Introduction
Propofol, a widely used general anesthetic, is marketed under various NDC codes, including 25021-0608 by Sagent Pharmaceuticals. This analysis will delve into the market dynamics, pricing trends, and projections for this specific NDC code.
Market Overview
Propofol is a crucial drug in the anesthesiology market, used for inducing and maintaining anesthesia. The market for propofol is highly competitive, with several manufacturers and distributors involved.
Key Players
- Sagent Pharmaceuticals: One of the primary manufacturers and distributors of generic propofol under the NDC code 25021-0608[5].
- Other Manufacturers: Companies like Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. and Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC (under the brand name DIPRIVAN) also play significant roles in the market[2][5].
Pricing Trends
The pricing of propofol can be influenced by several factors, including manufacturing costs, market competition, and regulatory environments.
Current Pricing
As of the latest data, the average pharmacy cost for propofol under the NDC code 25021-0608-20 (200 mg/20 mL vial) is approximately $0.13835 per mL. This translates to a total cost of around $38.44 for a 20 mL vial[2].
Historical Pricing
Pricing has remained relatively stable over recent months, with minimal fluctuations. For instance, the price per mL has consistently been around $0.13835 since November 2024[2].
Market Competition
The propofol market is characterized by a moderate level of competition, which can impact pricing.
Competitive Landscape
- Baxter International Inc. and Wyeth: Historically, these companies have been significant players in the injectable anesthetic market. However, antitrust concerns have led to divestitures to maintain competition. For example, Wyeth's propofol assets were divested to Faulding Pharmaceutical Company to preserve market competition[3].
- Generic Market: The presence of multiple generic manufacturers, such as Sagent Pharmaceuticals and Hikma Pharmaceuticals, helps maintain competitive pricing[2][5].
Regulatory Environment
Regulatory actions can significantly influence the market dynamics and pricing of propofol.
Antitrust Regulations
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been involved in ensuring that acquisitions and mergers in the pharmaceutical industry do not lead to anticompetitive practices. For instance, the FTC required Baxter to divest Wyeth's propofol assets to maintain competition in the market[3].
Price Projections
Given the current market conditions and historical trends, here are some projections for the pricing of propofol under NDC code 25021-0608.
Short-Term Projections
- Stable Pricing: In the short term, prices are likely to remain stable due to the competitive nature of the market and the absence of significant changes in manufacturing costs or regulatory environments.
- Minimal Fluctuations: Any price changes are expected to be minimal, reflecting the stable demand and supply dynamics.
Long-Term Projections
- Slight Decreases: Over the long term, there could be slight decreases in prices due to increased competition from new entrants or generic versions. However, these decreases are likely to be modest.
- Cost Management: Manufacturers may focus on cost management and efficiency improvements to maintain profitability without significantly increasing prices.
Key Takeaways
- Stable Market: The propofol market under NDC code 25021-0608 is expected to remain stable with minimal price fluctuations.
- Competitive Pricing: The presence of multiple generic manufacturers ensures competitive pricing.
- Regulatory Oversight: Antitrust regulations play a crucial role in maintaining market competition and preventing price hikes.
FAQs
What is the current price of propofol under NDC code 25021-0608?
The current price is approximately $0.13835 per mL, translating to around $38.44 for a 20 mL vial[2].
Who are the key manufacturers of propofol under this NDC code?
Sagent Pharmaceuticals is one of the primary manufacturers and distributors of generic propofol under this NDC code[5].
How does competition affect the pricing of propofol?
Competition from multiple generic manufacturers helps maintain competitive pricing and prevents significant price hikes[2][3].
What role does regulatory oversight play in the propofol market?
Regulatory bodies like the FTC ensure that acquisitions and mergers do not lead to anticompetitive practices, thereby maintaining market competition and stable pricing[3].
Are there any long-term price projections for propofol under this NDC code?
Long-term projections suggest slight decreases in prices due to increased competition and cost management efforts by manufacturers[2][3].
Sources
- SEER Cancer Statistics Review: Methylprednisolone acetate - CanMED: NDC[1].
- DrugPatentWatch: Pharmaceutical drug prices and trends for propofol[2].
- Federal Trade Commission: Baxter International Inc. - Analysis[3].
- Minnesota Department of Health: New Prescription Drug Price Reporting[4].
- Sagent Pharmaceuticals: PROPOFOL Injectable Emulsion, USP[5].
