Overview of NDC 70954-0033
NDC 70954-0033 corresponds to Acetazolamide, a medication manufactured by ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. This drug is used to treat various conditions, including glaucoma, epilepsy, and altitude sickness.
Current Market Context
Pharmaceutical Industry Trends
The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing significant changes driven by digital transformation, innovation, and regulatory pressures. Pricing and access to drugs are identified as major issues, with nearly half of C-suite executives expecting these factors to significantly impact their strategies in 2025[3].
Generic and Biosimilar Competition
Generic drugs, including those like Acetazolamide, face increasing competition from biosimilars. However, the impact of biosimilars on the market share of generic drugs is still evolving. For instance, biosimilars are expected to grow in market share, but their price increase is projected to be minimal, at only 0.55%[4].
Price Transparency and Regulatory Environment
Drug Price Transparency
The Oregon Drug Price Transparency Program highlights the variability in drug pricing and the need for transparency. The program reports significant price increases for generic drugs, with the largest increase being a 2,527% rise for a generic naproxen manufactured by Hikma Pharmaceuticals[2].
Regulatory Oversight
Regulatory bodies are implementing policies to address drug price transparency. For example, Oregon requires manufacturers to report price increases and new high-cost drugs. However, gaps in transparency remain, particularly regarding rebates and interactions between pharmaceutical supply chain entities[2].
Price Projections
General Drug Price Inflation
Vizient projects a 3.8% increase in drug prices for 2024, driven largely by specialty pharmaceuticals. While this projection is for the broader market, it indicates an overall trend of rising drug costs[4].
Specific to Acetazolamide
Given that Acetazolamide is a generic drug, its price is less likely to be influenced by the high-cost specialty pharmaceutical trends. However, generic drugs have seen significant price fluctuations in recent years. For example, the median price increase for generic drugs reported in the Oregon study was 19.9%[2].
Potential Price Increase Factors
- Supply Chain Dynamics: Changes in the supply chain, including interactions between manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and health insurers, can influence drug prices[2].
- Competition: The presence of other generic versions of Acetazolamide could keep prices relatively stable or lead to minor increases.
- Regulatory Actions: Any regulatory changes or enforcement of upper payment limits could impact pricing strategies[2].
Expected Price Movement
Given the current trends and factors:
- Short-Term: The price of Acetazolamide (NDC 70954-0033) is likely to remain relatively stable or see a minor increase, aligning with the general trend of generic drug price movements.
- Long-Term: As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, with increased focus on transparency and regulatory oversight, there could be more significant changes in pricing strategies. However, these changes are likely to be gradual and influenced by broader market dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- The pharmaceutical industry is experiencing significant changes driven by digital transformation, innovation, and regulatory pressures.
- Generic drugs like Acetazolamide face competition from biosimilars but are less likely to see the high price increases associated with specialty pharmaceuticals.
- Regulatory efforts to enhance transparency and control costs are ongoing but face challenges in achieving full transparency across the supply chain.
- The price of Acetazolamide is expected to remain relatively stable in the short term, with potential for minor increases.
FAQs
What is the current manufacturer of NDC 70954-0033?
The current manufacturer of NDC 70954-0033, which corresponds to Acetazolamide, is ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.[1].
What are the primary uses of Acetazolamide?
Acetazolamide is used to treat conditions such as glaucoma, epilepsy, and altitude sickness.
How does the competition from biosimilars affect generic drugs like Acetazolamide?
Biosimilars are expected to grow in market share, but their impact on generic drugs like Acetazolamide is likely to be minimal in terms of price increases, with biosimilars seeing only a 0.55% price increase projected[4].
What regulatory measures are in place to control drug prices?
Regulatory bodies like the Oregon Drug Price Transparency Program require manufacturers to report price increases and new high-cost drugs. There are also recommendations to implement upper payment limits for certain drugs[2].
What is the projected overall increase in drug prices for 2024?
Vizient projects a 3.8% increase in drug prices for 2024, driven largely by specialty pharmaceuticals[4].
How might regulatory changes impact the price of Acetazolamide?
Regulatory changes, such as the implementation of upper payment limits or enhanced transparency measures, could influence pricing strategies for generic drugs like Acetazolamide, though the impact is likely to be gradual and part of broader market dynamics[2].
Sources
- Find a Code: NDC Labeler/Manufacturer - ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Oregon Health Authority: Prescription Drug Price Transparency Results and Recommendations - Annual Report 2022
- Deloitte Insights: 2025 Life Sciences Executive Outlook
- Vizient, Inc.: Vizient Projects 3.8% Drug Price Increase Driven by Specialty Pharmaceuticals
