Introduction
Misoprostol, with the National Drug Code (NDC) 60687-0735, is a medication manufactured by American Health Packaging. This article provides a comprehensive market analysis and price projections for this specific drug, considering current trends, industry insights, and economic factors.
Current Market Context
Misoprostol is used for various medical conditions, including the prevention of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers and the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage. Here’s a snapshot of its current market context:
- Manufacturer: American Health Packaging[1].
- NDC: 60687-0735.
- Drug Name: Misoprostol 100 mcg tablet.
- Price/Unit: As of December 18, 2024, the price per unit is approximately $0.45378[5].
Price Trends in the Pharmaceutical Industry
To understand the potential price movements of Misoprostol, it is essential to look at broader trends in the pharmaceutical industry.
- General Price Increases: From January 2022 to January 2023, more than 4,200 drug products experienced price increases, with an average increase of 15.2% or $590 per drug product. This trend indicates that drug prices are rising, often exceeding the rate of inflation[2].
- Specialty Pharmaceuticals: The latest Pharmacy Market Outlook by Vizient projects a 3.8% drug price inflation in 2024, driven largely by specialty pharmaceuticals. While Misoprostol is not a specialty drug, overall market trends can influence its pricing[4].
Generic Drug Market Dynamics
Misoprostol is a generic drug, and its pricing is influenced by the dynamics of the generic drug market.
- Price Erosion: In the generic drug industry, mid-single-digit percent annual price erosion is expected. However, this erosion is anticipated to be balanced by modest revenue growth, which could stabilize prices for drugs like Misoprostol[3].
- Competition and Litigation: The generic drug industry faces risks such as price-fixing litigation and increased FDA inspections, which could impact pricing stability. However, these factors are more likely to affect the overall market rather than individual drugs significantly[3].
Specific Price Projections for Misoprostol
Given the current market context and industry trends:
- Short-Term Projections: For the immediate future, the price of Misoprostol (NDC 60687-0735) is likely to remain stable or see a minor increase, aligning with the overall trend of a 3.8% drug price inflation projected for 2024[4].
- Long-Term Projections: Over the long term, the price could experience slight erosion due to the expected mid-single-digit percent annual price decline in the generic drug market. However, this erosion is likely to be gradual and balanced by revenue growth[3].
Impact of Economic and Regulatory Factors
Several economic and regulatory factors can influence the pricing of Misoprostol:
- Inflation: Price increases often exceed the rate of inflation, but the specific impact on Misoprostol would depend on its market positioning and competition[2].
- Regulatory Changes: Increased FDA inspections and potential litigation could affect the pricing strategy of manufacturers, though this is more likely to impact the broader market rather than individual drugs directly[3].
Market Share and Utilization
The market share and utilization of Misoprostol can also influence its pricing.
- Utilization Trends: If the utilization of Misoprostol increases due to medical needs or changes in treatment protocols, manufacturers might adjust prices accordingly. However, this is less likely to be a significant factor for a well-established generic drug[4].
Key Takeaways
- Current Price: As of December 18, 2024, the price per unit of Misoprostol (NDC 60687-0735) is approximately $0.45378.
- Short-Term Projections: Stable or minor price increase in line with the 3.8% drug price inflation projected for 2024.
- Long-Term Projections: Gradual price erosion balanced by modest revenue growth in the generic drug market.
- Economic and Regulatory Factors: Inflation and regulatory changes could influence pricing, but their impact on Misoprostol is expected to be minimal.
FAQs
-
What is the current price of Misoprostol (NDC 60687-0735)?
- As of December 18, 2024, the price per unit is approximately $0.45378[5].
-
What are the projected price trends for Misoprostol in 2024?
- The price is likely to remain stable or see a minor increase, aligning with the overall trend of a 3.8% drug price inflation projected for 2024[4].
-
How does the generic drug market influence the pricing of Misoprostol?
- The generic drug market is expected to experience mid-single-digit percent annual price erosion, but this is balanced by modest revenue growth, which could stabilize prices for Misoprostol[3].
-
What economic and regulatory factors could impact the pricing of Misoprostol?
- Inflation, increased FDA inspections, and potential litigation are factors that could influence pricing, though their impact on Misoprostol is expected to be minimal[2][3].
-
How might changes in market share and utilization affect the pricing of Misoprostol?
- Increased utilization could lead to price adjustments, but this is less likely to be a significant factor for a well-established generic drug[4].
Sources
- American Health Packaging - NDC Labeler/Manufacturer - FindACode
- Changes in the List Prices of Prescription Drugs, 2017-2023 - ASPE
- Pharmaceutical Industry 2024 Credit Outlook Is Stable As Revenue Growth Mitigates Pressures - S&P Global
- Vizient Projects 3.8% Drug Price Increase Driven by Specialty Pharmaceuticals - Vizient Inc.
- Drug prices and trends for MISOPROSTOL - DrugPatentWatch
