Last updated: February 15, 2026
What Is NDC 72888-0182?
The National Drug Code (NDC) 72888-0182 corresponds to a specific medication, identified as Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir (Epclusa), a combination antiviral used for treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Approved by the FDA, Epclusa offers a pan-genotypic approach, targeting multiple strains of HCV.
Market Overview
Market Size & Trends
- The global hepatitis C market is valued at approximately $12 billion in 2022, with the US accounting for roughly 50% of sales.
- The market annual growth rate is estimated at 3-4%, driven by increased screening, new therapeutic approvals, and treatment access expansion.
- The U.S. comprises about 35% of the global market share, with increased adoption of pan-genotypic treatments like Epclusa reducing the need for genotype-specific therapies.
Key Competitors
- Gilead Sciences’ Harvoni (ledipasvir and sofosbuvir)
- AbbVie's Mavyret (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir)
- Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Daclatasvir-based regimens
Prescriber & Payer Dynamics
- Payers prioritize cost-effectiveness; the high cure rates of Epclusa have facilitated broader coverage.
- Prescriber adoption hinges on treatment guidelines, with major organizations endorsing pan-genotypic regimens as first-line therapies.
Pricing Landscape
- List Price: The federal government’s maximum allowable sale price (MAP) for Epclusa approximates $74,760 per 12-week treatment course [1].
- Average Wholesale Price (AWP): Reported at about $97,164.
- Net Price: Post-discounts and rebates, the average net price in the US drops substantially to around $50,000–$60,000 per course.
Reimbursement & Coverage
- Insurance coverage varies; Medicaid and commercial plans typically negotiate substantial discounts.
- Patient assistance programs and discount coupons reduce out-of-pocket expenses but do not impact manufacturer list or net prices directly.
Price Trends & Projections
Historical Price Trends
- Initial list prices of hepatitis C therapies ranged between $70,000 and $100,000 per course.
- Prices experienced slight declines owing to increased market competition, generic entry, and manufacturer rebate strategies.
- For Epclusa, the list price stabilized around $75,000 since 2020, with net prices estimated to trend downward as rebates and discounts grow.
Future Price Projections (Next 3-5 Years)
| Year |
Estimated List Price |
Estimated Net Price |
Key Drivers |
| 2023 |
$74,760 |
$50,000–$55,000 |
Patent protections, moderate competition, inflation |
| 2024 |
$74,000 |
$48,000–$53,000 |
Increased rebates, entry of biosimilars |
| 2025 |
$73,500 |
$45,000–$50,000 |
Market saturation, further rebate strategies |
| 2026 |
$73,000 |
$43,000–$48,000 |
Patent exclusivity remaining, price sensitivity |
Factors Influencing Price Reductions
- Patent expirations (currently not imminent)
- The introduction of biosimilar and generic formulations
- Payer negotiations to control costs
- Policy shifts favoring lower drug prices and value-based agreements
Regulatory & Policy Environment
- The FDA continues to approve pan-genotypic agents that can replace older, genotype-specific therapies, pressuring existing drug prices.
- The Biden administration's focus on drug pricing reform could impact the prices of hepatitis C medications. Legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act may limit rebate sizes and promote transparency.
- State Medicaid programs hold significant negotiating power; recent policies aim to cap drug prices or require negotiation for high-cost drugs.
Key Takeaways
- NDC 72888-0182 (Epclusa) remains a dominant pan-genotypic hepatitis C treatment with stable pricing around $75,000 list price.
- Market is mature with limited near-term generic entry; pricing pressures are driven more by rebate strategies and policy reforms.
- Competition from other highly effective regimens and ongoing policy initiatives suggest potential future price reductions, likely bringing net costs closer to $40,000–$50,000 per course within five years.
- The value proposition of Epclusa underscores high cure rates, broad genotypic coverage, and simplified treatment protocols, supporting sustained demand despite high list prices.
References
[1] CMS Drug Rebates & Pricing Data, 2022.
[2] EvaluatePharma, Global Oncology & Hepatitis Markets, 2022.
[3] IQVIA, National Sales Data, 2022.
[4] FDA Drug Approvals and Labeling.
[5] Industry Analyst Reports, 2022.
FAQs
Q1: How does the current price of Epclusa compare to other hepatitis C treatments?
A1: It is comparable to other high-cost, pan-genotypic regimens like Mavyret, though some generics offer much lower prices.
Q2: What factors could reduce the price of NDC 72888-0182 within the next five years?
A2: Patent expirations, biosimilar or generic entry, increased rebates, and policy reforms targeting drug costs.
Q3: How does the payer environment affect the net price of this drug?
A3: Payer negotiations, rebates, and discount programs significantly lower the net price paid by insurers and pharmacy benefit managers.
Q4: Will the drug's market share decline due to new therapies?
A4: No, currently Epclusa maintains a significant share because of its broad genotypic efficacy and simplified treatment regimen.
Q5: What is the outlook for global markets outside the US?
A5: Lower pricing is common in emerging markets, where access remains limited. Developed countries are adopting similar reimbursement strategies to US models.
