Last updated: August 16, 2025
Introduction
The drug identified by National Drug Code (NDC) 72603-0413 is a pharmaceutical product situated in a competitive and dynamically evolving market landscape. The precise understanding of its current market positioning, competitive environment, regulatory context, and price trajectories is essential for stakeholders aiming to optimize their strategic decisions, whether they are manufacturers, healthcare providers, or investors.
Product Overview
NDC 72603-0413 corresponds to Zirabev (bevacizumab-bzr), a biosimilar to Avastin (bevacizumab). Zirabev is used predominantly in oncology to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thereby impeding tumor angiogenesis. The drug has gained prominence due to its cost-effectiveness and increased accessibility, especially within the biosimilar landscape.
Market Landscape
Regulatory Status and Launch Timeline
Zirabev received FDA approval in 2017, shortly after biosimilars-became a strategic focus for healthcare systems seeking cost reduction in anti-cancer therapies (FDA, 2017). It is classified as a biosimilar, which requires rigorous demonstrating biosimilarity to the originator product with regard to safety, efficacy, and manufacturing processes.
Market Penetration and Adoption
Since launch, Zirabev has seen accelerated adoption, driven by insurer preference and hospital formulary decisions favoring biosimilars. According to IQVIA data, biosimilar penetration in the US oncology market has increased from approximately 10% in 2018 to over 35% in 2022 for bevacizumab products (IQVIA, 2022). Zirabev holds a significant portion of this share, particularly in markets emphasizing cost control.
Competitive Environment
The biosimilar market for bevacizumab is crowded, with competitors such as Amgen’s Kanjinti and Pfizer’s Zirabev. Patent expirations and the introduction of additional biosimilars are ongoing, intensifying price competition. The originator, Avastin, remains dominant but faces erosion in market share due to biosimilar uptake.
Pricing Dynamics
Current Pricing
Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) for Zirabev was approximately $1,600 per
vial as of early 2023, representing roughly a 25% discount compared to Avastin’s WAC of over $2,200 per vial. This pricing gap underscores biosimilar strategies to displace originator drugs and capture market share.
Pricing Trends and Drivers
- Price Competition: Biosimilars have historically offered 15-30% discounts relative to originator drugs, although actual discounts vary based on negotiations and regional factors.[1]
- Reimbursement Policies: Value-based contracts and formulary tiering are influencing net prices; managed care organizations often negotiate further discounts.
- Market Penetration: Increased biosimilar acceptance correlates with declining prices for Zirabev and maintaining or expanding volume sales.
- Manufacturing and Supply Dynamics: Increased competition among biosimilar manufacturers has exerted downward pressure on prices.
Projected Price Trajectory (2023–2028)
Short-term (2023–2025)
- Trend: Continued price reductions, with discounts expanding to 30-35% relative to Avastin.
- Factors: Greater biosimilar market acceptance, payer negotiations, and expanded distribution channels.
- Forecast: The average WAC for Zirabev is expected to stabilize around $1,200–$1,400 per vial by 2025.
Mid- to Long-term (2026–2028)
- Trend: Further price erosion due to increased biosimilar competition and potential for multiple biosimilars in the market.
- Factors: Possible biosimilar consolidation, patent litigations, and evolving regulatory incentives.
- Forecast: WAC for Zirabev could decline to approximately $1,000–$1,200 per vial, with net prices affected by discounts, rebates, and contract-based adjustments.
Market Opportunities and Risks
Opportunities
- Expansion into international markets where biosimilar access is growing.
- Adoption in novel oncologic indications awaiting regulatory approval.
- Strategic partnerships with healthcare providers to enhance volume sales.
Risks
- Potential patent litigations or regulatory barriers delaying market growth.
- Market saturation with multiple biosimilars reducing per-unit profitability.
- Price pressure from payers and hospital systems favoring further discounts.
Conclusion
The landscape for NDC 72603-0413 (Zirabev) is characterized by sustained price competition, increased biosimilar adoption, and a strategic shift towards cost-effective oncology treatments. The trajectory indicates moderate to significant price reductions over the next five years, aligning with global biosimilar trends and payer negotiations. Stakeholders should focus on early market entry, strategic contracting, and expansion into emerging markets to leverage growth opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Zirabev’s market share is rising amid increasing biosimilar acceptance, with prices gradually trending downward.
- Current WAC pricing suggests a 25-30% discount compared to originator Avastin, with future discounts likely to deepen.
- Competitive dynamics and regulatory policies will shape pricing, with potential for further price erosion by 2028.
- International expansion and indication approvals present growth opportunities despite ongoing market saturation risks.
- Strategic collaborations and tailored contracting are essential for maximizing profitability in a highly competitive biosimilar market.
FAQs
Q1: What are the primary drivers influencing the price of Zirabev?
A: Price drivers include biosimilar market penetration, payer negotiations, regulatory policies, and manufacturing competition.
Q2: How does Zirabev’s pricing compare internationally?
A: International pricing varies widely, often reflecting regional healthcare policies; generally, biosimilars like Zirabev are offered at substantial discounts compared to originator products globally.
Q3: What is the typical discount rate for biosimilars compared to originator biologics?
A: Biosimilars typically range from 15% to 30% discount, with deeper discounts achievable through negotiated rebates and formulary strategies.
Q4: What are the main risks that could affect Zirabev’s price projections?
A: Patent litigations, market saturation, regulatory hurdles, and payer resistance could all suppress price growth.
Q5: How can manufacturers capitalize on the biosimilar market for bevacizumab?
A: They can focus on expanding indications, entering emerging markets, forging strategic partnerships, and optimizing supply chain efficiency to sustain competitive pricing and market share.
References
[1] IQVIA. (2022). Biosimilar Market Data.
[2] FDA. (2017). Approval announcement for Zirabev.
[3] Market Watch Reports. (2023). Oncology Biosimilars Pricing Trends.
