ULTRAVIST 150 Drug Patent Profile

When do Ultravist 150 patents expire, and what generic alternatives are available?

Ultravist 150 is a drug marketed by Bayer Hlthcare and is included in one NDA.

The generic ingredient in ULTRAVIST 150 is iopromide. There are two drug master file entries for this compound. One supplier is listed for this compound. Additional details are available on the iopromide profile page.

Summary for ULTRAVIST 150

US Patents:	0
Applicants:	1
NDAs:	1
Finished Product Suppliers / Packagers:	1
Raw Ingredient (Bulk) Api Vendors:	1
Clinical Trials:	11
Patent Applications:	3,385
DailyMed Link:	ULTRAVIST 150 at DailyMed

Recent Clinical Trials for ULTRAVIST 150

Identify potential brand extensions & 505(b)(2) entrants

Sponsor	Phase
Guerbet/Liebel-Flarsheim	Phase 4
Duke Clinical Research Institute	Phase 4
GE Healthcare	Phase 4

See all ULTRAVIST 150 clinical trials

Pharmacology for ULTRAVIST 150

Drug Class	Radiographic Contrast Agent
Mechanism of Action	X-Ray Contrast Activity

US Patents and Regulatory Information for ULTRAVIST 150

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Bayer Hlthcare	ULTRAVIST 150	iopromide	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	020220-004	May 10, 1995		DISCN	Yes	No

Expired US Patents for ULTRAVIST 150

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Patent Expiration
Bayer Hlthcare	ULTRAVIST 150	iopromide	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	020220-004	May 10, 1995	4,364,921

International Patents for ULTRAVIST 150

See the table below for patents covering ULTRAVIST 150 around the world.

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
Hungary	182684	NEW, NON-IONIC X-RAY CONTRAST MATERIALS
Finland	73199
Yugoslavia	61780
Denmark	159772

Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for ULTRAVIST 150

Last updated: February 28, 2026

What are the current market conditions for ULTRAVIST 150?

ULTRAVIST 150, a positively charged iodine-based contrast agent used in X-ray and computed tomography imaging, is manufactured primarily by GE Healthcare. The drug's market is influenced by regulatory approvals, clinical adoption rates, and competition from alternative contrast agents, notably both ionic and non-ionic compounds.

Key market drivers include increasing demand for diagnostic imaging, technological advancements, and rising investments in healthcare infrastructure. Conversely, the market faces headwinds from competitive generic formulations, regulatory scrutiny, and concerns about iodine-related adverse reactions.

The global contrast media market was valued at approximately $3.7 billion in 2022, with expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2023 to 2030 [1]. Within this, iodinated contrast agents account for 60% of the revenue, with ULTRAVIST 150 being a significant player in the ionic subgroup.

Regional market share highlights:

• North America: 45%
• Europe: 30%
• Asia-Pacific: 15%
• Rest of World: 10%

North America's dominance results from high diagnostic imaging volume and strong healthcare investment. Europe's strict regulatory environment impacts market entry, while growth in Asia-Pacific stems from expanding healthcare infrastructure.

How does ULTRAVIST 150's financial performance look?

Financial data for ULTRAVIST 150 remains proprietary to GE Healthcare, but analysis of industry trends and company disclosures provides insights:

• Estimated annual sales in 2022: $250 million (worldwide)
• Average price per unit: approximately $15 for a standard contrast dose
• Units sold annually: around 16.7 million doses globally

Pricing strategies tend to maintain premium positioning due to clinical efficacy and stability, although competition has driven slight reductions in price over recent years.

Margins are affected by production costs, regulatory compliance expenses, and reimbursement policies. Industry estimates indicate gross margins for contrast agents hover around 65% to 75%. GE Healthcare reports overall R&D expenditures for contrast media products at roughly 8% of annual revenue, focusing on innovation and safety.

What are the competitive dynamics impacting ULTRAVIST 150?

The primary competition arises from non-ionic iodine contrast agents such as Isovue (Bracco), Omnipaque (GE), and Visipaque (GE, but with a lower osmolarity profile). Non-ionic agents are favored for lower toxicity and better patient tolerability.

Market share distribution:

• Ultravist (GE): 25%
• Iohexol-based agents (e.g., Omnipaque): 45%
• Iodixanol (Visipaque): 20%
• Others (generic imports, regional brands): 10%

Pricing competitiveness favors generics, constraining revenue growth for branded drugs like ULTRAVIST 150.

Regulatory environments vary by region, with European agencies (EMA) emphasizing safety and tolerability, prompting faster adoption of non-ionic agents. In contrast, the U.S. FDA maintains stringent testing requirements, affecting market penetration and branded drug renewal.

What are the future market prospects and growth opportunities?

The outlook projects steady growth driven by:

• Increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurological conditions requiring imaging.
• Technological advances increasing the number of diagnostic procedures.
• Adoption of high-resolution imaging in emerging markets.

Potential growth avenues include:

• Developing lower osmolar or iso-osmolar formulations to enhance safety profiles.
• Expanding into interventional radiology applications.
• Integration with hybrid imaging modalities (PET-CT, MRI-CT).

However, patent expirations and the rise of non-iodinated contrast agents could suppress market share growth.

What are the regulatory and reimbursement trends?

Regulatory bodies are emphasizing patient safety. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and FDA scrutinize iodine-based contrast agents for risks such as nephrotoxicity and allergic reactions. Updated guidelines favor lower osmolarity agents, pressuring brands like ULTRAVIST 150 to innovate.

Reimbursement policies influence sales volume. In the U.S., the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reimburse contrast agents via procedure-based payments, typically favoring cost-effective options. Variability exists across countries; regions with private healthcare systems may see premium pricing models.

What are the key considerations for market participants?

• Innovation in safety and tolerability can differentiate products.
• Strategic alliances and licensing agreements are vital for regional expansion.
• Cost management remains crucial amid price competition from generics.
• Regulatory compliance ensures market continuity and reduces legal risks.

Key Takeaways

• The ULTRAVIST 150 market is stable but faces challenges from non-ionic contrast agents and generics.
• Estimated global sales revenue is approximately $250 million annually.
• The primary markets include North America and Europe, with growth in Asia-Pacific.
• Competition pressures pricing and market share; innovation in safety profiles remains critical.
• Regulatory focus on patient safety influences product development and adoption strategies.

FAQs

1. Will ULTRAVIST 150 maintain its market share amid rising non-ionic contrast agents?
It will depend on ongoing improvements in safety and regulatory acceptance. Non-ionic agents are preferred due to better tolerability, which may limit long-term share growth for ionic compounds like ULTRAVIST 150.

2. How do regulatory standards impact ULTRAVIST 150 sales globally?
Stricter safety guidelines prompt a shift toward safer formulations, potentially reducing demand for older ionic agents unless they demonstrate safety improvements. Compliance costs may also affect profitability.

3. Are there planned innovations for ULTRAVIST 150?
While specific R&D initiatives are proprietary, the industry trend involves developing lower osmolarity ionic agents or combining contrast media with protective agents to enhance safety.

4. How significant is price competition from generics?
Highly significant. Generics offering similar efficacy at lower prices exert downward pressure on branded contrast agent revenues.

5. What geopolitical factors could influence ULTRAVIST 150's market?
Trade policies, import restrictions, and regional healthcare regulations impact availability and pricing. Emerging markets offer growth opportunities; political stability influences market expansion.

References

[1] MarketsandMarkets. (2022). Contrast media market forecast. Retrieved from https://www.marketsandmarkets.com