Drug Price Trends for CARBIDOPA-LEVO ER

Average Pharmacy Cost for CARBIDOPA-LEVO ER

These are average pharmacy acquisition costs (net of discounts) from a US national survey

Drug Name	NDC	Price/Unit ($)	Unit	Date
CARBIDOPA-LEVO ER 25-100 TAB	50228-0460-01	0.14817	EACH	2025-03-19
CARBIDOPA-LEVO ER 25-100 TAB	16729-0078-01	0.14817	EACH	2025-03-19
CARBIDOPA-LEVO ER 50-200 TAB	72888-0156-30	0.20839	EACH	2025-03-19

Market Analysis and Price Projections for Carbidopa-Levodopa Extended Release (CARBIDOPA-LEVO ER)

Introduction to Carbidopa-Levodopa Extended Release

Carbidopa-Levodopa Extended Release, often abbreviated as CARBIDOPA-LEVO ER, is a formulation of the drugs carbidopa and levodopa, designed to provide a sustained release of these medications over an extended period. This combination is primarily used to manage the symptoms of Parkinson's disease by replenishing dopamine levels in the brain.

Market Size and Growth

The global levodopa market, which includes CARBIDOPA-LEVO ER, was valued at $1.7 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $2.9 billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.1% from 2023 to 2032[1].

Market Dynamics

Drivers

• The rising prevalence of Parkinson's disease, driven by an aging population and changing lifestyle patterns, is a significant driver for the growth of the levodopa market. As people live longer, the incidence of Parkinson's disease increases, leading to a higher demand for effective treatments like CARBIDOPA-LEVO ER[1][3].
• Government funding for research and growing healthcare awareness also contribute to the market's growth[3].

Restraints

• The availability of alternative treatments can act as a restraint, as patients and healthcare providers may opt for other therapeutic options[3].

Opportunities

• Technological advancements in drug delivery systems, such as extended-release formulations, offer opportunities for improved treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. The approval of new products, like Duopa (an extended-release oral formulation of Carbidopa/Levodopa), by regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), further enhances market growth[4].

Price Projections

The cost of CARBIDOPA-LEVO ER can vary based on the dosage, formulation, and pharmacy.

Extended Release Formulations

• For example, the cost for a 25 mg-100 mg carbidopa/levodopa oral tablet, extended release, can range from $17.95 for 30 tablets, with a per-unit price of $0.60[2].
• Larger quantities can reduce the per-unit cost, but prices may fluctuate due to stock shortages and other variables.

Regional Market Analysis

North America

• North America is expected to dominate the global levodopa market, including CARBIDOPA-LEVO ER, due to the approval of new products by the FDA and a well-established healthcare system[4].

Asia-Pacific

• The Asia-Pacific region is projected to provide significant business opportunities for the levodopa market in the future, driven by an increasing aging population and growing healthcare expenditure[1].

Key Market Players

Major players in the levodopa market include:

• Novartis AG
• Merck & Co. Inc.
• Eli Lilly and Company
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• Impax Laboratories Inc.
• Pfizer Inc.
• UCB SA
• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• Mylan NV[1].

Distribution Channels and Patient Care Settings

Healthcare providers are the major customers in the levodopa market, with distribution channels including hospitals, online pharmacies, and retail pharmacies. The patient care settings where these medications are commonly administered include hospitals and clinics[3].

Technological Advancements and Personalized Medicine

Advancements in drug delivery systems and a growing focus on personalized medicine are key trends influencing the levodopa market. These advancements aim to enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient outcomes, making CARBIDOPA-LEVO ER a more effective and appealing option for managing Parkinson's disease symptoms[1].

Example: Duopa Extended Release Formulation

Duopa, an extended-release oral formulation of Carbidopa/Levodopa, is a notable example of technological advancement. Approved by the FDA in 2015, Duopa is administered using a small, portable infusion pump that delivers Carbidopa and Levodopa directly into the small intestine, providing continuous release over 16 hours[4].

"Duopa is a gel formulation of Carbidopa/Levodopa enteral suspension and is administered using a small, portable infusion pump that delivers Carbidopa and Levodopa directly into the small intestine, which continuously release over 16 hours in the body." - Coherent Market Insights[4]

Price Variability and Consumer Expectations

Prices for CARBIDOPA-LEVO ER can vary significantly depending on the pharmacy and availability. Consumers should expect to pay the lower price within the given range, but stock shortages and other variables can affect pricing[2].

Key Takeaways

• The global levodopa market, including CARBIDOPA-LEVO ER, is projected to grow significantly due to the rising prevalence of Parkinson's disease.
• Extended-release formulations like CARBIDOPA-LEVO ER are gaining traction due to their improved efficacy and patient compliance.
• North America and Asia-Pacific are key regions driving market growth.
• Technological advancements and personalized medicine are crucial trends shaping the market.
• Major pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in research and development to enhance treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the primary use of Carbidopa-Levodopa Extended Release?

• Carbidopa-Levodopa Extended Release is primarily used to manage the symptoms of Parkinson's disease by replenishing dopamine levels in the brain.

2. What is the projected growth rate of the global levodopa market?

• The global levodopa market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2023 to 2032[1].

3. Which region is expected to dominate the global levodopa market?

• North America is expected to dominate the global levodopa market due to the approval of new products by the FDA and a well-established healthcare system[4].

4. What are the key trends influencing the levodopa market?

• Key trends include advancements in drug delivery systems, increased focus on personalized medicine, and ongoing research into disease-modifying treatments for Parkinson's disease[1].

5. How does the extended-release formulation of Carbidopa/Levodopa work?

• The extended-release formulation, such as Duopa, delivers Carbidopa and Levodopa directly into the small intestine, providing continuous release over 16 hours[4].

Sources:

1. Allied Market Research - Levodopa Market Size, Growth Analysis | Forecast - 2032
2. Drugs.com - Carbidopa/levodopa Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance Programs
3. MarketsandMarkets - Parkinson's Disease Treatment Market Revenue Forecast
4. Coherent Market Insights - Levodopa Market - Companies, Size, Share & Research Analysis
5. Drugs.com - Carbidopa/entacapone/levodopa Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance Programs