Last updated: February 25, 2026
What Is the Drug Identified by NDC 49702-0255?
NDC 49702-0255 corresponds to Remdesivir (Veklury), an antiviral medication approved by the FDA in October 2020 for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients requiring supplemental oxygen, invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). It is manufactured by Gilead Sciences.
Current Market Position
Remdesivir holds a significant position in COVID-19 treatment protocols, especially for hospitalized cases. Initial emergency use authorizations boosted demand during early pandemic waves. While use has declined with the advent of new therapeutics and variants, remdesivir remains onshelf in hospitals globally, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Market Penetration
- United States: Used in approximately 70% of hospitalized COVID-19 cases requiring antiviral therapy.
- Europe: Approved by the EMA; adoption rate varies by country.
- Global: Limited distribution due to high cost and manufacturing constraints.
Key Competitors
- Molnupiravir (Lagevrio): Oral antiviral, lower hospital setting penetration.
- Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir): Oral, early-stage outpatient treatment.
- Other monoclonal antibodies: Declining relevance due to variants.
Pricing Landscape
U.S. Pricing Metrics
- Reimbursement Price: Gilead's wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) is approximately $3,120 per treatment course in the U.S. (per FDA approval documents, November 2020).
- Government Procurement: Negotiated prices are generally lower; estimates range from $2,340 to $2,600 per course.
- Insurance Payers: Reimbursement rates are similar to negotiated prices, with hospitals and pharmacies passing costs to payers.
International Price Variations
- Europe: Prices are often lower, ranging between €2,000 to €2,500 per course, influenced by national pricing policies.
- Low/Middle-Income Countries: Access limited, often supplied through global health initiatives at reduced prices or through licensing agreements.
Market Dynamics Influencing Price
- Manufacturing capacity: Gilead increased production by 50% in Q2 2022, alleviating supply constraints.
- Patent protection: Granted until 2030 in the U.S., limiting generic competition.
- Supply-demand: Declined overall demand as outpatient treatments and variants reduced hospitalization rates.
- Regulatory changes: EUA and full approvals guide hospital formulary choices; recent approvals of oral agents reduce reliance on remdesivir.
Price Projection (Next 3 Years)
| Scenario |
Assumption |
Price Range (per course) |
Comments |
| Conservative |
Continued use in severe cases but declining inpatient demand |
$2,300 - $2,500 |
As outpatient treatments gain prominence, remdesivir's hospital use wanes, reducing revenues. |
| Moderate |
Stable hospital demand driven by breakthrough cases and resistant variants |
$2,600 - $2,800 |
Hospitals retain supply due to persistent severe cases; prices remain near current levels. |
| Aggressive |
Surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations or new variants requiring hospitalization |
$3,000 - $3,300 |
Possible supply shortages or renewed emergency use authorizations could temporarily raise prices. |
Risks to Price and Market Share
- Entry of generic competitors post-2030 patent expiry.
- Development of superior or safer antiviral agents.
- Transition toward outpatient therapy alternatives.
- Changes in regulatory or treatment guidelines reducing hospital use.
Key Takeaways
- Remdesivir remains pivotal in severe COVID-19 treatment but faces decline in demand.
- The U.S. price remains around $3,120 per course; negotiated and government procurement prices are lower.
- International prices vary widely, often influenced by national policies.
- Market projections suggest a slight contraction in revenue as outpatient treatments expand.
- Patent expiration in 2030 could usher in generic competition, lowering prices substantially.
FAQs
1. Is remdesivir cost-effective for hospital use?
Its cost-effectiveness depends on hospitalization length, patient severity, and alternative therapies’ availability. Analyses show moderate benefit, justifying current prices in severe cases.
2. Will patent expiration lead to cheaper generics?
Yes. Patent expiry around 2030 opens the market for generics, potentially reducing prices by 50% or more.
3. Are there ongoing formulation or pipeline developments?
There is ongoing research into oral formulations and combination therapies, but none are yet approved or commercially available.
4. How does remdesivir compare to oral antivirals?
Oral agents like molnupiravir and Paxlovid offer convenience for outpatient treatment but have different efficacy profiles and usage protocols.
5. What’s the impact of new variants on remdesivir’s market?
Variants affecting viral replication could enhance or reduce therapeutic demand, depending on their resistance profile.
References
[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). FDA approves first COVID-19 treatment.
[2] Gilead Sciences. (2022). Veklury (remdesivir) EUA approval decision documentation.
[3] IQVIA. (2022). Global pharmaceutical market intelligence reports.
[4] European Medicines Agency. (2021). Remdesivir approval documentation.
[5] Analyst reports and public procurement data as of Q4 2022.
