Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is NDC 72603-0816?
NDC 72603-0816 is the National Drug Code for Aflibercept (Eylea), a monoclonal antibody used primarily to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema, and other retinal disorders. It is marketed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
Market Overview
Market Size and Growth
The retinal drug market, led by aflibercept, exhibits steady growth driven by increasing prevalence of AMD, diabetes, and related ocular conditions.
| Metric |
Value |
Notes |
| Global retinal agents market size |
$4.7 billion (2022) |
Expected to grow at 4.8% CAGR from 2023 to 2030 |
| Aflibercept share of market |
Approximately 65% |
Outpacing rivals like ranibizumab and bevacizumab |
| U.S. market size (2022) |
$2.3 billion |
Represents a majority of sales in North America |
Competitors and Market Share
| Drug Name |
Market Share |
Manufacturer |
Indications |
| Aflibercept (Eylea) |
65% |
Regeneron |
AMD, diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion |
| Ranibizumab (Lucentis) |
25% |
Genentech/Roche |
AMD, diabetic retinopathy |
| Bevacizumab (Off-label) |
10% |
Genentech/Roche (off-label) |
AMD, diabetic retinopathy |
Patient Demographics
- U.S. patients diagnosed with wet AMD: approx. 2 million (2022).
- Diabetic macular edema patients: estimated 20 million globally.
Market Drivers
- Rising prevalence of AMD and diabetic retinopathy.
- Aging population increasing demand.
- Ongoing clinical trials expanding indications.
Price Analysis and Projections
Current Pricing Landscape
| Price Component |
Price Range (per dose) |
Notes |
| Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) |
$1,850 - $2,200 |
Depends on package size and region |
| Average selling price (ASP) |
~$2,000 |
Used in economic modeling |
| Cost per treatment (annual) |
$24,000 - $30,000 |
Based on 3 injections per year, typical for AMD |
Price Trends (2020-2023)
- Stable pricing for the branded product amid increased demand.
- Price reductions observed in some markets due to biosimilar competition (unlikely for Eylea in the U.S. as biosimilars are limited).
Future Price Projections (2024-2028)
| Year |
Estimated ASP |
Justification |
| 2024 |
$2,100 |
Stable, with minor inflation adjustments |
| 2025 |
$2,150 |
Slightly increased due to inflation, potential market pressures |
| 2026 |
$2,200 |
Stable, as biosimilar competition remains limited in the U.S. |
| 2027 |
$2,250 |
Marginal increase possible with increased demand or new indications |
| 2028 |
$2,300 |
Continued slight inflation; no major biosimilar entry in sight |
Price Drivers and Risks
- Biosimilar entry could reduce prices by 10-15% in markets outside the U.S.
- Patent protections expire in various regions through 2027-2028, increasing generic competition.
- Market expansion into emerging economies might pressure price adjustments.
Regulatory and Reimbursement Environment
- U.S. FDA approval for new indications could expand market size.
- CMS reimbursement policies favor high-cost drugs, maintaining price stability.
- International prices vary, often driven by government negotiations and healthcare policies.
Key Market Opportunities and Risks
Opportunities
- Expanding indications such as diabetic retinopathy.
- Launch into emerging markets with growing ophthalmology sectors.
- Development of longer-lasting formulations to reduce treatment frequency.
Risks
- Biosimilar competition reducing market share and pricing.
- Regulatory delays or restrictions.
- Reimbursement cuts in key markets like the U.S.
Summary of Price and Market Outlook
| Aspect |
Outlook |
| Market Growth Rate |
4.8% CAGR (2023-2030) |
| Key Drivers |
Rising AMD and diabetic retinopathy prevalence |
| Price Stability |
Stable through 2023, slight increases expected |
| Impact of Biosimilars |
Moderate, may disrupt pricing post-2027 |
| Regional Dynamics |
U.S. maintains premium pricing; emerging markets lower |
Key Takeaways
- The global retinal drug market is growing steadily, with aflibercept capturing a dominant share.
- Current treatment prices range $24,000 to $30,000 annually, with little volatility expected before biosimilar entry.
- Price projections suggest gradual increases up to $2,300 ASP by 2028.
- Biosimilar competition and patent cliffs pose risks to margin stability.
- Regulatory expansion and new indications could sustain future growth.
FAQs
Q1: What factors influence aflibercept’s price in different markets?
Pricing depends on regional healthcare systems, negotiation power, patent status, and competition from biosimilars.
Q2: When are biosimilars expected to enter the market for aflibercept?
Biosimilar applications are under review or approved in Europe; U.S. bios.You are referring to is not yet facing biosimilar competition due to patent protections, expected to expire around 2027–2028.
Q3: How does the growing prevalence of AMD impact future sales?
An aging global population and increased AMD diagnoses will expand target patient pools, supporting sales growth.
Q4: What are potential risks to price stability for aflibercept?
Biosimilar entries, patent expirations, regulatory restrictions, and reimbursement policies can reduce prices.
Q5: Are there upcoming clinical trials that could change market dynamics?
Yes, ongoing trials for longer-lasting formulations and new indications may expand the market and influence pricing strategies.
References
- Grand View Research (2022). Retinal Disease Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis.
- IQVIA (2022). U.S. Prescription Drug Market Statistics.
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (2023). Eylea FDA Approval Documents.
- World Health Organization (2022). Global Ageing and Eye Disease Data.
- FDA (2022). Biosimilar Approvals and Patent Expiry Dates.
