As 2014 begins, we can expect to see the pharmaceutical industry continue to seek new products to improve the lives of patients. With brands such as Copaxone, Evista, Sandostain, Exforge, and Nexium all losing their U.S. patent protection in 2014, the patent cliff is as real as it’s ever been. The FDA has approved only 27 new drugs in 2013[1], compared with 39 in 2012, which brings up some concerns about Pharma industry growth in the coming years. However, a number of new medications that were launched in 2013 or will be launched in 2014 are drawing attention from around the industry:
Avastin– This cancer treatment drug is predicted to dominate the oncology market in 2014 with $8.9 billion in sales[2]. Its broad application in the cancer treatment realm has made it a common drug in cancer treatment centers around the World.- NovoLog– As diabetes continues to be a major health concern in the United States, Novo Nordisk has answered with their tried-and-true insulin treatment. As more emerging markets are developing demand for a diabetes treatment like this, there is significant potential for this drug, which is set to yield approximately $5.7 billion in sales in 2014[3].
- GA101– This experimental drug was designed to treat leukemia, and after outperforming Roche’s top selling Rituxan in clinical trials[4], the GA101 is set to be one of Roche’s top performing products in the coming years and a key to the future success of the company.
- Lemtrada– The demand for multiple sclerosis drugs is rapidly growing, and it looks like Sanofi made a good choice in acquiring Genzyme their drug Lemtrada in 2011. In fact, MS medications are expected to obtain about $6.2 billion more annual sales by 2022 than in 2013[5], and Lemtrada should have a solid patient impact for 2014.
- Ibruntinib-This advanced blood cancer drug is widely renowned for its effectiveness in combating previously untreatable types of cancers. Ibruntinib, which is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson and Pharmacyclics, has had a lot of early success in fighting off late-stage cancer[6]. Some experts believe it has a sales potential of $5 billion in 2014[7].
- Anoro– This joint project between GlaxoSmithKline and Theravance got its FDA approval in December of 2013, and by 2018 it could see over $1.2 billion in sales[8]. However, as an emphysema and chronic bronchitis medication, its growth potential is somewhat limited.
- Sofosbuvir– Gilead seems to be leading the field of hepatitis C treatment, which has tremendous potential for future growth. Although this drug is still in development, it is turning heads from around the industry and is expected to yield $6 billion in sales per year, perhaps as early as 2014[9].
- Tecfidera– Also known as BG-12, this multiple sclerosis medication was successful in its clinical trials and was approved by the FDA in March of 2013. While it is expensive, about $55,000 for a year’s supply, the staggering demand for this medication has some analysts projecting up to $6 billion in annual sales by 2020[10].
It will be interesting to see how the industry reacts to the effects of the patent cliff in the coming couple of years. Although the age of blockbuster drugs appears to be nearing its end, the industry has developed several new drugs that have exciting potential to enhance patient care while sustaining the industry.
[1] Perron, M. (2014, January 2). New Drug Approvals From FDA Declined in 2013. Retrieved January 14, 2014, from http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/drug-approvals-fda-declined-2013-21398584
[2] Staton, T. (2010, April 13). Which Drugs will be Pharma’s Top 2014 Blockbusters? Retrieved January 14, 2014,
from www.fiercepharma.com/story/which-drugs-will-be-pharmas-top-2014-blockbusters/2010-04-13
[3] Ibid.
[4] Businessweek (2013, November 14). 2014 Outlook: Blockbuster Drugs for Big Pharma. Retrieved January 14, 2014, from http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-11-14/2014-outlook-blockbuster-drugs-for-big-pharma
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid
[7] Ibid
[8] Ibid
[9] Businessweek (2013, November 14). 2014 Outlook: Blockbuster Drugs for Big Pharma. Retrieved January 14, 2014, from http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-11-14/2014-outlook-blockbuster-drugs-for-big-pharma
[10] Ibid
