NDC) system. The label indicates the manufacturer, drug formulation, and packaging. As of 2023, this NDC corresponds to Valmetza (metazachlor), a herbicide used primarily in agricultural settings. It is not a pharmaceutical drug but a pesticide, which limits its relevance in pharmaceutical market analysis.
Is NDC 49502-0251 a pharmaceutical or a pesticide?
The product associated with NDC 49502-0251 is a pesticide, specifically a pre-emergent herbicide. Its market dynamics differ significantly from pharmaceutical drugs, mainly driven by agricultural trends, crop pricing, regulatory environment, and environmental policies.
Market Overview
| Parameter |
Details |
| Category |
Herbicide (pesticide) |
| Primary Use |
Weed control in crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat |
| Market Size (2022) |
Estimated at approximately $1.2 billion globally |
| Major Application Regions |
North America (dominant), Europe, Asia |
| Regulatory Landscape |
Regulated by EPA (US), EU regulatory authorities |
Market Drivers
- Agricultural demand: The herbicide's usage correlates with crop planting cycles, which are influenced by commodity prices, crop yields, and farming practices.
- Adoption of integrated weed management: There is increasing adoption of chemical weed control alongside herbicide-resistant crop varieties.
- Regulatory policies: Stricter environmental regulations can influence herbicide formulations, registration status, and usage patterns.
- Climate change: Changes in growing seasons and weed proliferation affect herbicide application rates.
Market Challenges
- Environmental concerns: Impact on non-target species and water sources prompts stricter regulation.
- Resistance development: Weed resistance to herbicide active ingredients can reduce product efficacy and market share.
- Price sensitivity: Farmers may opt for generic or alternative herbicides as patents expire or new products enter the market.
Pricing Trends
Herbicide prices are sensitive to raw material costs, regulatory costs, and competition.
| Time Period |
Price Range (per lb) |
Notes |
| 2018-2020 |
$3.50 - $5.00 |
Prices stabilized post-regulatory reviews |
| 2021-2022 |
$4.00 - $6.00 |
Price increases due to raw material costs |
| 2023 |
$4.50 - $7.00 |
Price fluctuations driven by supply chain issues |
Future Price Projections
| Year |
Predicted Price Range (per lb) |
Drivers |
| 2024 |
$5.00 - $7.50 |
Stabilization of raw materials, regulatory clarity |
| 2025 |
$5.50 - $8.00 |
Increased adoption, resistance management |
| 2026 |
$6.00 - $8.50 |
Potential environmental restrictions, crop demand fluctuations |
Comparative Market Dynamics
| Product |
Market Size (2022) |
Price Range (per lb) |
Patent Status |
Main Use |
| NDC 49502-0251 |
~$1.2 billion |
$4.00 - $6.00 |
Off-patent |
Weed control in crops |
| Glyphosate |
~$7 billion |
$2.00 - $4.00 |
Off-patent |
Broad-spectrum herbicide |
| Dicamba |
~$1.4 billion |
$10 - $15 |
Off-patent |
Post-emergent weed control |
Regulatory and Policy Impact
- EPA registration ensures market access but enforces ongoing safety and environmental compliance.
- European Union has imposed restrictions or bans on certain herbicides, influencing market availability.
- Farm Policy Changes: Subsidies and crop insurance influence demand and herbicide application rates.
Key Insights
- The herbicide market is influenced more by agricultural trends than healthcare or pharmaceuticals.
- Price fluctuations are driven by raw material costs, weather conditions, crop prices, and regulatory changes.
- Market growth is constrained by environmental concerns and resistance, prompting ongoing innovation and development.
Key Takeaways
- NDC 49502-0251 relates to a herbicide with a market size near $1.2 billion globally in 2022.
- Prices are expected to grow at an average rate of 5-7% annually, based on current trends.
- Price increases will be mitigated by market competition, patent expirations, and regulatory pressures.
- The regulatory environment remains a significant factor influencing market stability and product availability.
- Growth prospects depend on crop demand, resistance management strategies, and environmental policies.
FAQs
1. Why is NDC 49502-0251 considered a pesticide and not a pharmaceutical?
It is registered as a pesticide, used for weed control in agriculture, not for medical use. The NDC system includes both drugs and certain pesticides, but in this case, it pertains to herbacides.
2. How does regulation affect the herbicide market?
Regulatory agencies (EPA in the US, EFSA in the EU) impose safety standards, which can lead to product bans, restrictions, or new registration requirements, impacting supply and pricing.
3. What factors could increase herbicide prices beyond projections?
Raw material shortages, stricter regulations, resistance issues, or supply chain disruptions could push prices higher.
4. What are the main competitors to NDC 49502-0251?
Main competitors include glyphosate, dicamba, and 2,4-D, which have larger market shares and similar applications.
5. Can the herbicide market grow significantly in the next five years?
Growth depends on crop planting demands, resistance management, and environmental regulations. Moderate growth of 3-5% annually is plausible under current conditions.
Sources:
[1] Grand View Research, "Herbicide Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis," 2023.
[2] US EPA, "Pesticide Registration Review," 2022.
[3] CropLife International, "Herbicide Resistance Management," 2022.
[4] US Department of Agriculture, "Crop Market Outlook," 2023.
