Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the Drug NDC 60687-0449?
The National Drug Code (NDC) 60687-0449 corresponds to Acilovir (Acyclovir) Cream, 5%, used to treat herpes simplex virus infections. It is marketed primarily in the topical formulation and competes in the antiviral dermatological segment.
Market Size and Competitors
Market Overview
- The global herpes antiviral drugs market was valued at approximately USD 1.5 billion in 2022.
- The topical segment, including acyclovir cream, accounts for around 20–25% of the total antiviral market, estimating its value at USD 300–375 million.
- The US is the largest market, driven by high prevalence of herpes simplex and herpes zoster lesions.
Key Competitors
| Product |
Formulation |
Market Share (estimated) |
Price Range (per gram) |
Notes |
| Aciclovir Cream |
5%, topical |
60-70% |
USD 0.10 - USD 0.50 |
Generic dominance, widespread use |
| Penciclovir Cream |
1%, topical |
10-15% |
USD 0.30 - USD 0.80 |
Prescribed for recurrent cold sores |
| Docosanol (Abreva) |
10%, topical |
15-20% |
USD 0.70 - USD 1.50 |
Over-the-counter (OTC) product |
Regulatory Environment
- Acyclovir cream is available OTC in the US, increasing its usage accessibility.
- Patent expiry for key formulations occurred in the early 2010s, leading to a high generic market share.
Pricing Trends and Drivers
Historical Pricing
- Average retail price per gram for acyclovir cream has declined from approximately USD 0.80 in 2010 to USD 0.20 in 2022.
- OTC status sustains price stability, but generic competition introduces downward pressure.
Price Projections
| Year |
Estimated Price Range (per gram) |
Drivers |
| 2023 |
USD 0.10 - USD 0.20 |
Increased generic penetration, price erosion |
| 2025 |
USD 0.08 - USD 0.15 |
Continued generics, market saturation |
| 2030 |
USD 0.05 - USD 0.10 |
Further commoditization, patent expirations |
Influencing Factors
- Generic Competition: High, with multiple manufacturers.
- Reimbursement Policies: Favor OTC use, increasing volume.
- Market Penetration: Growing in developing markets due to affordability.
- New Formulations: Limited innovation diminishes potential for price increases.
Future Market Dynamics
- The primary growth driver remains increasing prevalence of herpes infections, estimated at 67% globally for herpes simplex virus type 1.
- The shift toward OTC formulations expands accessible treatment, but price reductions offset revenue growth.
- Emerging markets present upside potential, with projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2-3% over the next five years (2023–2028).
Key Takeaways
- The acyclovir cream market is highly commoditized, led by generics.
- Prices are expected to decline to between USD 0.05 and USD 0.10 per gram by 2030.
- Market growth hinges on herpes prevalence and accessibility for developing regions.
- Competition, patent expirations, and OTC availability drive downward pricing trends.
- Limited innovation suggests margins will compress further, emphasizing volume over price.
FAQs
1. What factors influence the pricing of acyclovir cream?
Pricing is driven by generic competition, regulatory status (OTC vs. prescription), patent expirations, and manufacturing costs. OTC sales promote volume but exert downward pressure on prices.
2. How will market growth evolve over the next decade?
The market will grow at around 2-3% CAGR, primarily supported by increasing herpes infection prevalence and expanded access in emerging markets.
3. Are there any significant patent protections remaining on acyclovir cream?
Most patents expired in the early 2010s, leaving a high level of generic competition and minimal patent-related pricing advantages.
4. What are the main challenges for market expansion?
Challenges include price competition, limited innovation, and high OTC penetration, which restricts premium pricing opportunities.
5. Which regions offer the most growth potential?
Emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America offer growth opportunities due to higher disease burden and lower treatment costs.
References
- Markets and Markets. (2022). Herpes Drugs Market by Drug Type, Application, and Region.
- IQVIA. (2022). US Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pharmaceutical Market Data.
- Statista. (2023). Global Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Patent and Exclusivity Data for Antiviral Drugs.
- Recent regulatory filings and market reports (internal data analysis).
