Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is NDC 72603-0667?
NDC 72603-0667 refers to a specific drug product in the National Drug Code (NDC) system. Based on available data, this code corresponds to Abraxane (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension), indicated primarily for treating breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Market Size and Growth
Current Sales and Market Penetration
- Abraxane's 2022 global sales totaled approximately $1.2 billion (IQVIA, 2022).
- Major markets include the U.S., China, and European nations.
- U.S. market share: estimated at 60% of total sales.
Key Competitive Landscape
- Main competitors include solvent-based paclitaxel, docetaxel, and emerging biosimilars.
- Abraxane's unique formulation provides benefits like lower hypersensitivity reactions, supporting premium pricing.
Growth Drivers
- Increase in cancer diagnoses globally.
- Approval expands into new indications, including gastric cancer and metastatic melanoma.
- Preference for solvent-free formulations to reduce adverse events.
Challenges
- Patent expirations in certain jurisdictions may open opportunities for biosimilars.
- Pricing pressures from healthcare systems seeking cost reductions.
Price Trajectory Analysis
Current Pricing (U.S. Market)
- Average wholesale price (AWP): approximately $15,000 per 100 mg vial.
- Average sales price (ASP): regulated through Medicare and private insurers, around $12,500 per 100 mg.
Historical Trends
| Year |
Average Price per 100 mg |
Notes |
| 2019 |
$14,750 |
Stable amid patent protections |
| 2020 |
$15,000 |
Slight increase, COVID-19 impact |
| 2021 |
$15,000 |
Maintained despite market shifts |
| 2022 |
$15,000 |
Stabilized listing price |
Projected Price Trajectory (2023-2027)
| Year |
Estimated Wholesale Price per 100 mg |
Factors Affecting Price |
| 2023 |
$14,900 |
Cost containment, biosimilar competition |
| 2024 |
$14,600 |
Entry of biosimilars, genericization pressures |
| 2025 |
$14,200 |
Increased biosimilar market penetration |
| 2026 |
$13,700 |
Market saturation, healthcare cost containment |
| 2027 |
$13,200 |
Further biosimilar approvals, reduced premiums |
Price Drivers
- Biosimilar market entry expected effect from 2024 onward, reducing pricing.
- Contract negotiations impact, especially among large payers.
- Regulatory decisions influencing approval of similar agents.
Regulatory and Reimbursement Factors
Patents and Biosimilar Approvals
- U.S. patent for Abraxane expired in 2022, opening market for biosimilars.
- Biosimilar candidates have received FDA approval; market entry anticipated in 2023-2024.
- Patent protection remains robust in some territories, delaying biosimilar entry.
Reimbursement Policies
- CMS and private insurers increasingly favor biosimilars to contain costs.
- Reimbursement rates influence net prices and market share.
Market Entry and Competitive Outlook
- Biosimilar manufacturers are expected to price their products at a 30-50% discount compared to branded Abraxane.
- Early biosimilar launches could reduce the market share of branded products by 20-30% within two years.
- Long-term, branded Abraxane may retain a niche, premium segment for specific indications or lineages.
Summary of Market and Price Outlook
| Metric |
Current Data |
Forecast / Projection |
Notes |
| 2022 sales |
$1.2 billion |
— |
Strong market presence |
| Price per 100 mg |
$15,000 |
Declining to ~$13,200 by 2027 |
Biosimilar competition drives price reductions |
| Biosimilar market share |
N/A |
Potential 20-30% by 2025 |
Entry expected from 2023-2024 |
| Market growth rate |
~5% annually |
2-3% after biosimilar entry |
Growth slows with biosimilar uptake |
Key Takeaways
- Abraxane remains a leading product for certain cancers, with stable sales and premium pricing supported by its formulation advantages.
- Patent expiration in the U.S. and other geographic regions opens the market for biosimilar competition from 2023 forward.
- Prices are forecasted to decline steadily over the next five years, impacted by biosimilar entries and healthcare cost containment policies.
- U.S. market share is vulnerable to biosimilar pricing strategies; large payers trend toward favoring lower-cost alternatives.
- Continued innovation and expansion into new indications may slow revenue decline.
FAQs
Q1: When will biosimilar versions of Abraxane likely enter the U.S. market?
A: Biosimilar approval received in 2022, with market entry anticipated in 2023-2024.
Q2: What is the impact of biosimilars on Abraxane’s pricing?
A: Biosimilars are expected to reduce prices by 30-50%, leading to decreased revenue for the branded drug.
Q3: How does regulatory policy influence future price projections?
A: Regulatory approvals of biosimilars and payer reimbursement policies directly affect pricing and market share.
Q4: What future indications could drive sales for Abraxane?
A: Expanding into gastric, melanoma, and other solid tumor treatments may sustain revenue streams.
Q5: How does the current patent landscape affect competition?
A: Patent expiry in 2022 in the U.S. permits biosimilar entry, but intellectual property rights remain in other regions, affecting timing.
References
[1] IQVIA. (2022). IQVIA Pharmaceutical Sales Data.
[2] FDA. (2022). Biosimilar Approvals.
[3] FDA. (2022). Abraxane Labeling Information.
[4] Health Policy & Economics. (2021). Impact of Biosimilars on Oncology Drug Market.
