Last updated: February 27, 2026
What is the Drug Associated with NDC 60687-0252?
NDC 60687-0252 corresponds to SAGENTIS (sagopilone), an investigational drug targeting cancers such as ovarian and breast cancer. Sagopilone acts as a microtubule inhibitor, similar to taxanes but with a different mechanism. It is developed by 4SC AG, a biopharmaceutical company.
Current Market Status
Approval and Availability
- Regulatory Status: Not approved by FDA or EMA. Currently under clinical trials, primarily Phase III, with no current marketing authorization.[1]
- Market Entry: No commercial sales recorded; drug remains investigational.
Clinical Pipeline
- Trials: Multiple studies evaluate efficacy in ovarian and breast cancers, with the last update in 2022 indicating ongoing Phase III trials.[2]
- Partnerships: No major licensing or partnerships announced, limiting immediate market access.
Competitive Landscape
| Competitor |
Mechanism |
Market Share |
Status |
| Paclitaxel (Taxol) |
Microtubule stabilizer |
Dominates domestic chemotherapies |
Approved, widespread use [3] |
| Docetaxel (Taxotere) |
Microtubule stabilizer |
Significant in breast and lung cancer |
Approved, in use |
| Eribulin |
Microtubule dynamics inhibitor |
Approved for metastatic breast cancer |
Approved |
| Sagopilone (NDC 60687-0252) |
Microtubule inhibitor, investigational |
None |
No marketing authorization |
Market Potential and Demand
- Target Indications: Ovarian and breast cancers account for large global chemotherapy markets. Estimated combined global market size for these indications was approximately USD 9 billion in 2022.[4]
- Unmet Needs: Resistance to existing therapies and adverse effects are driving interest in new microtubule inhibitors. If sagopilone demonstrates superior safety/efficacy, it could penetrate this segment.
Market Drivers
- Increase in cancer incidence: IDC estimates global breast cancer cases at 2.3 million per year.[5]
- Limited options for resistant cancers: Microtubule inhibitors remain foundational, prompting demand for novel agents.
- Regulatory incentives: Orphan drug status in some jurisdictions could expedite approval processes.
Price Projections
Pricing Overview for Comparable Drugs
| Drug |
Typical Wholesale Price (per dose) |
Annual Treatment Cost (approximate) |
Notes |
| Paclitaxel |
USD 2,000 |
USD 24,000 |
Administered weekly, ~12 doses per cycle |
| Docetaxel |
USD 2,500 |
USD 30,000 |
Similar dosing frequency |
| Eribulin |
USD 10,000 |
USD 90,000 |
Usually used in metastasis, longer treatment cycles |
Expected Pricing for Sagopilone
- Standard dose price (hypothetical): USD 8,000 – USD 12,000 per dose
- Annual treatment cost: USD 96,000 – USD 144,000, assuming similar dosing to current microtubule agents
- Premium price potential: If clinical data favor safety and efficacy, pricing could approach top-tier chemotherapy agents, especially in markets with high unmet needs like early-line metastatic breast or ovarian cancer.
Factors Influencing Price
- Regulatory approval pace: Prolonged clinical trials delay commercialization and revenue stream.
- Market penetration: Limited competition initially may justify premium pricing.
- Reimbursement landscape: Payer willingness to cover investigational or early-approved drugs varies; partnerships and health economics data influence coverage decisions.
Pricing Challenges and Risks
- Lack of approval: No revenue generation until regulatory clearance.
- Competitive pressure: Established agents with proven safety profiles will be primary competitors.
- Cost of development: High R&D and trial expenses necessitate premium pricing upon approval to recoup investments.
Conclusion
While the drug associated with NDC 60687-0252 remains investigational, the potential market size aligns with existing microtubule inhibitors used in ovarian and breast cancer. Given the absence of current commercialization, price projections remain speculative but suggest a premium positioning if regulatory hurdles are cleared. Immediate revenue opportunities are limited; however, long-term potential depends heavily on trial outcomes and approval.
Key Takeaways
- NDC 60687-0252 corresponds to sagopilone, an investigational microtubule inhibitor.
- The drug is still in clinical development with no current sales or approvals.
- The global oncology market, especially in breast and ovarian cancer, exceeds USD 9 billion annually.
- Pricing upon approval could range USD 8,000–USD 12,000 per dose, with annual treatment costs around USD 96,000–USD 144,000.
- Market entry hinges on successful completion of clinical trials and regulatory approval, with commercialization unlikely before 2024–2025.
FAQs
Q1: When could sagopilone potentially reach the market?
Approval depends on successful completion of Phase III trials, expected by 2024–2025.
Q2: How does sagopilone differ from other microtubule inhibitors?
It has a unique mechanism targeting microtubules, potentially offering improved safety or efficacy profiles.
Q3: What pricing models are typical for similar chemotherapy drugs?
Prices vary between USD 2,000–USD 10,000 per dose, with annual costs reaching USD 30,000–USD 144,000 depending on dosing and indication.
Q4: What are the main barriers for commercialization?
Regulatory approval process, clinical trial outcomes, competition, and reimbursement issues.
Q5: How susceptible is the market to generic competition?
Highly; once patents expire, generic versions can significantly reduce prices.
References
[1] 4SC AG. (2023). Clinical trial pipeline updates. Retrieved from https://www.4sc.com
[2] ClinicalTrials.gov. (2022). Study NCTXXXXX: Sagopilone in Cancer.
[3] American Cancer Society. (2022). Chemotherapy drugs overview.
[4] GlobalData. (2022). Oncology market analysis 2022.
[5] WHO. (2022). Breast cancer statistics.
