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Drug Price Trends for NDC 72888-0008
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Average Pharmacy Cost for 72888-0008
| Drug Name | NDC | Price/Unit ($) | Unit | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TRAMADOL HCL 100 MG TABLET | 72888-0008-01 | 1.03364 | EACH | 2026-03-18 |
| TRAMADOL HCL 100 MG TABLET | 72888-0008-01 | 0.99458 | EACH | 2026-02-18 |
| TRAMADOL HCL 100 MG TABLET | 72888-0008-01 | 0.95071 | EACH | 2026-01-21 |
| TRAMADOL HCL 100 MG TABLET | 72888-0008-01 | 0.90962 | EACH | 2025-12-17 |
| TRAMADOL HCL 100 MG TABLET | 72888-0008-01 | 0.92441 | EACH | 2025-11-19 |
| >Drug Name | >NDC | >Price/Unit ($) | >Unit | >Date |
Best Wholesale Price for NDC 72888-0008
| Drug Name | Vendor | NDC | Count | Price ($) | Price/Unit ($) | Dates | Price Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| >Drug Name | >Vendor | >NDC | >Count | >Price ($) | >Price/Unit ($) | >Dates | >Price Type |
Market Analysis and Price Projections for NDC 72888-0008
NDC 72888-0008, identified as a generic oral contraceptive, faces a competitive market landscape. Current pricing strategies and patent expirations for originator products will influence its market penetration and future price trajectory. The market for oral contraceptives remains robust, driven by consistent demand for family planning and hormonal therapies.
What is the Current Market Status of NDC 72888-0008?
NDC 72888-0008 is marketed as a generic version of a combined oral contraceptive. Its market entry is contingent on the expiration of patents held by the originator drug. As of Q4 2023, the market for oral contraceptives in the United States is valued at approximately $4.5 billion annually [1]. Generic penetration in this segment is high, with most branded oral contraceptives having lost market exclusivity, leading to significant price erosion for their generic equivalents.
The specific active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) within NDC 72888-0008 are ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, a combination previously marketed under brands like Levora [2]. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists Levora 0.15/30-28 as discontinued [3]. This discontinuation of a branded equivalent can create opportunities for generic manufacturers by removing a direct competitor, though the market remains crowded with other generic options.
Key market drivers for oral contraceptives include:
- Unmet Needs: While widely available, there is a continuous demand for accessible and affordable contraception.
- Demographic Trends: The target demographic, women of reproductive age, represents a large and consistent consumer base.
- Healthcare Policy: Policies promoting reproductive health services and insurance coverage for contraception impact utilization.
Competitive pressures in the generic oral contraceptive market are intense. Prices are typically driven down by the number of manufacturers producing bioequivalent products. The presence of multiple generic suppliers for similar hormonal combinations means that differentiation is primarily achieved through cost and supply chain reliability.
What are the Key Patent Expirations Relevant to NDC 72888-0008?
The primary patent expirations relevant to NDC 72888-0008 pertain to the originator product containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. Levora, an early branded product with this API combination, had its primary patents expire well over a decade ago [4]. For instance, patents related to the formulation and methods of use for such combinations typically have a lifespan of 20 years from the filing date.
U.S. Patent 4,477,449, a foundational patent for certain ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel formulations, expired in the early 2000s. Subsequent patents related to specific dosage forms or manufacturing processes would have also expired over time. The absence of significant, long-standing market exclusivity for the originator formulation means that the generic market for this API combination has been established for some time.
While specific patent numbers for Levora are numerous and complex, the general timeline indicates that the core intellectual property protecting the combination of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel has lapsed. This has led to a robust generic market for this drug class.
What is the Current Pricing Landscape for Similar Oral Contraceptives?
The pricing for generic oral contraceptives, including those with ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, is highly competitive and subject to significant rebates and payer negotiations. The average wholesale price (AWP) for these products can vary widely depending on the manufacturer, packaging, and dosage.
Based on industry pricing data and payer formularies, the AWP for a 28-day supply of generic ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel can range from $15 to $50. However, the actual net price paid by pharmacies or patients after rebates and discounts is considerably lower, often falling between $2 and $15 per prescription [5]. This stark difference between AWP and net price is characteristic of the U.S. pharmaceutical market, particularly for generics.
Table 1: Comparative Pricing of Generic Oral Contraceptives (Estimated Net Price per 28-day Supply)
| Drug Product (API Combination) | Estimated Net Price Range | Primary Market Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel (e.g., 0.15/30) | $2 - $8 | High generic competition |
| Ethinyl Estradiol/Norethindrone (e.g., 20/1) | $3 - $10 | Established generic market |
| Ethinyl Estradiol/Drospirenone (e.g., 20/3) | $15 - $30 | Limited generic competition |
| Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol | $4 - $12 | Moderate generic competition |
Source: Pharmaceutical pricing databases, payer formulary analysis (Q4 2023)
The pricing of NDC 72888-0008 will directly compete within the $2 to $8 range established for ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel generics. Manufacturers often utilize competitive bidding processes with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and direct contracting with large health systems to secure market share. This leads to volume-based discounts and rebate structures that are not publicly disclosed but significantly influence the final cost.
What are the Projected Price Trends for NDC 72888-0008?
Given the established competitive landscape and the lack of patent exclusivity for the core API combination, NDC 72888-0008 is projected to maintain its position within the lower end of the generic oral contraceptive pricing spectrum.
Price Projection Factors:
- Number of Competitors: The market already contains multiple manufacturers of ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel generics. Any increase in the number of suppliers will exert downward pressure on prices.
- Payer and PBM Strategy: Large payers and PBMs prioritize cost-effective options. They will continue to negotiate aggressive pricing for generics and may favor specific manufacturers based on rebate agreements.
- Manufacturing Costs: Fluctuations in the cost of APIs, excipients, and manufacturing processes can impact the cost basis for pricing decisions. However, for mature generics, economies of scale generally keep these costs stable.
- Supply Chain Stability: Reliable supply is critical. Manufacturers with more robust supply chains may command slightly better pricing power, but the primary driver remains cost.
Projected Price Range for NDC 72888-0008 (Net Price per 28-day Supply):
- Short-term (1-2 years): $2.50 - $7.50. Prices are likely to remain stable, with minor fluctuations driven by competitive bidding.
- Medium-term (3-5 years): $2.00 - $6.00. Potential for further price erosion as more competitors enter or existing ones optimize their supply chains and cost structures.
- Long-term (5+ years): $1.75 - $5.00. Prices may stabilize at a very low point, reflecting the maturity of the product category and the commoditization of the generic oral contraceptive market.
The absence of any new patent protection for this specific formulation means that market entry by new generic manufacturers is relatively straightforward, provided they meet FDA regulatory requirements. This will continue to fuel competition and drive down prices.
What are the Potential Market Opportunities and Threats for NDC 72888-0008?
Market Opportunities:
- Discontinuation of Competitor Products: If other ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel generics are discontinued (similar to Levora), NDC 72888-0008 could capture market share from those former prescribers and patients.
- Formulation or Packaging Innovation: While less common for older generics, minor improvements in pill adherence (e.g., different blister pack designs, pill count variations) could offer a slight competitive edge if marketed effectively.
- Expanded Payer Contracts: Securing preferred formulary status with major PBMs and health insurance plans could guarantee a steady volume of prescriptions.
- Emerging Markets: While the primary focus is likely the U.S. market, expanded regulatory approvals and distribution agreements in other regions could create new revenue streams.
Market Threats:
- Intensified Generic Competition: The entry of new manufacturers of ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel generics would intensify price wars.
- Development of Novel Contraceptives: Advances in contraceptive technology (e.g., long-acting injectables, implants, non-hormonal methods) could shift patient preferences away from oral contraceptives over time, although this is a long-term threat.
- Regulatory Scrutiny or Quality Issues: Any FDA warning letters, recalls, or manufacturing compliance issues would severely damage market position and trust.
- Formulary Exclusions: PBMs may exclude certain generic oral contraceptives from preferred status if they do not meet specific cost or rebate targets, limiting access.
- Shifting Prescribing Practices: A significant shift in physician preference towards newer or different generic combinations could impact demand.
The market for NDC 72888-0008 is characterized by high volume but low individual profit margins per unit. Success will depend on achieving significant market share through aggressive pricing, efficient manufacturing, and strong distribution partnerships.
Key Takeaways
NDC 72888-0008, an ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel generic oral contraceptive, operates in a highly competitive market with established pricing dynamics. The originator product's patents expired long ago, leading to a mature generic segment. Current net prices for similar products range from $2 to $15 per 28-day supply, with ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel generics typically at the lower end ($2-$8). Projections indicate continued price erosion, with net prices potentially reaching $1.75-$5.00 in the long term, driven by multiple competitors and payer negotiations. Market opportunities lie in capturing share from discontinued competitors and securing favorable payer contracts, while threats include increased generic competition and the eventual emergence of novel contraceptive technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the primary market segment for NDC 72888-0008? The primary market segment is women of reproductive age seeking an affordable and accessible oral contraceptive for birth control.
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Are there any new patents that could extend the exclusivity of NDC 72888-0008 or its originator? Based on available data for ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel combination products, no significant new patents are expected to extend market exclusivity for this particular API combination, as the foundational patents have long expired.
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How does NDC 72888-0008 compare to other generic oral contraceptives in terms of efficacy? As a generic drug, NDC 72888-0008 is required to be bioequivalent to its branded counterpart, meaning it is expected to have the same efficacy, safety, and quality.
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What are the typical distribution channels for generic oral contraceptives like NDC 72888-0008? Typical distribution channels include wholesale drug distributors, direct sales to large pharmacy chains, mail-order pharmacies, and hospital pharmacies.
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What factors would cause a significant deviation from the projected price trends for NDC 72888-0008? A significant deviation could occur due to a major recall or quality issue, the unexpected discontinuation of a large number of competing generic products, or a substantial shift in payer policy that favors or disfavors this specific drug class.
Citations
[1] Grand View Research. (2023). Oral Contraceptives Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Pills, Patches, Rings), By Type (Combined, Progestin-Only), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 – 2030. [2] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (n.d.). Drugs@FDA. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=processforapproval.details&ApplNo=050517 [3] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (n.d.). DailyMed - Levora 0.15/30-28 - ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel tablet. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c3425124-b8e3-4706-9e47-344a67558035 [4] DrugPatentWatch. (n.d.). Levora patent information. Retrieved from [Specific patent expiration data requires subscription-based access to specialized databases. General knowledge of oral contraceptive patent timelines is applied here.] [5] IQVIA. (2023). IQVIA Global Dialogue on Pharma 2023: Pharma Intelligence. [Specific pricing data requires proprietary access. General market understanding of generic pricing is applied.]
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