Last updated: April 3, 2026
What is the Drug Denoted by NDC 67877-0902?
NDC 67877-0902 corresponds to Recarbrio (imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam), a broad-spectrum antibiotic approved by the FDA for complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI), complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), and hospital-acquired pneumonia including ventilator-associated pneumonia (HAP/VAP).
Market Landscape and Competition
Market Size and Segments
- The global antibiotics market was valued at approximately USD 49.4 billion in 2021.
- The segment for broad-spectrum carbapenem/bamilactam inhibitors like Recarbrio is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% through 2028.
- Key market segments include hospital inpatient settings, where 70% of use occurs for severe infections treated with injectable antibiotics.
Key Competitors
| Product Name |
Class |
Approved Indications |
Market Share (2022) |
Price Range (per vial) USD |
| Recarbrio |
Carbapenem + β-lactamase inhibitor |
cIAI, cUTI, HAP/VAP |
25% |
$950 – $1,200 |
| Merrem (Imipenem) |
Carbapenem |
Various infections |
35% |
$850 – $1,050 |
| Zerbaxa (Ceftolozane/Tazobactam) |
Cephalosporin + β-lactamase inhibitor |
cIAI, cUTI, pneumonia |
20% |
$850 – $1,150 |
| Aztreonam + Avibactam |
Monobactam + β-lactamase inhibitor |
Multi-drug resistant infections |
10% |
$1,250 – $1,400 |
Market Penetration
Recarbrio's patent exclusivity, patent protections around its mechanism, and recent FDA approval for additional indications are driving its growth. It captures a significant share within hospital settings, especially for multi-drug-resistant infections.
Pricing Strategies and Trends
Current Pricing
- Average wholesale price (AWP) per vial: USD 950 – USD 1,200.
- Actual negotiated prices: USD 700 – USD 900 in hospital purchasing agreements.
- High variability based on payer contracts, hospital volume, and regional factors.
Factors Influencing Price
- The increasing prevalence of multi-drug-resistant infections, demanding newer, more effective antibiotics.
- Regulatory exclusivity, which in the US lasts until at least 2027.
- Reimbursement environment: Medicare and Medicaid have negotiated coverage with varying co-payment structures.
Price Projection (2023–2028)
| Year |
Estimated Average Price per Vial USD |
Key Drivers |
| 2023 |
$950 |
Introduction into broader indications |
| 2024 |
$925 |
Competitive pressure from generics in non-US markets |
| 2025 |
$900 |
Improved market penetration, volume discounts |
| 2026 |
$850 |
Patent expiration nearing, generic entry in select markets |
| 2027 |
$800 |
Increased biosimilar/broad spectrum competition |
Potential Market Entry Impact
- Entry of generic formulations may reduce prices by 20-30% within 3 years of patent expiry.
- Managed care agreements may further compress margins, leading to price stabilization or decline.
Regulatory and Policy Impact
- The 21st Century Cures Act incentivizes antibiotics development, potentially prolonging patent protections for Recarbrio.
- Antimicrobial stewardship programs restrict overuse, impacting volume sales but increasing unit prices.
Key Market Drivers and Barriers
Drivers
- Rise of multi-drug resistant bacteria (e.g., carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae).
- Growing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).
- Limited pipeline of new antibiotics.
Barriers
- High development costs and regulatory hurdles.
- Price sensitivity and reimbursement restrictions.
- Competition from other antimicrobial agents and emerging therapies.
Conclusion
Recarbrio maintains a critical role in treating resistant infections. Its current pricing reflects its positioning as a last-line agent, with potential gradual price declines once patent protections end. Market growth hinges on increasing resistance, expanding indications, and evolving reimbursement policies.
Key Takeaways
- Recarbrio addresses critical unmet needs in resistant bacterial infections, with a market share around 25%.
- The drug's current average vial price is USD 950–1,200, with potential declines to USD 800 within five years due to patent expiry.
- Growth projections show a CAGR of approximately 6% through 2028, driven by rising resistance and limited alternatives.
- Competition from generics is expected to exert downward pressure post-patent expiration.
- Pricing strategies must adapt to fluctuating hospital procurement dynamics and regulatory pressures.
FAQs
-
What is the primary therapeutic indication of NDC 67877-0902?
It is indicated for complicated intra-abdominal infections, complicated urinary tract infections, and hospital-acquired pneumonia.
-
When is patent expiry likely, and how will it affect prices?
Patent protections are expected to last until at least 2027 in the US. Afterward, generic entry could reduce prices by up to 30%.
-
What are the main competitors to Recarbrio?
Merrem (imipenem), Zerbaxa (ceftolozane/tazobactam), and other carbapenems or β-lactamase inhibitors.
-
How does resistance impact its market?
Rising multi-drug resistance increases demand and pricing power for Recarbrio.
-
What regulatory factors influence its market?
The 21st Century Cures Act incentivizes antibiotics development; antimicrobial stewardship programs influence usage and pricing.
References
[1] MarketsandMarkets. (2022). Antibiotics Market by Type, Application, and Region.
[2] IQVIA. (2022). US Antibiotics Price & Utilization Data.
[3] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Recarbrio approval and label updates.
[4] Global Data. (2022). Antimicrobial Resistance and Market Projections.
