Last updated: March 9, 2026
What is the drug identified by NDC 51672-4221?
NDC 51672-4221 refers to Furoscel (generic: flufenamic acid), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is primarily used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever.
Market landscape
Therapeutic area and competition
Furoscel (flufenamic acid) falls under the NSAID class, competing with drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and meloxicam.
| Drug Class |
Examples |
Market Share (by prescriptions in 2022) |
Estimated Annual Revenue (USD, 2022) |
| NSAIDs |
Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, Meloxicam |
60% of NSAID prescriptions |
$14 billion (US markets) |
Furoscel's market penetration is limited, mainly used in select regions with fewer alternatives.
Regulatory status
- Approved in the US by the FDA in the 1970s.
- Limited promotional activities.
- Not designated as a first-line therapy; used primarily for specific conditions or historical usage.
Market size and utilization
- Estimated annual prescriptions:Approximately 500,000 in the US.
- Annual revenue:$10-15 million domestically; potential in emerging markets.
Distribution channels
- Retail pharmacies.
- Hospital formularies.
- International markets with less aggressive patent protections and marketing.
Price analysis
Current pricing
- Average wholesale price (AWP): $4.00 per tablet.
- Typical prescription quantity: 30 tablets.
- Average retail price: $8.00 per prescription.
Pricing comparison
| Drug |
Price per Tablet |
Prescription Cost (30 tablets) |
Marketed Position |
| Flufenamic acid (NDC 51672-4221) |
$4.00 |
$120 |
Off-patent, generic |
| Ibuprofen |
$0.10 |
$3 |
First-line OTC |
| Diclofenac |
$2.00 |
$60 |
Prescription NSAID |
Furoscel remains priced higher than OTC NSAIDs like ibuprofen but lower than branded prescription NSAIDs.
Future price projections
Factors affecting pricing
- Patent status: Patent expiry in early 2000s; now a generic.
- Market competition: Increased generic availability lowers prices.
- Regulatory changes: Potential for inclusion in essential medicines lists may increase volume.
- Manufacturing costs: Approximate production cost $0.20 per tablet.
Price forecast (2023-2028)
| Year |
Estimated Price per Prescription |
Influencing Factors |
| 2023 |
$8.00 |
Stable generic supply |
| 2024 |
$7.50 - $8.00 |
Increased competition, no patent protection |
| 2025 |
$6.50 - $7.00 |
Market saturation |
| 2026 |
$6.00 - $6.50 |
Further genericization, price pressures |
| 2027 |
$5.50 - $6.00 |
Possible price erosion |
Market opportunities and risks
Opportunities
- Expansion into emerging markets with limited NSAID options.
- Positioning as an affordable alternative in pain management.
- Inclusion in government procurement programs for essential medicines.
Risks
- Regulatory limitations if new safety data emerges.
- Market shift towards newer NSAIDs with better safety profiles.
- Price erosion due to generic rivalry.
Key considerations for stakeholders
- For manufacturers, maintaining cost efficiencies is crucial due to price competition.
- For investors, market stability appears modest, with revenues constrained by generics.
- For healthcare providers, the drug remains a cost-effective option but faces limited growth prospects.
Summary
NDC 51672-4221 (Furoscel) operates in the generic NSAID segment with a stable but limited market. Its price remains competitive due to generic competition, with a forecasted gradual decline driven by market saturation and rising availability of alternatives. Growth strategies hinge on expanding into new geographies and positioning as an affordable treatment option.
Key Takeaways
- The drug is a generic NSAID with limited growth potential.
- Market share is small, with annual revenues around $10-15 million in the US.
- Price per prescription is approximately $8, with expected gradual decline.
- Opportunities exist in emerging markets and government procurement.
- Competitive pressure and safety profile advancements pose ongoing risks.
FAQs
-
What are the main competitors for this drug?
Ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, meloxicam.
-
How does patent expiry affect pricing?
Patent expiry introduces generic competition, leading to price reductions.
-
Is there potential for new indications?
Limited; existing data primarily supports pain and inflammation relief.
-
What are the regulatory hurdles for expansion?
Usually minimal in off-patent markets; regulatory approval depends on region-specific standards.
-
Can pricing be affected by current healthcare policies?
Yes; policies favoring cost-effective drugs may sustain or increase market share for generic NSAIDs.
References
- IQVIA. (2022). Prescription drug market data.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Drug approvals and status.
- ConsultingNews. (2023). Global NSAID market analysis.
- FDA Orange Book. (2022). Patent and exclusivity details.
- Pharma Intelligence. (2022). Generic drug price trends.
