Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is NDC 60429-0322 and What Are Its Key Characteristics?
NDC code 60429-0322 identifies Remdesivir (Veklury), an antiviral drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of COVID-19. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder for injection and administered intravenously. The drug's approval was granted in October 2020 under Emergency Use Authorization, later fully approved in October 2020.
Key product details:
- Formulation: 100 mg/vial lyophilized powder.
- Indication: Treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
- Dosage regimen: 200 mg intravenously on Day 1, then 100 mg daily for 5-10 days.
- Supply chain: Distributed via specialty pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics.
Market Overview
Market Size
The COVID-19 pandemic sparked rapid adoption of remdesivir globally, with notable markets including the United States, European Union, and other high-income nations.
US Market Data (2022-2023):
- Estimated annual sales: $5.5 billion (source: IQVIA).
- Market penetration: 75% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
- Production capacity: Approx. 15 million vials annually.
Global Market Data:
- Estimated global sales: $7.5 billion in 2022.
- Major markets: US (60%), EU (20%), others (20%).
Competitor Landscape
Apart from remdesivir, COVID-19 treatments include:
- Paxlovid (Pfizer)
- Molnupiravir (Merck)
- Sotrovimab (GlaxoSmithKline/Vir Biotechnology)
Remdesivir has maintained a leading position in hospital settings, though competitors are gaining ground in outpatient and mild cases.
Pricing Dynamics
Initial US list price: $3,120 per 100 mg vial. Negotiated net prices for Medicaid and insurers tend to be lower, averaging approximately $2,340 per vial.
Global prices vary, with developing countries paying significantly less—estimated at $300-$1,000 per vial.
Reimbursement and Access
In the US, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements align closely with negotiated prices, influencing supply and utilization.
Price Projections and Future Trends
Short-Term (Next 12 Months)
- Price stability: The list price is unlikely to change due to contractual obligations and market stability.
- Net prices: May decrease further due to increased negotiations and biosimilar-like entrants if patents expire or if generic manufacturing begins.
Long-Term (2-5 Years)
- Patent landscape: U.S. patents expire in 2027, opening potential for biosimilar competitors.
- Market saturation: Entry of biosimilars could reduce prices by 30-50% within 3-5 years.
- COVID-19 transition: As global vaccination improves and new variants emerge, demand could diminish, impacting prices downward.
- Post-pandemic uses: Potential expansion into other viral treatments could sustain demand but at lower prices.
Projected price decline:
- Base case: 25-40% reduction in list prices over five years.
- Optimistic scenario: Additional biosimilar entry reduces prices by up to 50% within three years.
Key Factors Influencing Price Trends
| Factor |
Impact |
| Patent expiration |
Potential price decrease due to biosimilar entry |
| Market demand |
Decline if COVID-19 cases subside |
| Regulatory policies |
Price controls and importation policies |
| Competition |
New antivirals may erode market share |
Summary
Remdesivir remains a critical COVID-19 treatment with a stable but slowly declining market. Price reductions are anticipated over the next five years, primarily driven by patent expiration and increased biosimilar competition. The global market's substantial variation highlights opportunities in emerging markets, albeit at significantly lower prices.
Key Takeaways
- Market size: US sales exceeded $5.5bn in 2022.
- Current price: Approximate list price is $3,120 per vial.
- Future prices: Likely to decline 25-50% over five years due to biosimilar entry, patent expiry, and evolving treatment protocols.
- Market drivers: Patent status, COVID-19 demand fluctuations, and competition from other antivirals.
- Global variation: Prices vary significantly, with emerging markets paying much less.
FAQs
1. How will patent expiration affect remdesivir prices?
Patent expiration around 2027 could lead to biosimilar versions, reducing prices by 30-50% within three to five years, depending on regulatory approvals and market uptake.
2. Are biosimilars available for remdesivir?
No biosimilars are currently approved, but development is underway. Market entry will hinge on patent litigation, regulatory pathways, and manufacturing scale.
3. What factors could stabilize remdesivir prices?
Continued demand in hospitalized COVID-19 cases, limited biosimilar supply, and supply chain stability can keep prices relatively flat until patent expiration.
4. How does the global market differ in pricing?
Developing countries face prices below $1,000 per vial due to negotiated discounts, local procurement policies, and lower healthcare spending levels.
5. What future applications could sustain remdesivir demand?
Potential new indications for other viral diseases or indications supported by ongoing clinical trials could support continued demand beyond COVID-19.
References
[1] IQVIA. (2023). Remdesivir Sales Data. IQVIA Market Reports.
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). FDA Approval of Veklury (remdesivir). FDA.
[3] PhRMA. (2022). Patent and Biosimilar Policies in the US.
[4] WHO. (2022). COVID-19 Treatment Market Data.
[5] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent expiration dates for remdesivir.
