Drug Price Trends for NUCYNTA ER

Average Pharmacy Cost for NUCYNTA ER

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

Drug Name	NDC	Price/Unit ($)	Unit	Date
NUCYNTA ER 200 MG TABLET	24510-0232-60	32.15993	EACH	2024-12-18
NUCYNTA ER 50 MG TABLET	24510-0058-60	10.62777	EACH	2024-12-18
NUCYNTA ER 100 MG TABLET	24510-0116-60	19.62788	EACH	2024-12-18
NUCYNTA ER 150 MG TABLET	24510-0174-60	25.35599	EACH	2024-12-18

Market Analysis and Price Projections for NUCYNTA ER

Introduction to NUCYNTA ER

NUCYNTA ER, also known as tapentadol hydrochloride, is an extended-release opioid analgesic used for the management of severe and persistent pain in adults. It is marketed by Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. and is approved for pain that requires daily, continuous, long-term opioid treatment[5].

Current Market Status

As of 2024, NUCYNTA ER remains a brand-name drug without a generic alternative available in the market. The FDA granted pediatric exclusivity for NUCYNTA and NUCYNTA ER in June 2024, extending the brand exclusivity by an additional six months. This means that the earliest date for generic entry will be December 27, 2025, for NUCYNTA ER[1][4].

Pricing and Cost

The cost of NUCYNTA ER is significant, reflecting its brand-name status and the lack of generic competition. Here are some current price points:

• 50 mg oral tablet, extended release: Around $709 for a supply of 60 tablets.
• 100 mg oral tablet, extended release: Around $1,303 for a supply of 60 tablets.
• 150 mg oral tablet, extended release: Around $1,679 for a supply of 60 tablets.
• 200 mg oral tablet, extended release: Around $2,129 for a supply of 60 tablets.
• 250 mg oral tablet, extended release: Around $2,661 for a supply of 60 tablets[2].

These prices are for cash-paying customers and do not include discounts that may be available through insurance plans or discount cards.

Pharmacoeconomic Analysis

The cost-effectiveness of NUCYNTA ER has been evaluated in several studies. A pharmacoeconomic review by CADTH (Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health) found that tapentadol ER, when compared to oxycodone CR, had an incremental cost-utility ratio of $45,847 per QALY (Quality-Adjusted Life Year) gained. The study indicated that tapentadol ER was dominant (less costly and more effective) compared to oxycodone CR, but the long-term clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness remain uncertain[5].

Impact of Generic Entry

The introduction of generic versions of NUCYNTA ER is expected to significantly reduce the cost of the medication. Generic medications typically cost 80-85% less than their brand-name equivalents, according to FDA estimates. This reduction in cost is due to lower research and development expenses for generic manufacturers[1].

Market Projections

Short-Term Projections

Until the generic versions become available, the market for NUCYNTA ER is expected to remain stable, with prices continuing at their current levels. The brand exclusivity extension granted by the FDA in 2024 ensures that Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. will maintain its market share without generic competition until at least December 27, 2025[1][4].

Long-Term Projections

Once generic versions of NUCYNTA ER enter the market, the prices are expected to drop substantially. This will make the medication more accessible to a wider patient population and could potentially increase the overall market size due to increased affordability. However, the market share of the brand-name version is likely to decrease as generic alternatives become available.

Competitive Landscape

The opioid market is highly competitive, with several long-acting opioid analgesics available. NUCYNTA ER competes with other opioids like oxycodone CR and hydromorphone. The entry of generic versions of NUCYNTA ER will further intensify competition in this segment, potentially leading to market share shifts and pricing adjustments among competitors[5].

Patient and Payer Impact

The high cost of NUCYNTA ER currently poses a significant burden on patients and payers. The availability of generic alternatives will alleviate some of this burden, making the medication more affordable for patients who require long-term opioid treatment. Payers, including insurance companies and healthcare systems, will also benefit from the reduced costs associated with generic medications.

Conclusion

NUCYNTA ER remains a critical medication for managing severe and persistent pain, but its current brand-name status keeps it out of reach for many due to its high cost. The upcoming introduction of generic versions is expected to significantly reduce costs and increase accessibility. As the market evolves, it will be important to monitor pricing, market share, and the overall impact on patients and payers.

Key Takeaways

• Brand Exclusivity: NUCYNTA ER currently enjoys brand exclusivity until December 27, 2025, due to pediatric exclusivity granted by the FDA.
• Pricing: The current cost of NUCYNTA ER is high, ranging from $709 to $2,661 for a 60-tablet supply, depending on the dosage.
• Generic Entry: Generic versions are expected to enter the market by December 27, 2025, significantly reducing costs.
• Pharmacoeconomic Analysis: NUCYNTA ER is cost-effective compared to oxycodone CR, but long-term effectiveness is uncertain.
• Market Projections: The market is expected to remain stable until generic entry, after which prices will drop, and accessibility will increase.

FAQs

What is NUCYNTA ER used for?

NUCYNTA ER is used for the management of severe and persistent pain in adults that requires daily, continuous, long-term opioid treatment.

Why is NUCYNTA ER so expensive?

NUCYNTA ER is expensive because it is currently a brand-name medication without generic competition, and it involves significant research and development costs.

When can we expect generic versions of NUCYNTA ER?

Generic versions of NUCYNTA ER are expected to be available by December 27, 2025, following the expiration of brand exclusivity.

How much cheaper are generic medications compared to brand-name medications?

Generic medications are typically 80-85% cheaper than their brand-name equivalents.

What is the impact of generic entry on the market for NUCYNTA ER?

The entry of generic versions will significantly reduce the cost of NUCYNTA ER, making it more accessible to patients and potentially increasing the overall market size.

Sources

1. MyMatrixx: Opioid Nucynta Gets Six-Month Extension of Exclusivity – Generic Options Hold.
2. Drugs.com: Nucynta ER Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance.
3. Small-Cap Research: NUCYNTA® ER as two of the more interesting neuropathic pain products.
4. DrugPatentWatch: NUCYNTA ER Drug Patent Profile.
5. CADTH: Pharmacoeconomic Review Report for Nucynta Extended-Release.