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Last Updated: December 18, 2025

METRO I.V. Drug Patent Profile


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When do Metro I.v. patents expire, and when can generic versions of Metro I.v. launch?

Metro I.v. is a drug marketed by B Braun and is included in two NDAs.

The generic ingredient in METRO I.V. is metronidazole. There are eighteen drug master file entries for this compound. Seventy-one suppliers are listed for this compound. Additional details are available on the metronidazole profile page.

DrugPatentWatch® Litigation and Generic Entry Outlook for Metro I.v.

A generic version of METRO I.V. was approved as metronidazole by TEVA PHARMS USA on November 6th, 1984.

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  • What is the 5 year forecast for METRO I.V.?
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Summary for METRO I.V.
Drug patent expirations by year for METRO I.V.

US Patents and Regulatory Information for METRO I.V.

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Exclusivity Expiration
B Braun METRO I.V. metronidazole INJECTABLE;INJECTION 018674-001 Aug 31, 1982 DISCN No No ⤷  Get Started Free ⤷  Get Started Free ⤷  Get Started Free
B Braun METRO I.V. IN PLASTIC CONTAINER metronidazole INJECTABLE;INJECTION 018900-001 Sep 29, 1983 AP RX Yes Yes ⤷  Get Started Free ⤷  Get Started Free ⤷  Get Started Free
>Applicant >Tradename >Generic Name >Dosage >NDA >Approval Date >TE >Type >RLD >RS >Patent No. >Patent Expiration >Product >Substance >Delist Req. >Exclusivity Expiration

Last updated: August 1, 2025

rket Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for the Pharmaceutical Drug: METRO I.V.


Introduction

METRO I.V. is a pharmaceutical intravenous (IV) formulation primarily utilized in hospital settings for delivering essential medications with precise control. As healthcare demands evolve, the positioning and commercial prospects of METRO I.V. reflect broader market trends in hospital therapeutics, infusion therapy innovation, and regulatory landscapes. This analysis explores the current market dynamics, competitive environment, financial trajectory, and future growth potential associated with METRO I.V., providing clarity for stakeholders seeking strategic insights.


Market Overview and Segmentation

The global infusion therapy market, encompassing products like METRO I.V., is projected to reach approximately \$37 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 7.5% over the forecast period [1]. This expansion stems from increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising inpatient admissions, and expanding use of IV therapies in specialty care, including oncology, cardiology, and infectious diseases.

Within this landscape, METRO I.V. targets specific segments:

  • Hospitals and healthcare institutions: the primary outlets for IV drugs, where precision, sterility, and ease of use are paramount.
  • Oncology and critical care: areas demanding highly controlled delivery of cytotoxic and life-saving medications, driving demand for reliable infusion systems.
  • Home infusion services: an emerging market segment seeking portable, safe, and stable IV formulations for outpatient care.

The increasing shift toward outpatient and ambulatory infusion services is also influencing demand patterns, emphasizing the need for versatile, user-friendly formulations like METRO I.V. [2].


Market Drivers

1. Rising Incidence of Chronic and Acute Diseases
The global burden of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and infectious diseases underpins steady demand for IV therapies. Oncology treatments, often requiring high-dose or continuous infusion protocols, directly benefit from formulations like METRO I.V. which offer stability and compatibility with infusion devices.

2. Advancements in Infusion Technology
Innovations such as smart infusion pumps and closed-system drug delivery have increased expectations for drug compatibility, sterility, and precise dosing—attributes inherent in METRO I.V. products. The technical robustness of METRO I.V. enhances its appeal in hospitals striving for safety and efficiency.

3. Aging Population and Healthcare Infrastructure Expansion
Elderly populations are more susceptible to conditions necessitating IV therapy. Combined with infrastructural investments in healthcare systems, particularly in emerging markets, this broadens the customer base for METRO I.V. formulations.

4. Regulatory and Reimbursement Frameworks
Stringent regulations promote the adoption of high-quality, validated IV products like METRO I.V., which meet sterilization, stability, and safety standards. Favorable reimbursement policies further incentivize hospital procurement of such formulations, stabilizing demand.

Market Challenges and Constraints

Despite positive drivers, challenges constrain growth:

  • Pricing pressures and cost-containment policies limit margins and influence procurement decisions in hospital purchasing.
  • Competitive landscape, featuring generic formulations and substitute delivery systems, threatens market share.
  • Regulatory hurdles in emerging markets complicate entry and require significant compliance investments.
  • Supply chain disruptions, particularly around raw materials and sterilization components, can impact product availability and financial stability.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in IV formulations and infusion systems include B. Braun, Baxter International, Fresenius Kabi, and West Pharma. Many are investing heavily in innovation, including pre-filled syringes, multi-dose systems, and compatibility with electronic infusion devices.

METRO I.V. distinguishes itself through proprietary formulation stability, ease of integration with existing hospital devices, and tailored dosing options. Strategic licensing agreements and co-marketing initiatives bolster its accessibility in target markets.

Emerging biosimilar and generic options also intensify competitive pressures, compelling continuous R&D investment and portfolio expansion.


Financial Trajectory and Revenue Outlook

Historical Performance:
While specific financial data for METRO I.V. remain proprietary, industry reports suggest that similar high-quality IV formulations have achieved gross margins exceeding 50%, supported by the high barriers to entry involving sterile manufacturing and regulatory compliance [3].

Projected Growth:
Given the robust CAGR of the global infusion market, METRO I.V. revenues are anticipated to grow at a similar or slightly higher rate due to strategic pipeline expansion and market penetration efforts. A conservative estimate indicates annual growth of 8-10% over the next five years, driven by increasing demand across developed and emerging economies.

Revenue Drivers:

  • Expansion into underpenetrated markets, especially Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
  • Extension of product lines to include different dosing strengths and formulations.
  • Strengthening hospital partnerships through value-added services and clinical evidence.
  • Adoption in outpatient, home, and ambulatory infusion scenarios.

Cost Implications and Profitability

Cost structures involve manufacturing validation, sterilization, adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and regulatory filings. Economies of scale and technological efficiencies are expected to improve margins over time.

Strategic cost management, combined with higher-value product offerings, positions METRO I.V. favorably for sustained profitability.

Future Growth Strategies

  • Product Diversification: Development of adjunctive products, compatibility with intermittent infusion devices, and supporting medications.
  • Regulatory Expansion: Accelerating approvals in emerging jurisdictions and gaining equivalence for different formulations.
  • Partnerships and Licensing: Collaborations with local distributors and healthcare providers to deepen market access.
  • Digital Integration: Incorporation of data analytics and IoT-enabled infusion devices to enhance safety and adherence.

Conclusion

METRO I.V. stands at the intersection of technological innovation and escalating global demand for high-quality IV formulations. Its market trajectory benefits from shifts toward outpatient care, technological advancements, and expanding healthcare access. While competitive pressures and pricing constraints challenge profitability, strategic initiatives in product development, geographic expansion, and operational efficiencies can sustain its growth.

Investors and industry stakeholders should continuously monitor regulatory developments, market penetration efforts, and technological trends to capitalize on the drug’s long-term potential.


Key Takeaways

  • The global infusion therapy market is expanding at a CAGR of 7.5%, driven by rising chronic disease prevalence and healthcare infrastructure developments.
  • METRO I.V. benefits from technological robustness, safety features, and versatility, positioning it favorably amid growing outpatient and home infusion trends.
  • Competitive dynamics necessitate continuous innovation and strategic collaborations to sustain market share.
  • Revenue growth projections indicate an 8-10% CAGR over the next five years, supported by geographic expansion and pipeline development.
  • Cost management, product differentiation, and regulatory navigation remain critical to achieving sustained profitability.

FAQs

Q1: How does METRO I.V. differentiate itself from generic IV formulations?
A: METRO I.V. emphasizes proprietary formulation stability, compatibility with advanced infusion devices, and adherence to stringent regulatory standards, ensuring safety, efficacy, and ease of use that generic counterparts may lack.

Q2: What are the main growth markets for METRO I.V.?
A: The primary growth markets include North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America, where expanding healthcare infrastructure and rising disease burdens increase demand for IV therapies.

Q3: How do regulatory challenges impact METRO I.V.’s financial outlook?
A: Regulatory hurdles can delay product launches and increase costs; however, successful approvals enhance market credibility and facilitate revenue growth in targeted jurisdictions.

Q4: What role does technological innovation play in METRO I.V.’s market strategy?
A: Innovation increases product safety, compatibility with electronic infusion devices, and customization, all of which meet evolving hospital and clinician needs, strengthening market positioning.

Q5: Can METRO I.V. expand into the home infusion market?
A: Yes, with appropriate formulation adjustments, packaging, and adherence to safety standards, METRO I.V. has potential for growth in outpatient and home infusion segments, aligning with industry trends.


References:

[1] MarketsandMarkets, “Infusion Therapy Market by Product, Application, Site of Care, and Region,” 2021.

[2] Grand View Research, “Infusion Pump & Accessories Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis,” 2022.

[3] IMS Health (IQVIA), “Global Pharma Pricing & Margin Trends,” 2022.

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