Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is NDC 69097-0972?
NDC 69097-0972 corresponds to Aflibercept injection, marketed under the brand Eylea. It is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor used to treat various ophthalmic and oncologic conditions, including:
- Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic macular edema
- Retinal vein occlusion
- Certain cancers
Eylea launched in 2011 and gained approval due to its efficacy in blocking abnormal blood vessel growth.
Market Size and Demand Drivers
Ophthalmology Segment
Eylea holds a dominant position in wet AMD treatment, with approximately 85% market share in the U.S. [1]. It also sees expanding use for diabetic macular edema and retinal vein occlusion.
Oncology Segment
The drug has approval for certain cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer and metastatic colorectal cancer, representing an emerging but smaller market segment.
Competitive Landscape
Main competitors include:
- Ranibizumab (Lucentis)
- Bevacizumab (Avastin)
- Brolucizumab (Beovu)
Eylea surpasses many in dosing frequency, which influences market share.
Market Size
The global VEGF inhibitors market was valued at approximately USD 14.8 billion in 2022, projected to reach USD 25 billion by 2028 [2]. Eylea's portion is estimated at USD 4.4 billion in 2022, with growth driven by increasing prevalence of AMD and diabetic eye diseases.
Pricing Trends
In the U.S., Eylea's average wholesale price (AWP) per injection ranges from USD 1,850 to USD 2,200. The per-month cost, considering standard dosing, hovers around USD 6,000 to USD 8,000 for patients needing monthly injections.
Price Projections (Next 5 Years)
Current Pricing Analysis
| Year |
Estimated Price per Injection |
Notes |
| 2023 |
USD 2,000 |
Stable amid patent protections and high demand |
| 2024 |
USD 2,050 |
Slight increase; inflation and manufacturing costs influence |
| 2025 |
USD 2,100 |
Anticipated stabilization; insurance reimbursement remains robust |
| 2026 |
USD 2,150 |
Possible introduction of biosimilars affects pricing |
| 2027 |
USD 2,200 |
Biosimilar entry could pressure prices downward |
Impact of Biosimilar Competition
Patent expiration anticipated around 2024-2025 in the U.S., opening markets to biosimilars. Early biosimilar candidates include Ajanta’s FYB201 and others by startups. Potential discounts of 30-50% could lower per-injection costs to USD 1,050–1,400, reducing revenue and affecting pricing trends.
Regulatory and Policy Factors
- Pricing caps in certain countries may restrain price hikes.
- Reimbursement policies will influence actual net prices received by manufacturers.
- Market access strategies focusing on biosimilar development may mitigate revenue losses.
Revenue Impact Analysis
Scenario 1: No Biosimilar Entry (2024-2027)
- Steady price increases lead to revenue growth within existing patient populations.
- Nationwide U.S. market estimated at USD 4.4 billion in 2022.
- Assuming 4-5% annual volume growth, revenues could rise to USD 4.9 billion by 2027, with average price increases compensating for volume growth.
Scenario 2: Biosimilar Market Penetration
- Price reductions of up to 50% for biosimilars.
- Market share shifts could result in a 20-30% revenue decline for Eylea by 2027.
Key Challenges and Opportunities
- Patent expirations pose risks to revenue.
- Rising prevalence of target diseases drives demand.
- Innovation in drug formulations or delivery could generate premium pricing.
- Market consolidation among ophthalmology providers enhances negotiating power.
Summary
Eylea stands as the market leader in VEGF inhibitors for ophthalmic indications, with a valuation of USD 4.4 billion in 2022. Price per injection is stable but positioned for marginal increases. Biosimilar competition following patent expiry around 2024-2025 will exert downward pressure, with potential for significant price erosion. Companies must balance innovation pipelines, market share retention, and biosimilar strategies to optimize future revenues.
Key Takeaways
- Eylea's market dominated by Ophthalmology indications, with a growing oncology segment.
- Price per injection remains around USD 2,000, with slight increases expected.
- Biosimilar competition may reduce prices by up to 50% post-2024.
- U.S. revenues forecasted to grow modestly through 2027 absent biosimilar impact.
- Market entry of biosimilars could lead to revenue declines of 20-30% within five years.
FAQs
Q1: When are biosimilars for Eylea expected to enter the market?
A1: Patent protections are projected to expire around 2024-2025, enabling biosimilar entries.
Q2: How will biosimilar entry affect Eylea’s pricing?
A2: Biosimilars are likely to be priced 30-50% lower, inducing price competition.
Q3: What regions represent growth opportunities for Eylea?
A3: Europe, Asia-Pacific, and emerging markets display rising prevalence of target indications and expanding ophthalmic procedures.
Q4: Are there regulatory barriers to biosimilar entry?
A4: Yes, biosimilars must demonstrate biosimilarity and obtain local regulatory approval, which can delay market entry.
Q5: How does Eylea compare to its competitors in pricing?
A5: Eylea's average injectable price is slightly higher than Avastin ($~1,000 per injection) but significantly more expensive than Beovu and Ranibizumab.
References
[1] MarketResearch.com. (2022). Global Ophthalmic Drug Market Analysis.
[2] Grand View Research. (2022). Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Inhibitors Market Size, Share & Trends.
