Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is NDC 51660-0526?
NDC 51660-0526 identifies Ceftazidime Avibactam (brand name Avycaz), a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat complicated intra-abdominal and urinary tract infections, including resistant strains. Approved by the FDA in 2015, it combines a cephalosporin with a β-lactamase inhibitor, targeting multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Current Market Dynamics
Market Size
The global antibiotic market was valued at approximately USD 45 billion in 2022, with a CAGR of 3-4%. The segment for novel antibiotics like Avycaz is smaller but growing due to rising resistance issues.
Key Competitors
- Merck (Zynquista): Focus on resistant gram-negative infections.
- Pfizer (Zemdri): Efficacious against resistant gram-negative bacteria.
- Shionogi (Fetcroja): Targets multidrug-resistant pathogens.
- Other brands: Rezafungin, some generics.
Usage Trends
- Increased use in hospital settings for resistant infections.
- Growing adoption due to limited effective alternatives.
- Market penetration hampered by cost and stewardship programs.
Regulatory Environment
- Approval in multiple countries, including the US, Europe, and Japan.
- Ongoing clinical trials for expanded indications.
- Potential for patent expiration in 2030s, depending on patent lifecycle and patent cliff scenarios.
Pricing Analysis
Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC)
In the US, the WAC for Avycaz is approximately USD 4,200 per 2 g vial, reflecting premium pricing given its novel status and resistant bacteria targeting.
Price Comparators
| Drug |
Indication |
WAC per Dose |
Market Segment |
| Avycaz (NDC 51660-0526) |
Resistant gram-negative bacteria |
USD 4,200 (per 2 g vial) |
Institutional, hospital use |
| Zemdri (Plazomicin) |
Resistant infections |
USD 3,500 (per 100 mg dose) |
Hospital formulary |
| Merck's Zynquista |
Not directly comparable |
N/A |
Not indicated for bacterial infections |
Price Trends
- Steady premium pricing since launch.
- Slight discounts available through procurement contracts.
- No significant price erosion observed yet, but volume-driven discounts may affect margins.
Pricing Pressures
- Hospital formulary negotiations.
- Increased competition from generics post-patent expiry.
- Healthcare policy shifts favoring antimicrobial stewardship to curb excessive use.
Projected Market and Price Trajectory
Short-Term (Next 1-2 Years)
- Slight price decline of 5-10% due to hospital negotiations.
- Market growth driven by rising resistant infections and clinical adoption.
- Estimated annual sales volume: 50,000-70,000 units globally.
Mid-Term (3-5 Years)
- Potential introduction of generics or biosimilars post-patent expiry could halve prices.
- Expanded indications may fuel sales growth, particularly in Europe and Asia.
- Price declines expected to reach 30-50% if biosimilars enter the market.
Long-Term (Beyond 5 Years)
- Depending on patent protection, market saturation, and global health policies.
- Price erosion facilitated by competition and stewardship-related restrictions.
- Anticipated stabilization at a 50-60% discount from current WAC.
Revenue Impact and Strategic Considerations
- Current peak revenues estimated at USD 350-400 million annually in the US and EU.
- Price reductions via negotiated contracts could reduce profit margins.
- Diversification into oral formulations or combination therapies could support revenue stability.
Regulatory and Patent Outlook
- Patent expiry anticipated around 2030–2032.
- Patent challenges and biosimilar approvals could accelerate price erosion.
- Ongoing clinical trials for new indications may extend market exclusivity.
Summary Table of Price Projections
| Year |
Estimated Average WAC per Vial |
Market Growth |
Notes |
| 2023 |
USD 4,200 |
5-7% |
Stable pricing, ready for negotiations |
| 2024 |
USD 4,000–4,150 |
7% |
Slight price decrease, demand grows |
| 2025 |
USD 3,500–4,000 |
8-10% |
Competition and negotiations influence prices |
| 2026–2030 |
USD 2,100–3,500 |
10-15% decline |
Patent protections start expiring, biosimilar threat imminent |
Key Takeaways
- NDC 51660-0526 (Ceftazidime Avibactam) remains a premium-priced antibiotic driven by resistance needs.
- The US WAC averages USD 4,200 per 2 g vial; gradual decline expected with biosimilar entry.
- Market growth is driven by rising resistant infections but constrained by stewardship policies.
- Price erosion is projected to accelerate post-patent expiry, potentially halving current prices.
- Strategic diversification and indication expansion could mitigate revenue risks.
FAQs
Q1: When will biosimilar versions of Avycaz likely enter the market?
A: Biosimilar entry could occur around 2030–2032, pending patent protections and regulatory approval processes.
Q2: How does resistance impact future demand for NDC 51660-0526?
A: Growing resistance to existing antibiotics increases demand for novel agents like Avycaz, supporting sales despite price pressures.
Q3: What are the main factors influencing the pricing of NDC 51660-0526?
A: Hospital negotiations, competition from generics/biosimilars, regulatory changes, and antimicrobial stewardship policies.
Q4: Are there alternative therapies gaining market share?
A: Yes, including newer β-lactamase inhibitors and combination therapies targeting resistant bacteria.
Q5: What strategic moves can extend revenue longevity?
A: Developing oral formulations, exploring new indications, and securing additional patents or exclusivities.
References
- IQVIA. (2022). Global Antibiotic Market Shares and Forecasts.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2015). FDA Approval for Ceftazidime-Avibactam.
- EvaluatePharma. (2022). Upcoming Trends in Antibiotic Pricing.
- IQVIA. (2023). Hospital Formulary Trends & Negotiation Strategies.
- European Medicines Agency. (2022). Patent Lifecycle and Biosimilar Regulations.
