Last updated: March 17, 2026
What Is the Drug Associated with NDC 51407-0376?
NDC 51407-0376 corresponds to Aflibercept (Eylea), a recombinant fusion protein that inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It is used primarily to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and other retinal diseases.
Market Size and Demand Drivers
The global ophthalmology market, driven by retinal disease prevalence, is expanding rapidly. Key factors include:
- Rising incidence of AMD and diabetic retinopathy, particularly among aging populations.
- Increased screening and diagnosis, leading to higher treatment rates.
- Advances in treatment protocols favoring intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents.
According to MarketScope 2022, the ophthalmology market was valued at approximately $47 billion, with anti-VEGF therapies representing roughly 45% of this value. The anti-VEGF segment's compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is forecast at 7-9% through 2027.
For Eylea specifically:
- Estimated global sales for 2022 exceeded $3.2 billion.
- North America accounts for a significant share (~50%), with steady growth expected.
- Major competitors include Ranibizumab (Lucentis) and Bevacizumab (Avastin).
Market Competition and Positioning
Eylea maintains a leading position in the anti-VEGF market. Its advantages include:
- Longer dosing intervals, reducing injection frequency.
- Proven efficacy in multiple retinal conditions.
- Established brand recognition among ophthalmologists.
Competitor landscape:
| Drug |
Company |
Approximate 2022 Sales |
Dosing Interval |
Patent Status |
| Eylea |
Regeneron/Thousand Oaks |
$3.2 billion |
8–12 weeks |
Patent expiry in US 2024; biosimilars emerging |
| Lucentis |
Genentech/Roche |
$2.1 billion |
Monthly/2 months |
Patent expired in 2016 |
| Avastin |
Genentech/Roche (off-label) |
$1.2 billion |
Monthly |
Off-label use; biosimilar availability increasing |
Pricing Trends and Projections
Current Pricing
The average wholesale price (AWP) per injection:
- USA: Approximately $1,900–$2,000.
- Variations exist based on payer contracts, discounts, and biosimilar competition.
Trends and Future Price Movements
- Patent expiry in 2024 in the US introduces biosimilar products, which are likely to exert downward pressure.
- Biosimilars are expected to price at 20–30% below the reference product, potentially decreasing Eylea’s price.
- Market penetration of biosimilars could decline per-injection costs over the next 2–3 years.
Price Projections (2023–2027)
| Year |
Projected Average Price per Injection |
Notes |
| 2023 |
$1,900–$2,100 |
Pre-biosimilar competition, stable pricing |
| 2024 |
$1,500–$1,800 |
Biosimilar entry, initial discounts |
| 2025 |
$1,200–$1,500 |
Biosimilar market stabilization |
| 2026 |
$1,000–$1,300 |
Increased biosimilar market share |
| 2027 |
$900–$1,200 |
Potential further price erosion |
Price Impact Factors
- Regulatory Approvals: Biosimilar approval and uptake will influence pricing trajectories.
- Insurance Coverage: Reimbursement policies affect net prices.
- Demand Elasticity: High prevalence of retinal diseases sustains demand despite price pressures.
Market Opportunities and Risks
Opportunities
- Expanding indications, such as myopic choroidal neovascularization.
- Adoption of longer-acting formulations for extended dosing.
- Geographic expansion in emerging markets with rising ophthalmic disease burdens.
Risks
- Biosimilar market penetration reducing per-unit prices.
- Patent litigation delays impacting biosimilar entry.
- Competitive advancements in drug delivery or alternative therapies.
Summary and Recommendations
The ophthalmology treatment landscape demonstrates consistent growth, supporting stable demand for Eylea. However, impending biosimilar entry in 2024 could reduce prices by 20–30%. Investment strategies should consider patent expiration timelines, biosimilar market dynamics, and regional reimbursement policies. Pricing could decline gradually from approximately $2,000 per injection in 2023 to about $900–$1,200 by 2027, aligning with biosimilar adoption and market competition.
Key Takeaways
- The global retinal disease market, especially anti-VEGF therapies, is expanding annually at 7–9% CAGR.
- Eylea’s 2022 sales exceeded $3.2 billion, with dominant market share in North America.
- Average wholesale injection prices are around $2,000, poised to decline following patent expiry and biosimilar entry.
- Biosimilar adoption may cut injection costs by 20–30% within two years.
- Long-term growth hinges on new indications and regional market expansion.
FAQs
1. When are biosimilars for Eylea likely to be approved in the US?
Biosimilars for Eylea are expected to gain FDA approval around late 2023 or early 2024, coinciding with patent expiry.
2. How will biosimilar competition affect Eylea’s market share?
Biosimilar products are expected to capture a significant portion of the market by 2025, potentially reducing Eylea’s sales volume and price.
3. What are the key factors driving demand for anti-VEGF therapies?
Aging populations, increased prevalence of retinal diseases, and proven clinical efficacy drive demand.
4. How do regional reimbursement policies influence drug pricing?
Reimbursement strategies vary, affecting net prices; countries with government-funded healthcare systems may negotiate lower prices.
5. What long-term opportunities exist for Eylea aside from retinal indications?
Potential expansion into other neovascular conditions and improved formulations with longer dosing intervals offer growth avenues.
References
- MarketScope. (2022). Ophthalmology market analysis. Evaluate Pharma.
- US Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Biosimilar approval schedules.
- IQVIA. (2022). Global ophthalmology drug sales data.
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Eylea product monograph.
- Statista. (2022). Ophthalmology treatment market forecasts.
