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Last Updated: January 1, 2026

Drug Price Trends for NDC 54436-0020


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Best Wholesale Price for NDC 54436-0020

These are wholesale prices available to the US Federal Government which, by law, must be the best prices available under comparable terms and conditions
Drug Name Vendor NDC Count Price ($) Price/Unit ($) Dates Price Type
>Drug Name >Vendor >NDC >Count >Price ($) >Price/Unit ($) >Dates >Price Type
Price type key: Federal Supply Schedule (FSS): generally available to all Federal Govt agencies / 'BIG4' prices: VA, DoD, Public Health & Coast Guard only / National Contracts (NC): Available to specific agencies

Market Analysis and Price Projections for NDC: 54436-0020

Last updated: July 31, 2025

Introduction

NDC 54436-0020 corresponds to Sildenafil Citrate Tablets, commonly known under its branded name, Viagra. Initially approved by the FDA in 1998, Viagra revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Over the past two decades, market dynamics for sildenafil have evolved significantly, influenced by emerging generic alternatives, regulatory changes, and shifting disease epidemiology. This analysis synthesizes the current market landscape and projects future pricing trends based on recent developments, patent expirations, regulatory factors, and competitive entry.


Market Overview

Product Description and Historical Market Context

Sildenafil citrate is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor indicated for ED and, in some cases, pulmonary arterial hypertension. The original branded product, Viagra, experienced rapid market penetration, becoming a household name within a few years of launch. Post-patent expiry in December 2017 in the U.S., multiple generic manufacturers entered the market, introducing significant price competition.

Regulatory Environment

The expiration of Viagra's patent in the U.S. unlocked generic sildenafil options, leading to an accelerated decline in brand-name sales and a surge in generics' market share. The FDA approved several abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) for sildenafil, resulting in a commoditized market with multiple brands and no significant barriers to generic entry.

In 2020 and 2021, patent challenges and litigation states further validated the absence of patent protections on key formulations, reinforcing generic dominance. Regulatory pathways remain stable; however, recent discussions around drug pricing transparency and competition may influence procurement policies, especially within government programs.


Current Market Dynamics

Market Size and Usage

The global ED market was valued at approximately USD 4.7 billion in 2021 (Grand View Research), driven predominantly by North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. In the United States, sildenafil holds a substantial share post-patent expiration, with estimates suggesting that generics account for over 85% of prescriptions.

In the U.S., an estimated 30 million men are affected by ED, with prescription rates correlating primarily with age and comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Pricing Landscape

Before patent expiry, Viagra listed at approximately USD 60-70 per tablet (for a typical 50 mg dose), with insurance often limiting out-of-pocket costs. Post-patent, the average wholesale price (AWP) for generic sildenafil tablets plunged substantially. Current prices for 50 mg generics have stabilized around USD 0.30–0.50 per tablet in bulk purchasing scenarios, with retail prices varying based on pharmacy discounts and insurance arrangements.

Brand vs. Generic Pricing:

  • Brand name (Viagra): USD 70–USD 100 per tablet (retail).
  • Generic sildenafil: USD 0.30–USD 0.50 per tablet (wholesale).

The price convergence emphasizes the shift towards generics, with brand-name products primarily used for branded marketing advantages or in specific formulations.


Future Price Projections

Market Trends Influencing Pricing

  1. Generic Market Penetration:
    The continued proliferation of generic sildenafil, supported by multiple manufacturers, sustains downward price pressure. As patents for newer formulations or combination products lapse, competition intensifies.

  2. Regulations and Pricing Policies:
    Government initiatives aiming at drug affordability—particularly Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance—are fostering policies that favor lowest-cost generics, further compressing prices.

  3. Emerging Markets:
    In developing regions, sildenafil prices remain relatively higher due to import tariffs, regulatory hurdles, and limited manufacturing presence. However, increased competition and local production seek to reduce costs steadily.

  4. Novel Formulations and Delivery Systems:
    Innovations like sildenafil films, chewables, or combinations with other agents may command premium prices temporarily but are unlikely to significantly influence baseline generic prices until patent protections or exclusivity periods commence.

  5. Market Consolidation & Supply Chain Dynamics:
    Suppliers' capacity and raw material costs (notably, active pharmaceutical ingredients—APIs) impact prices. Recent increases in manufacturing efficiency and economies of scale are expected to keep prices steady or reduce costs further.


Pricing Projections (2023–2028)

Year Estimated Wholesale Price per Tablet Market Dynamics & Drivers Notes
2023 USD 0.30 – 0.50 Market saturation, fierce competition Prices stabilized post-generic entry
2024 USD 0.25 – 0.45 Supply chain stabilization, biosimilar threats Slight decline expected due to manufacturing efficiencies
2025 USD 0.20 – 0.40 Potential price war among generics Increasing purchase volumes may drive further discounts
2026 USD 0.20 – 0.35 Entry of biosimilars, regulatory pressures Market stabilization; potential slight reductions in prices
2027 USD 0.15 – 0.30 Greater manufacturing efficiency Prices may plateau at lower levels
2028 USD 0.15 – 0.25 Continued competition, mature market Marginal savings, some market segmentation persists

Note: These projections assume no significant regulatory or patent litigations occur to entrench branded prices or introduce price controls.


Geographic Variability in Pricing

  • United States: Dominated by generics, with prices averaging USD 0.30–0.50 per tablet. Insurance and pharmacy benefit managers' negotiations heavily influence net costs.
  • Europe: Similar trends, though regulatory frameworks and healthcare reimbursement policies vary, impacting retail and wholesale pricing.
  • Emerging Markets: Marginally higher retail prices due to logistics, import costs, and limited local manufacturing, yet overall costs remain lower than pre-patent expiry levels.

Impact of Patent and Regulatory Changes

While the patent on Viagra expired in 2017, certain formulations and delivery systems could still be under patent or exclusivity, which temporarily sustains higher prices. As these protections lapse or are challenged, price reductions for those specific products could be observed.

Additionally, regulatory pathways such as biosimilar entry, if applicable, could significantly impact pricing to further compress costs.


Competitive Landscape

The market is characterized by a plethora of generic manufacturers, including Teva, Mylan (now Viatris), Sandoz, Sun Pharma, and others. The high degree of competition ensures that prices stay within a narrow band, with volume-based discounts becoming the primary lever for price reductions.


Key Factors Shaping Future Market and Price Dynamics

  • Patent Litigation and Exclusivity: Any extension or litigation outcomes affecting exclusive rights can temporarily maintain higher prices.
  • Market Penetration of Biosimilars or Novel Therapies: Introduction of alternative ED treatments or formulations could erode market share and influence prices.
  • Insurance and Reimbursement Policies: Trends towards encouraging lower-cost generics and formulary restrictions will sustain reduced prices.
  • Manufacturing and API Costs: Fluctuations in raw material costs can influence wholesale pricing margins.

Conclusion

The long-term outlook for NDC 54436-0020 indicates a sustained period of low prices, heavily influenced by generics’ proliferation and aggressive price competition. While the current average wholesale price remains around USD 0.30–0.50 per tablet, projections suggest prices could decline further to approximately USD 0.15–0.25 per tablet by 2028. The market's maturity limits significant upward movement without novel formulation innovations or regulatory protections.


Key Takeaways

  • The sildenafil market transitioned from high-priced branded therapy to a commoditized landscape dominated by generics.
  • Price decline trajectories project wholesale prices stabilizing near USD 0.15–0.25 per tablet within five years.
  • Factors such as market saturation, manufacturing efficiencies, and regulatory policies will sustain downward pricing pressure.
  • Geographic variability affects retail and wholesale prices, with emerging markets potentially maintaining slightly higher pricing.
  • Strategic patent management and innovation are pivotal for brand stakeholders aiming to maintain premium pricing.

FAQs

1. What are the main factors influencing sildenafil prices after patent expiry?
Post-patent expiry, price reductions are driven primarily by market competition among generic manufacturers, manufacturing efficiencies, and negotiated discounts within supply chains.

2. Will branded Viagra hold a significant market share in the future?
Limited, unless new formulations or delivery methods deliver distinct clinical advantages and patent protections, as generics dominate due to lower costs.

3. How do regulatory policies impact sildenafil pricing?
Policies favoring generic substitution and price transparency tend to push prices lower, while restrictions or patent litigations can temporarily sustain higher prices.

4. Are there regional differences in sildenafil pricing?
Yes, due to variations in healthcare systems, import tariffs, and local manufacturing. Typically, emerging markets have higher retail prices but benefit from increased local production.

5. What is the outlook for innovative formulations of sildenafil?
While potential exists, breakthroughs in formulations (e.g., rapid onset, novel delivery) are likely to command premium prices temporarily but will not alter the overall low-price environment dominated by generics.


Sources:

[1] Grand View Research, "Erectile Dysfunction Market Size, Share & Trends," 2022.
[2] FDA Drug Approvals and Patent Data, 2022.
[3] IQVIA National Prescription Audit, 2021.
[4] Pharmaceutical Market Intelligence Reports, 2022.

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