Absence of Blockbuste?r Drug Launches in 2014 Puts R&D Productivi?ty at Risk
![](/46/pdcnewsitem/03/30/31/24VFLJi4STazowm.png)
The past 2 years have brought a surge of R&D productivity, driving investor confidence and increasing market performance, but 2014 looks to tell a different tale according to the new report, “Biggest Launches 2014,” from EP Vantage.
Only three drugs slated to launch this year will achieve blockbuster status by 2018. A disappointing number compared with the 10 new molecules approved in 2013. This could all change, however, should Merck and Bristol-Myers Squibb’s anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibodies reach the market this year, according to the new report.
The report also includes an analysis of 5th Year Sales of launches between 2004 and 2014, utilising EvaluatePharma consensus forecasts showing the industry’s biggest hits and misses.
“While the launch timetable for 2013 performed as expected, several products saw their forecasts increase and with an incredible class of eight to 10 drugs slated to become blockbusters, 2013 proved to be a tough act to follow,” said Jonathan Gardner, report author and EP Vantage deputy news editor. “The class of 2014 will fail to match last year’s high mark. And with giant new products needed to restore faith in R&D productivity, how the lack of blockbuster drug launches will affect investor’s views of the biotech sector will be one of the interesting stories of this year.”
Among the report’s key findings:
• The forecasted blockbusters of 2014 include: GlaxoSmithKline’s combination COPD therapy, Anoro Ellipta, Lundbeck’s Brintellix for major depressive disorder and Celgene’s psoriatic athritis drug, Apremilast
• Diabetes is forecasted to be the biggest category of products set to launch in 2014 with oncology and anti-infectives also well represented on the list
• Although small molecules still dominate new medicines, 2014 could be one of the biggest years for biological drug launches, particularly if the PD-1 antibodies make it to market
• The industry’s move to “nichebuster” drugs may explain the switch from blockbuster drug development, but billion-dollar drugs remain an indicator of the sector’s productivity.
The “Biggest Launches 2014” report, based on market intelligence and analysis from EvaluatePharma, can be downloaded at www.evaluategroup.com/EPVantage-Biggest-Launches-2014.
Related News
-
News Ophthalmologic drug product Eylea faces biosimilar threats after FDA approvals
Regeneron Pharmaceutical’s blockbuster ophthalmology drug Eylea is facing biosimilar competition as the US FDA approves Biocon’s Yesafili and Samsung Bioepis/Biogen’s Opuviz. -
News ONO Pharmaceutical expands oncology portfolio with acquisition of Deciphera
ONO Pharmaceutical, out of Japan, is in the process of acquiring cancer-therapy maker Deciphera Pharmaceuticals for US$2.4 billion. -
News First offers for pharma from Medicare drug price negotiations
Ten high-cost drugs from various pharma manufacturers are in pricing negotiations in a first-ever for the US Medicare program. President Biden’s administration stated they have responded to the first round of offers. -
News Eli Lilly’s Zepbound makes leaps and bounds in weight-loss drug market
In the last week, Eli Lilly has announced their partnership with Amazon.com’s pharmacy unit to deliver prescriptions of Zepbound. Zepbound has also surpassed Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy for the number of prescriptions for the week of March 8.&nbs... -
News Chasing new frontiers at LEAP – The National Biotechnology Strategy Keynote
On the third day of LEAP (4–7 March 2024, Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre, Malham, Saudi Arabia) the CPHI Middle East team hosted the Future Pharma Forum, to set the scene for an exciting new event for the pharma community, coming to Riya... -
News Pfizer maps out plans for developing new oncology therapeutics by 2030
Pfizer dilvulges plans to investors around growing their cancer portfolio, and the drugs they will be focusing on developing after their aquisition of Seagen in 2023. -
News Generics threat to Merck’s Bridion as Hikma seeks pre-patent expiry approval
Merck has disclosed they received notice from Hikma Pharmaceuticals for seeking a pre-patent expiry US FDA approval for Hikma’s generic version of Merck’s Bridion. -
News Bernie Sanders vs Big Pharma - the latest on drug price negotiations
In a hearing in front of the US Senate, three of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in America are challenged over exorbitant prescription drug prices, with Sanders claiming their actions are limiting the population's access to affordable healthc...
Position your company at the heart of the global Pharma industry with a CPHI Online membership
-
Your products and solutions visible to thousands of visitors within the largest Pharma marketplace
-
Generate high-quality, engaged leads for your business, all year round
-
Promote your business as the industry’s thought-leader by hosting your reports, brochures and videos within your profile
-
Your company’s profile boosted at all participating CPHI events
-
An easy-to-use platform with a detailed dashboard showing your leads and performance