Last updated: February 27, 2026
What is NDC 83035-1137?
NDC 83035-1137 is the National Drug Code for Remdesivir (Veklury), an antiviral drug developed by Gilead Sciences. It is primarily used for the treatment of COVID-19.
Product Overview
- Drug Name: Remdesivir (Veklury)
- Formulation: Intravenous solution
- Indication: Treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients
- Approval Date: October 22, 2020, by the FDA
- Manufacturer: Gilead Sciences
Market Size and Demand Drivers
COVID-19 Treatment Landscape
Remdesivir was one of the first drugs approved for COVID-19 management. Although its use peaked during initial pandemic waves, demand has declined with the emergence of new therapeutics and vaccination.
Key Market Factors
- Global COVID-19 cases: Approximately 760 million as of early 2023 (WHO).
- Hospitalization rate: About 5% of COVID-19 cases require hospitalization.
- Market penetration: Gilead's remdesivir used predominantly in hospitalized settings, especially in regions with high COVID-19 incidence.
- Competing drugs: Paxlovid (Pfizer), Lagevrio (Merck), and monoclonal antibodies. These shape shifting the market landscape.
- Reimbursement landscape: Covered by U.S. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, impacting accessibility and sales.
Geographic Market Distribution
- United States: Largest market, driven by federal stockpiles and hospital use.
- Europe and Asia: Growing markets, but limited by approval timelines and drug adoption policies.
Market Size Estimates
- 2022 global sales: Approximately $2 billion (EvaluatePharma).
- U.S. market share: Estimated at 50-60% of global sales during peak pandemic periods; currently declining.
- Long-term demand: Expected to stabilize at lower levels unless new indications emerge or pandemic surges occur.
Price Projections
Current Pricing
- List Price: Gilead originally priced remdesivir at roughly $520 per vial in late 2020.
- Average Treatment Cost: A typical course involves 6 vials, totaling about $3,120 per patient.
- Reimbursement Rates: Vary by payor and region; Medicare reimbursement in the U.S. approximates $3,500 per treatment course.
Historical Price Trends
- Initial high pricing: Reflecting emergency authorization and limited competition.
- Post-authorization adjustments: Prices declined as generics or biosimilars remain unavailable; no significant discounts publicly announced.
- Pandemic impact: Emergency funding and government stockpiles stabilized demand, maintaining higher prices.
Future Price Considerations
- Market contractions: As demand wanes, price competition will intensify, pressuring list prices downward.
- Biosimilar entry: No known biosimilar exists as of early 2023, limiting generic competition.
- Policy influence: Price negotiations in major markets such as the EU, U.S., and developing countries will influence future pricing.
Projected Price Trends (Next 5 Years)
| Year |
Estimated Average Price per Course |
Key Factors Influencing Price |
| 2023 |
$3,200 - $3,600 |
Market contraction, demand decline, negotiated discounts |
| 2024 |
$2,800 - $3,200 |
Increased competition, potential biosimilar approval |
| 2025 |
$2,400 - $2,800 |
Continued generics interest, supply oversupply |
| 2026 |
$2,200 - $2,500 |
Market stabilization, reduced hospital use |
| 2027 |
$2,000 - $2,400 |
Product lifecycle exhaustion, patent considerations |
Key Price Risks
- Regulatory delays or restrictions.
- Emergence of more effective or cheaper therapies.
- Policy reforms reducing reimbursement rates.
- Patent expiry and biosimilar development.
Competitive Dynamics
Major Competitors
- Paxlovid (Pfizer): Oral antiviral with high adoption post-approval, impacting remdesivir's hospital-based sales.
- Lagevrio (Merck): Oral antiviral with expanding use.
- Monoclonal antibodies: Used in specific COVID-19 cases, but limited by variants and administration logistics.
Patent & Regulatory Status
- Patent: Gilead’s patent portfolio for remdesivir extends until approximately 2030.
- Generic options: Not widely available; potential for biosimilars remains limited without regulatory approval.
Key Takeaways
- The COVID-19 pandemic initially drove high sales and pricing for NDC 83035-1137.
- Market size has contracted significantly due to vaccine availability and new therapeutics.
- Price projections reflect declining demand, increased competition, and potential biosimilar entry.
- The drug's future position highly depends on pandemic dynamics, regulatory policies, and development of new treatments.
FAQs
Q1: How does remdesivir compare with other COVID-19 treatments in terms of price?
A1: Remdesivir costs approximately $3,200 per course currently, while oral antivirals like Paxlovid are priced around $530 per course, reflecting different administration and market positioning.
Q2: What factors could accelerate price declines?
A2: Entry of biosimilars, patent expirations, changes in reimbursement policies, and availability of cheaper alternatives.
Q3: Is remdesivir likely to retain market share long-term?
A3: Its market share will decline as newer, more convenient, and more effective therapies are adopted, especially oral options.
Q4: Are there significant regional price differences?
A4: Yes. European markets tend to negotiate lower prices than the U.S., influenced by healthcare policies and procurement strategies.
Q5: What are the prospects for new indications for remdesivir?
A5: Currently, no additional approved uses exist; expanding indications would influence demand and pricing positively.
References
[1] EvaluatePharma. (2023). 2022 Global pharmaceutical sales report.
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). FDA approval letter for remdesivir (Veklury).
[3] World Health Organization. (2023). COVID-19 dashboard.
[4] Gilead Sciences. (2023). Veklury prescribing information.
