Introduction
Metoprolol tartrate, identified by the National Drug Code (NDC) 72888-004, is a widely used medication in the cardiovascular therapeutic class. It is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), and certain heart-related conditions. Here, we will delve into the market analysis and price projections for this drug.
Market Overview
Metoprolol tartrate is a generic drug, which means it is not protected by a patent and can be manufactured by multiple pharmaceutical companies. This generic status significantly influences its market dynamics and pricing.
Therapeutic Class
Metoprolol tartrate falls under the cardiovascular agents therapeutic class, which is one of the three classes that accounted for more than half of the extraordinary price increases in brand-name drug products, although this is more relevant to brand-name drugs[2].
Generic Competition
The presence of multiple generic manufacturers, such as Advagen Pharma Limited, which labels and distributes this specific NDC, drives competition and typically keeps prices lower compared to brand-name drugs[1][4].
Pricing Dynamics
Current Pricing
The pricing of metoprolol tartrate is generally stable due to its generic status. Prices are influenced by the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) and other wholesale price indices. For example, the NADAC pricing for similar generic drugs often reflects a low cost per unit, typically under $1 per tablet[5].
Price Projections
Given the generic nature of metoprolol tartrate, significant price increases are unlikely. Here are a few factors that might influence future pricing:
- Competition: The presence of multiple generic manufacturers will continue to keep prices competitive and stable.
- Raw Material Costs: Any fluctuations in the cost of raw materials could slightly impact the final product price, but this is usually minimal.
- Regulatory Changes: Changes in regulatory policies or healthcare reimbursement rates could indirectly affect the pricing, but these are generally not drastic for established generic drugs.
Market Trends
Demand
The demand for metoprolol tartrate remains steady due to its widespread use in managing cardiovascular conditions. This consistent demand helps maintain a stable market for the drug.
Supply Chain
The supply chain for generic drugs like metoprolol tartrate is robust, with multiple manufacturers and distributors ensuring a steady supply. This reduces the likelihood of price spikes due to supply shortages.
Comparison with Other Therapeutic Classes
Cardiovascular Agents
While cardiovascular agents as a class have seen extraordinary price increases in some brand-name drugs, the generic nature of metoprolol tartrate shields it from such significant price fluctuations[2].
Other Generic Drugs
The pricing of metoprolol tartrate aligns with other generic drugs in the cardiovascular therapeutic class, which are generally priced low due to high competition.
Impact of Patent Expirations
Although metoprolol tartrate itself is not affected by patent expirations (since it is already a generic drug), the overall market can be influenced by the patent status of related or competing drugs. For instance, the expiration of patents for other cardiovascular drugs could lead to increased generic competition, potentially stabilizing or reducing prices across the therapeutic class[3].
Global Market Perspective
Regional Variations
Prices for metoprolol tartrate can vary by region due to different regulatory environments, healthcare systems, and local market conditions. However, the generic status of the drug generally keeps prices low across different regions.
Emerging Markets
In emerging markets, particularly in countries like China, the demand for cardiovascular drugs is increasing due to growing incidence rates of heart diseases. This could lead to increased sales volumes, but the price per unit is likely to remain stable due to generic competition[3].
Key Takeaways
- Stable Pricing: Metoprolol tartrate is expected to maintain stable pricing due to its generic status and high competition.
- Consistent Demand: The steady demand for this drug ensures a stable market.
- Minimal Price Fluctuations: Price changes are unlikely to be significant, influenced mainly by raw material costs and regulatory changes.
- Global Market Stability: The global market for metoprolol tartrate is expected to remain stable, with regional variations in pricing but overall low costs.
FAQs
Q: What is the current NDC for metoprolol tartrate tablets?
A: The NDC for metoprolol tartrate tablets is 72888-004[1][4].
Q: Who is the labeler and distributor of metoprolol tartrate with NDC 72888-004?
A: The labeler and distributor is Advagen Pharma Limited[1][4].
Q: What is the therapeutic class of metoprolol tartrate?
A: Metoprolol tartrate falls under the cardiovascular agents therapeutic class[1][2].
Q: Are significant price increases expected for metoprolol tartrate?
A: No, significant price increases are unlikely due to the generic status and high competition in the market[2][5].
Q: How does the global market impact the pricing of metoprolol tartrate?
A: The global market, particularly in emerging regions, may see increased demand, but the price per unit is expected to remain stable due to generic competition[3].
Sources
- FDA Report: NDC 72888-004 Oral Tablet, Film Coated Metoprolol Tartrate Drug.
- GAO Report: GAO-10-201 Brand-Name Prescription Drug Pricing.
- GlobalData: NSCLC MARKET - Global Drug Forecast & Market Analysis to 2025.
- DailyMed: Label: METOPROLOL TARTRATE tablet, film coated.
- NADAC Pricing: Complete listing table of the most recent wholesale prices for NDC Codes.
