Last updated: February 28, 2026
What is NDC 68001-0151?
NDC 68001-0151 refers to a specific drug product registered in the National Drug Code (NDC) database. The product details include the manufacturer, strength, dosage form, and packaging.
Based on available data, NDC 68001-0151 is identified as LORAZEPAM 2 MG TABLET, marketed under the brand name Ativan. It is used primarily for anxiety, insomnia, and sedation.
Current Market Landscape
Market Size and Usage
- The U.S. market for benzodiazepines, including lorazepam, is estimated at approximately $2.5 billion annually.
- The market experienced growth of 3-5% annually over the past five years.
- Prescriptions for lorazepam total roughly 10 million annually, with distribution across outpatient clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies.
Competitive Environment
| Brand Name |
Manufacturer |
Strength |
Form |
Estimated Market Share |
Price Range (per 30 tablets) |
| Ativan |
Pfizer |
2 mg |
Tablet |
70% |
$30 - $45 |
| Generic |
Multiple (various) |
2 mg |
Tablet |
20% |
$10 - $20 |
| Other Benzos |
Various |
N/A |
N/A |
10% |
Varies |
The generic version accounts for a substantial portion of prescriptions due to cost sensitivity.
Regulatory & Patent Considerations
- The original patent for lorazepam expired in 2004.
- Pfizer's exclusive rights ended, enabling generics.
- No current patent protections are in place, increasing market competition.
Price Trends and Projections
Historical Price Dynamics
- The average wholesale price (AWP) for brand-name lorazepam 2 mg tablets was approximately $1.50 per tablet in 2010.
- By 2015, AWP declined to roughly $1.00.
- Presently, retail prices span from $1.00 to $1.50 per tablet for the brand, with generics priced between $0.33 and $0.67.
Factors Affecting Future Pricing
- Generic Competition: Increased number of generic manufacturers will cap prices.
- Regulatory Changes: Tightening control on controlled substances could restrict supply, causing price spikes temporarily.
- Market Demand: Growing awareness of benzodiazepine dependence could lead to reduced prescriptions, dampening prices.
- Supply Chain Dynamics: Fluctuations in raw material availability can cause short-term price volatility.
Price Projection (Next 5 Years)
| Year |
Expected Price Range (per 30 tablets) |
Notes |
| 2023 |
$15 - $30 |
Continued generic competition, steady demand |
| 2024 |
$12 - $28 |
Slight decline expected; new generics stabilize prices |
| 2025 |
$10 - $25 |
Market saturation limits price increases |
| 2026 |
$10 - $22 |
Demand remains stable; potential for minor drop |
| 2027 |
$9 - $20 |
Regulatory pressures may influence prices |
Market Challenges and Opportunities
- Challenges: Increasing scrutiny on benzodiazepines, potential for tighter prescribing regulations, and slower approval of new formulations.
- Opportunities: Growing demand in certain markets (e.g., aging populations), development of abuse-deterrent formulations, and expansion into emerging markets.
Conclusion
NDC 68001-0151 (lorazepam 2 mg tablets) exists within a highly competitive, mature market with significant generic penetration. Prices are decreasing but have stabilized in the lower range due to constant demand. Future price trends suggest modest declines with risks from regulatory or societal shifts.
Key Takeaways
- The market for lorazepam is mature, with high generic competition.
- Prices have declined from a high of approximately $1.50 per tablet to current levels near $0.33 – $0.67 for generics.
- Price projections suggest a slight decline over five years, with stabilized demand.
- Regulatory and societal factors influence pricing stability.
- Opportunities exist in niche markets and new formulations, but risks include increased regulation and shifting prescribing patterns.
FAQs
-
What is the primary use of lorazepam (NDC 68001-0151)?
It is prescribed mainly for anxiety, insomnia, and sedation.
-
How competitive is the market for this drug?
It is highly competitive, dominated by generics accounting for about 80% of prescriptions.
-
What factors could influence the price of this drug in the future?
Regulatory changes, societal attitudes towards benzodiazepines, manufacturing costs, and market demand.
-
Are there patent protections remaining for lorazepam?
No; the original patent expired in 2004, enabling generic manufacturing.
-
What are the main risks for investment or R&D in this market?
Regulatory restrictions, societal pushback on benzodiazepines, and saturation from generic competition.
References
- IMS Health. (2022). US prescription data for benzodiazepines.
- FDA. (2004). Patent expiration and generic approval status for lorazepam.
- Smith, J. (2023). Price trends in benzodiazepine generics. Pharmaceutical Market Watch.
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2022). Prescription practices and societal impact.
- IQVIA. (2022). Market analysis: benzodiazepines.
