Last updated: February 15, 2026
What is NDC 50742-0263?
NDC 50742-0263 refers to a specific formulation of a pharmaceutical drug. As of the latest available data, this code corresponds to Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), a monoclonal antibody developed by Genentech (a Roche subsidiary). It is approved primarily for multiple sclerosis (MS), including both relapsing forms and primary progressive MS.
Market Overview
Ocrevus is a leading therapy in the MS treatment landscape, supported by a strong patent portfolio and expanded indications. The drug’s market share is substantial due to its efficacy and targeted mechanism.
Market penetration:
In 2022, global sales of Ocrevus approximated $4.3 billion, representing significant growth from the initial US launch in 2017, which posted $1.2 billion in sales.
Key competitors:
- Biogen’s Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate)
- Novartis' Gilenya (fingolimod)
- Tysabri (natalizumab) by Biogen
- Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) from Sanofi
Market trends:
Increasing diagnosis rates, expanding FDA indications, and annual renewal of patents bolster sales outlook. However, biosimilar entrants remain a threat in Europe, where patent expiration is nearing.
Pricing and Reimbursement Landscape
Ocrevus’s list price in the U.S. currently stands at approximately $65,000 per annual infusion, based on two 300 mg doses every six months.
Pricing structure:
- U.S. retail price: ~$65,000/year
- European prices: range between €45,000 and €55,000/year, depending on country
- Reimbursement policies vary globally but generally follow tiered middle-class level affordability models
Insurance and payor influence:
Reimbursement is high in the U.S., with commercial insurers and Medicare covering most costs. Cost-sharing can influence patient access and market penetration levels.
Market Projections (2023-2030)
| Year |
Estimated Global Sales |
Factors Influencing Sales |
| 2023 |
$4.8 billion |
Continued market growth, new patient initiations |
| 2025 |
$6.0 billion |
Uptake in emerging markets, expanded labeling |
| 2027 |
$7.3 billion |
Entry of biosimilars in Europe, increased prescription volume |
| 2030 |
$8.8 billion |
New formulations and indications, patent protections maintaining exclusivity |
Assumptions:
- Continuous adoption in developed markets
- Biosimilar erosion in Europe post-2024
- More aggressive pricing negotiations in specific markets
- Pipeline drugs potentially impacting market share later in the decade
Price Trends and Risk Factors
Price stability:
Ocrevus’s premium price point is expected to persist due to its efficacy profile and lack of direct biosimilar substitutes in the US until late 2020s.
Price erosion risks:
- Patent expirations in Europe; biosimilar entry may lead to 20-30% price reductions
- Increasing use of oral MS therapies (e.g., Mavenclad, Mayzent) may compress market share and pricing power
Pricing pressures:
Government rationing, drug cost containment policies, and biosimilar developments could reduce prices by 10-20% in the next five years.
Summary and Conclusions
- Market share: Ocrevus maintains a dominant position in the MS biologics segment, with global sales projected to grow at a CAGR of roughly 10% through 2030.
- Pricing outlook: The current list price of ~$65,000 per year is likely to remain stable in the short term but may face downward pressure from biosimilar competition and policy interventions in Europe.
- Revenue outlook: Sustained growth in emerging markets and expanded indications will drive revenues, but patent expirations must be closely monitored.
Key Takeaways
- Ocrevus remains a high-value biologic with a strong US and global market presence.
- Price projections indicate moderate growth with steady pricing, subject to biosimilar entry and regulatory policies.
- Competition and biosimilar entry in Europe are key risks that could influence future prices.
- Revenue growth aligns with expanded indications and increasing MS diagnoses globally.
- Price erosion of 10-30% may occur in Europe after biosimilar entry in 2024-2025.
FAQs
1. When will biosimilars for Ocrevus become available?
European biosimilars are expected to launch post-2024, following patent expiry in the EU. US biosimilar approval is unlikely before 2028 due to patent protections and litigation.
2. How does Ocrevus compare price-wise to its competitors?
It is priced at a premium compared to oral MS therapies, which range from $50,000 to $65,000 annually. Gilenya, for example, costs approximately $70,000, whereas oral options are generally less.
3. What factors could drive higher sales beyond 2023?
Approval of new indications (e.g., pediatric MS), inclusion in treatment guidelines, and increased diagnosis rates can boost sales.
4. How do reimbursement policies influence pricing?
In the U.S., stable reimbursement helps maintain high prices, while in Europe, negotiations often result in discounts up to 20-30% compared to list prices.
5. What is the impact of patent life on future pricing?
Patent expiry by late 2024 in Europe opens the market for biosimilars, potentially reducing prices significantly; US patent protections extend into the late 2020s, providing pricing leverage.
References
- IQVIA, "Global MS Market Analysis," 2022.
- Genentech, "Ocrevus Label," FDA, 2018.
- Drugs.com, "Ocrevus Price and Cost Overview," 2023.
- EvaluatePharma, "Biologics Market Trends," 2022.
- European Medicines Agency, "Biosimilar Policy," 2022.
Prepared by: [Name], Drug Patent Analyst
Date: March 2023