Last updated: March 2, 2026
What Is the Drug Associated with NDC 72888-0241?
NDC 72888-0241 is identified as Alfuzosin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets. It is used primarily to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This drug belongs to the class of alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists.
Market Size and Demand Dynamics
Incidence and Prevalence of BPH
- BPH impacts approximately 50% of men aged 51-60 and up to 90% of men over 80 years old [1].
- The global prevalence is projected to grow due to aging populations, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Current Market Players and Competition
| Company |
Product Name |
Formulation |
Market Share (Estimate) |
Approval Date |
| Boehringer Ingelheim |
Alfuzosin (Uroxatral) |
Extended-release |
40% |
2000 (US) |
| Teva |
Generic Alfuzosin |
Extended-release |
25% |
2010s (US) |
| Other manufacturers |
Multiple generics |
Multiple |
35% |
Various |
Trends and Competitive Pressure
- Generic versions dominate the market due to patent expiration.
- Pricing pressure from generics has driven prices downward.
- The average annual treatment cost for branded Alfuzosin is approximately $120-150 per month, while generics are priced around $80-100 [2].
Price Projections
Historical Pricing Data
| Year |
Average Price (Monthly, USD) |
Notes |
| 2015 |
$140 |
Branded product |
| 2015 |
$85 |
Generic available |
| 2020 |
$130 |
Branded price slight decrease |
| 2020 |
$75 |
Generics price stable |
Forecasted Price Trends (Next 5 Years)
- Branded Alfuzosin: Price likely to decline by 10-15% annually, reaching approximately $100-110 by 2028 due to increased competition and market saturation.
- Generics: Prices expected to remain stable around $70-90, with potential further reductions in high-volume markets.
Factors Influencing Pricing
- Patent expirations: Additional generic entries could further reduce prices.
- Regulatory policies: Price controls or reimbursement changes could pressure margins.
- Market penetration: Increased adoption in emerging markets may stabilize or slightly increase prices due to less price sensitivity.
- Supply chain dynamics: Raw material costs for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) impact production costs.
Market Outlook and Investment Considerations
- The BPH treatment market is mature, with slow growth rates (~2-3% annually).
- Innovations such as combination therapies or novel delivery systems pose potential future competition but currently have limited market penetration.
- Contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) and API suppliers could benefit from increased demand as generics saturate mature markets.
Risks and Opportunities
- Risks: Pricing pressure from generic competition, regulatory changes, and market saturation.
- Opportunities: Entry into emerging markets, development of improved formulations, or combination therapies for superior efficacy or reduced side effects.
Summary
| Aspect |
Data |
| Main indication |
BPH |
| Market size |
Global, over 200 million men affected |
| Price trend |
Branded: decline from ~$140 to ~$110 (2023-2028); Generics: ~$70-90 |
| Key competitors |
Branded: Boehringer Ingelheim; Generics: Multiple manufacturers |
Key Takeaways
- The drug in question is Alfuzosin extended-release, primarily used for BPH treatment.
- Market predominantly driven by generics, with a significant decline in branded prices.
- Price projections expect continued decline in branded products and stable or shrinking prices for generics.
- The overall market growth is modest, constrained by market saturation and high generic competition.
- Opportunities exist in emerging markets and through formulary negotiations.
FAQs
1. What factors will most influence the price of Alfuzosin in the next five years?
Generic market entry, patent expirations, and regulatory pricing policies are primary factors.
2. Are there significant patent protections remaining for branded Alfuzosin?
No. The original patent expired around 2010, leading to widespread generic adoption.
3. How does the competition impact the profitability of manufacturing this drug?
Intense generic competition drives prices down, reducing profit margins for manufacturers of both branded and generic formulations.
4. What are alternative treatments for BPH?
Alpha-1 adrenergic antagonists like Tamsulosin, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors such as Finasteride, and minimally invasive procedures.
5. Is there potential for new formulations or delivery methods?
Currently limited. Most innovation focuses on combination therapies and extended-release formulations to improve adherence.
References
[1] Roehrborn, C. G. (2020). Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Pathology and Treatment. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology, 13(3), 231-243.
[2] IQVIA Institute. (2022). The Impact of Drug Competition and Price Trends in BPH Medications. IQVIA Market Forecasts.
[3] Medtech Europe. (2021). European Market Data for BPH Treatments.
