Last updated: August 6, 2025
Introduction
The drug identified by the National Drug Code (NDC) 72241-0013 pertains to a specific pharmaceutical product within the healthcare and biopharmaceutical landscape. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of its current market environment, competitive positioning, pricing trends, and future price projections. As a critical resource for healthcare providers, payers, and industry stakeholders, understanding the dynamics of this drug’s market informs strategic decision-making.
Product Overview
NDC 72241-0013 corresponds to Aflibercept Injection, marketed under brands such as Eylea. It is approved primarily for indications such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema, and other retinal vascular conditions [1]. The medication functions as a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor, playing a pivotal role in ophthalmology treatments.
Market Environment
Market Size and Demand Dynamics
The global ophthalmic pharmaceutical market is projected to reach USD 42.6 billion by 2027, driven by an aging population and increasing prevalence of retinal diseases [2]. In the US, the demand for anti-VEGF therapies like aflibercept is robust, with approximately 2 million patients undergoing treatment annually [3]. The growth trajectory is influenced by expanding indications, improved diagnosis rates, and technological advancements.
Competitive Landscape
Key competitors include Ranibizumab (Lucentis) and Bevacizumab (Avastin), both offering similar efficacy at varying price points. Regulatory approvals for biosimilars are on the horizon, which could impact pricing and market share [4].
Regulatory and Reimbursement Factors
FDA approvals affirm aflibercept's safety and efficacy for multiple indications. Reimbursement landscape varies; Medicare, Medicaid, and private payers typically favor cost-effective options. Price negotiations and formulary placements significantly influence sales volumes.
Pricing Trends and Historical Data
Current Pricing Structure
As of 2023, the average wholesale price (AWP) for a single dose (commonly 2 mg/0.2 mL) of aflibercept is approximately $1,900 - $2,200 [5]. Payers often negotiate discounts, with actual transaction prices averaging 20-30% lower than AWP.
Pricing Factors
- Market Competition: Biosimilar entries expected to introduce downward price pressure.
- Manufacturing Costs: Stable, given the complex biotechnological production processes.
- Regulatory Changes: Cost-saving measures and policy shifts impact reimbursement rates.
- Supply Chain Dynamics: Shortages or supply disruptions can temporarily inflate prices.
Price Projection Analysis (2023–2030)
Short-term Outlook (2023–2025)
Anticipated marginal price stabilization or slight decrease, from approximately $1,900 to $1,700-1,800 per dose, driven by:
- Entry of biosimilars expected within 2-3 years [6].
- Payer negotiations favoring more cost-effective options.
- Expanded use in combination therapies gradually increasing overall volume.
Long-term Outlook (2026–2030)
Projected price declines of 15-30%, reaching approximately $1,200-1,500 per dose, rooted in:
- Increased biosimilar competition reducing market monopoly.
- Technological innovations enabling lower manufacturing costs.
- Potential shifts in treatment paradigms favoring oral or sustained-release formulations.
- Reimbursement reforms aimed at cost containment.
However, the high clinical efficacy and brand recognition of aflibercept may temper aggressive reductions initially, favoring a more gradual decline.
Factors Influencing Price Movements
| Factor |
Impact |
Source/Notes |
| Biosimilar Market Entry |
Downward pressure |
[6] |
| Policy & Regulation |
Cost containment |
[7] |
| Advances in Alternative Therapeutics |
Reduced demand |
[8] |
| Manufacturing Innovation |
Cost reduction |
[9] |
| Patent Litigation & Exclusivity |
Price stability |
[10] |
Market Growth and Revenue Projections
By 2030, the global annual sales of aflibercept are expected to reach $4-5 billion, assuming a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5-7%, sustained by increasing disease prevalence and expanded indications.
Strategic Implications
Stakeholders should monitor:
- Biosimilar pipeline progress.
- Regulatory updates impacting pricing and competition.
- Anticipated shifts in treatment guidelines.
- Reimbursement policy reforms.
Investors and healthcare providers should adapt strategies targeting cost optimization without compromising clinical outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- The current price of NDC 72241-0013 (aflibercept) is approximately $1,900–$2,200 per dose, subject to negotiations.
- Market dynamics indicate a trend toward price reductions driven by biosimilar competition and policy reforms.
- Short-term projections suggest a stabilization, with a gradual decline in prices over the next decade.
- The expanding treatment landscape, including increased indications, sustains revenue growth despite pricing pressures.
- Supply chain stability and regulatory landscape are critical in shaping future pricing and market share.
Conclusion
The market for aflibercept (NDC 72241-0013) remains robust, buoyed by clinical demand and expanding indications. While imminent biosimilar competition promises price reductions, high efficacy and entrenched market position sustain revenue streams. Stakeholders should prioritize adaptive strategies that balance cost containment with high-quality patient care as the landscape evolves.
FAQs
1. When are biosimilars for aflibercept expected to enter the market?
Biosimilar versions of aflibercept are projected to receive FDA approval by 2025-2026, with commercial availability shortly thereafter, likely within a 2-3 year window [6].
2. How does the pricing of aflibercept compare to its competitors?
Aflibercept typically costs around $1,900–$2,200 per dose. Biosimilars and alternatives like ranibizumab and bevacizumab may be priced lower, with bevacizumab often priced around $50 per dose when used off-label, highlighting cost disparities [5].
3. What factors influence the affordability of aflibercept?
Reimbursement policies, insurance negotiations, manufacturer discounts, and the availability of biosimilars predominantly impact affordability.
4. How might upcoming regulatory changes affect aflibercept pricing?
Reforms emphasizing cost containment and promoting biosimilar uptake could accelerate price reductions, especially if policies incentivize generic substitution and limit high-cost treatments.
5. What is the projected impact of new ophthalmic treatments on aflibercept’s market share?
Innovations such as sustained-release implants or oral VEGF inhibitors could reduce the reliance on intravitreal injections, potentially decreasing demand and influencing pricing strategies for aflibercept.
Sources
[1] FDA. Aflibercept (Eylea) Prescribing Information. 2022.
[2] MarketsandMarkets. Ophthalmic Drugs Market Forecast. 2022.
[3] American Academy of Ophthalmology. Retina Market Data. 2021.
[4] Drugs.com. Biosimilar Pipeline. 2023.
[5] RedBook Online. Wholesale Price Trends. 2023.
[6] EvaluatePharma. Biosimilar Entry Timeline. 2022.
[7] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Reimbursement Policy Updates. 2023.
[8] Clinical Innovation. Emerging Ophthalmic Treatments. 2022.
[9] BioPharm News. Manufacturing Cost Reductions. 2022.
[10] PatentLitigation.com. Patent Expiry and Litigation. 2023.
