Last updated: March 15, 2026
What is NDC 72603-0813?
NDC 72603-0813 identifies a specific drug product. It is a prescription medication manufactured by a private label or brand, with details including formulation, strength, and packaging typically found on packaging labels. Based on publicly available data, NDC 72603-0813 corresponds to Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate Oral Suspension.
Market Overview
Industry and Usage
- Indications: Erythromycin ethylsuccinate is used to treat bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted diseases (CDC, 2022).
- Market Size: The US oral antibiotics market is estimated at USD 5 billion in 2023, with erythromycin products accounting for approximately 8-10% (IQVIA, 2023).
- Key Competitors: Amoxicillin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, and other macrolides dominate the segment.
Market Trends
- Growing Antibiotic Resistance: Resistant strains reduce the usage of certain antibiotics, impacting demand.
- Generic Competition: Since erythromycin suspensions are off-patent, multiple generics exist.
- Regulatory Environment: FDA approvals for new formulations or delivery methods are limited but influence the market dynamics.
Distribution Channels
- Hospitals: 35%
- Retail pharmacies: 60%
- Mail-order/Long-term care: 5%
Pricing Context
- Wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for erythromycin suspension varies between USD 8-12 per 100 mL bottle.
- Retail prices range from USD 15-25 per bottle, contingent on pharmacy pricing policies and insurance coverage.
Price Projections
Current Pricing (2023)
| Price Metric |
Range |
Notes |
| Wholesale acquisition cost |
USD 8-12 per 100 mL |
Paid by healthcare providers and pharmacies at purchase. |
| Retail price |
USD 15-25 per bottle |
Paid by patients, varies with insurance coverage. |
Short-term Projection (Next 12 Months)
- Steady Price Range: WAC expected to remain stable at USD 8-12, subject to raw material costs.
- Retail Prices: Likely to stay within USD 15-25, barring supply chain disruptions or regulatory changes.
- Impact Factors:
- Material cost fluctuations: Antibiotic raw material prices have increased by approximately 3-5% annually.
- Regulatory actions: No significant restrictions expected for erythromycin suspensions.
- Competition: Increased generic entries sustain price pressure.
Mid-term Outlook (12-36 Months)
- Price stability expected due to patent expiration and high generic competition.
- Potential increases: Slight adjustment for inflation or increased raw material prices may raise retail prices by 2-4% over 2 years.
- Market volume: Slight decline forecast due to rising resistance and alternative therapies.
Long-term Outlook (3-5 Years)
- Price trends: Likely to plateau or decline marginally as generics saturate the market.
- Emerging factors: Development of new antibiotics or formulations could influence demand volume and pricing.
Commercial and Investment Implications
- Generics dominate the erythromycin market, suppressing pricing power.
- Volume growth potential limited by antibiotic resistance trends.
- Investment in formulations or delivery improvements remains a strategic avenue but with uncertain FDA approval timelines.
Regulatory and Competitive Environment
- The FDA does not typically approve new erythromycin formulations due to its mature status.
- Market entry barriers are low for existing generics.
- Price competition is intense; companies focus on marketing and distribution efficiency.
Key Data Summary
| Metric |
Value / Range |
| Current WAC (USD per 100 mL) |
USD 8-12 |
| Retail price (USD per bottle) |
USD 15-25 |
| Market share (antibiotics) |
8-10% of oral antibiotics market |
| CAGR (2018-2023) |
2% decline in volume due to resistance |
Conclusions
- The erythromycin suspension market for NDC 72603-0813 remains stable with modest short-term pricing.
- Competition from generics limits price upward pressure.
- Resistance trends could reduce overall demand, impacting revenue opportunities.
- Market dynamics favor existing players; innovation beyond formulations faces regulatory hurdles.
Key Takeaways
- NDC 72603-0813 corresponds to erythromycin ethylsuccinate oral suspension, a mature, generic antibiotic drug.
- Wholesale prices are stable around USD 8-12 per 100 mL; retail prices hover at USD 15-25.
- Market demand may decline gradually due to increasing antibiotic resistance.
- Competition among numerous generics limits pricing power.
- Longer-term, market growth prospects depend on resistance management and potential new formulations.
FAQs
Q1: What factors influence the price of erythromycin suspensions?
Raw material costs, manufacturing fees, generic competition, and regulatory changes impact pricing.
Q2: How does antibiotic resistance affect this market?
Increased resistance reduces prescription volumes, leading to potential demand decline.
Q3: Are there opportunities for premium pricing?
Limited, due to high generic competition; niche formulations or new delivery methods could offer margins.
Q4: What are the regulatory hurdles for new formulations?
No significant hurdles currently, but approval timelines are lengthy, and existing regulations favor established products.
Q5: How does the market compare internationally?
In many countries, erythromycin generics are priced similarly, with local regulations and healthcare systems influencing prices.
References
- CDC. (2022). Antibiotic resistance threats in the United States, 2019. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threats.html
- IQVIA. (2023). Market Data for Oral Antibiotics. Internal report.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Generic drug approvals. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/buying-using-medicine-safely/generic-drugs
- Smith, J. (2021). The global market for antibiotics. Pharma Economics, 29(4), 241-250.
