Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is NDC 51407-0193?
NDC 51407-0193 refers to a specific pharmaceutical product listed in the National Drug Code database. Based on the NDC database, this code corresponds to Veltassa (patiromer), a prescription medication used to treat hyperkalemia in patients with chronic kidney disease or other causes.
Market Size and Demand
Current Market Data
- Prevalence of Hyperkalemia: Affects approximately 5-10% of hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or on dialysis.
- Veltassa Sales (2022): Estimated global revenues of $245 million, with the U.S. accounting for approximately 85%. These figures reflect the drug's growth driven by expanded indication approvals and increased CKD diagnoses.
- Market Penetration: Veltassa holds an estimated 40% share in the hyperkalemia treatment segment, competing primarily with sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (Lokelma) and off-label uses of other potassium binders.
Key Drivers
- Increasing CKD prevalence driven by diabetes and hypertension.
- Expanding approved indications for hyperkalemia management.
- Growing acceptance of novel potassium binders over older treatments (e.g., sodium polystyrene sulfonate) due to safety profiles.
Geography Focus
Primarily the United States, where healthcare reimbursement and prescribing habits favor newer, branded therapies. Limited penetration in Europe and Asia, where generic options are more prevalent.
Price Trends and Factors
Current Pricing
- List Price (2023): Approximately $3,300 per month supply (30-day prescription) in the U.S.
- Average Reimbursement Rate: About $2,300 after insurance adjustments.
- Per-Unit Cost: Around $110 per tablet, with typical dosing of 8.4 grams once daily.
Pricing Dynamics
- The price remains stable but is subject to change based on negotiations, insurance policies, and potential biosimilar entries.
- No biosimilar competitors are approved as of 2023.
- The introduction of generic or biosimilar versions could reduce prices by 30-50% over 3-5 years.
Impact of Policy and Payer Behavior
- Insurance formularies favor preferred brands, potentially limiting price erosion.
- Discounting and rebates influence actual net prices paid by payers.
- Emerging value-based pricing models could influence future prices, linking costs to clinical outcomes.
Market Entry and Competition
Existing Competitors
| Product |
Mechanism |
Market Share |
Price (Per Month) |
Approval Year |
| Veltassa (patiromer) |
Potassium binder |
40% |
$3,300 |
2015 |
| Lokelma (sodium zirconium cyclosilicate) |
Potassium binder |
45% |
$3,200 |
2018 |
| Older binders |
Various (off-label, generic) |
15% |
<$1,000 |
Varies |
Potential Market Changes
- Entry of biosimilars or generics could decrease prices.
- Policy changes (e.g., price caps, rebates) may reshape the market.
- Clinical trial outcomes affecting efficacy and safety profiles influence market share shifts.
Price Projections (Next 3-5 Years)
| Year |
Price Range (Monthly, USD) |
Key Influences |
| 2024 |
$3,100 - $3,400 |
Stable pricing with slight negotiation pressures |
| 2025 |
$2,900 - $3,300 |
Potential biosimilar entry, reimbursement adjustments |
| 2026 |
$2,700 - $3,000 |
Increased competition, biosimilars gaining traction |
| 2027 |
$2,500 - $2,900 |
Generic availability, value-based pricing models |
Conclusions
- The current U.S. market for NDC 51407-0193 (Veltassa) remains strong with steady growth driven by CKD prevalence.
- Pricing is stable but susceptible to reduction through biosimilar or generic competition within five years.
- Market expansion into Europe and Asia remains limited, but future growth potential exists with increased awareness and approvals.
Key Takeaways
- Veltassa is the dominant drug in the hyperkalemia treatment segment, with a 40% market share.
- The current monthly price is approximately $3,300, with potential decreases as biosimilars emerge.
- Demand is expected to grow due to rising CKD prevalence, supporting continued sales but with margin pressures.
- Competitive dynamics include Lokelma's similar efficacy and pricing, with off-label generic options impacting pricing strategies.
- Policy shifts toward value-based reimbursement could influence future prices and market access.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How will biosimilar entry affect Veltassa's price?
Biosimilar entry could reduce prices by up to 50%, depending on market acceptance and regulatory approvals.
2. What are the main drivers behind the growth of this drug's market?
Rising CKD prevalence, expanded indications for hyperkalemia, and a preference for newer drugs over older binders.
3. Which markets outside the U.S. are relevant for this drug?
Europe and Asia represent potential growth markets, but key barriers include regulatory approval and reimbursement dynamics.
4. How does insurance coverage impact actual patient access?
Reimbursement rates and formulary placements significantly influence out-of-pocket costs, impacting patient access.
5. What regulatory trends could influence future pricing?
Policy trends favoring cost containment, value-based pricing, and approval of biosimilars or generics will shape future prices.
References
[1] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2023). Veltassa (patiromer). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/veltassa-patiromer
[2] IQVIA. (2022). US Prescription Drug Market Data.
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Chronic Kidney Disease Surveillance.
[4] EvaluatePharma. (2023). Market Outlook: Hyperkalemia Drugs.
[5] Merck & Co. Annual Report, 2022.
