Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is NDC 51759-0630?
NDC 51759-0630 corresponds to Remdesivir (brand name Veklury). It is an antiviral drug approved by the FDA in October 2020 for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients. The drug is produced by Gilead Sciences.
Market Overview
Regulatory Status
- FDA Approval: October 2020
- Emergency Use Authorization (EUA): Initially granted in May 2020
- Indications: Approved for hospitalized adults and pediatric patients (12 years or older, weighing at least 40 kg) with COVID-19.
Sales and Distribution
- Gilead initially priced remdesivir at approximately $520 per vial in the United States.
- The typical course involves six vials, leading to a total cost of about $3,120 per treatment course.
- Sales peaked during the pandemic's earlier stages, with global annual revenues exceeding $3 billion in 2021.
- Use declined as vaccination rates increased and new therapies emerged, reducing its market share.
Patent and Competition
- Gilead holds patents until 2030 on remdesivir.
- Several generic manufacturers have sought approval in various countries, with some approvals granted in India and other jurisdictions.
- Competition from other antiviral agents (e.g., Pfizer's Paxlovid, Merck's molnupiravir) has eroded remdesivir's market share for COVID-19 treatment.
Off-Label and Broader Uses
- Investigations into efficacy for other viral infections (e.g., Ebola, hepatitis) have not led to approvals.
- No significant new indications are currently under FDA review.
Price Trends and Projections
Historical Pricing
| Year |
List Price per vial |
Total course price |
Notes |
| 2020 |
$520 |
$3,120 |
Initial pricing in the U.S. |
| 2021 |
$520 |
$3,120 |
No significant change from initial price. |
Market Factors Affecting Price
- Demand decline: As COVID-19 variants evolve and vaccines become widespread, demand for remdesivir diminishes.
- Government procurement: Early pandemic supply agreements kept prices stable.
- Generic competition: Entry of generics in various countries accelerates price erosion.
Future Price Projections
- 2023-2025: Prices are forecasted to decline by 20-40%, depending on regional availability and competition.
- Price per vial: Expected to range between $200 and $330.
- Total course cost: Likely to decline to $1,200–$2,000.
Key Variables Influencing Future Pricing
- Patent status: Gilead’s patent expires in 2030, opening generics.
- Regulatory approvals: Broader approvals could increase demand.
- Competition: Presence of alternative antivirals like Paxlovid could further reduce prices.
- Adoption: If remdesivir is adopted for other viral diseases, prices may stabilize or increase temporarily.
Market Outlook
- The broader antiviral market will see increased competition from oral agents, reducing remdesivir's share.
- In regions with limited generic access, prices may remain higher longer.
- Gilead may undertake price adjustments or licensing to maintain market presence.
Summary Table: Price Projection (USD)
| Year |
Price per Vial |
Total Course Price |
Market Share Outlook |
| 2023 |
$250–$330 |
$1,500–$2,000 |
Declining due to competition |
| 2024 |
$200–$300 |
$1,200–$1,800 |
Further decline expected |
| 2025 |
$200–$330 |
$1,200–$2,000 |
Stabilization in some markets |
Key Takeaways
- Remdesivir (NDC 51759-0630) saw peak sales early in the COVID-19 pandemic at ~$3,120 per course.
- Demand has waned as alternatives and vaccines have emerged.
- Prices are forecasted to decline 20-40% over the next two years.
- Patent expiry in 2030 may lead to generic-driven price reductions sooner in some regions.
- Gilead's market share will likely decrease due to competition from oral antivirals and biosimilars.
FAQs
How does remdesivir compare price-wise to other COVID-19 treatments?
Remdesivir costs about $3,120 per course, while oral antiviral treatments like Paxlovid cost approximately $530. The oral medications have higher convenience and are priced lower for administering outside hospital settings.
What factors could prevent price declines?
Supply chain issues, patent protections until 2030, and limited generic options in certain regions can sustain higher prices.
Are there any plans for remdesivir to be used for other indications?
Currently, no new approvals are underway. Research continues into potential uses, but none are commercially utilized at scale.
How significant is market share erosion?
With the advent of effective oral antivirals, remdesivir’s hospital-based niche diminishes. Its market share dropped from 80% in 2020 to less than 30% in 2022 in some markets.
Will price reductions accelerate?
Yes, especially as patent expiration approaches and generic manufacturers enter the market. Regional pricing strategies may vary based on regulatory and economic factors.
References
[1] Gilead Sciences. (2021). Veklury (remdesivir) package insert.
[2] IQVIA. (2022). The Global Use of Medicine Report.
[3] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). FDA Approves Remdesivir for Treatment of COVID-19.
[4] Statista. (2022). COVID-19 antiviral drug sales data.
[5] Reuters. (2022). Gilead’s remdesivir prices and patent status analysis.
Note: All data are current as of early 2023 and subject to change with market developments.
