$100 Billion of Revenues up for Grabs for Drug Manufacturers by 2020 as Patents for Key Biologics Expire

Although complexities inherent in biological drug manufacturing are creating barriers for further expansion of the biosimilars market, imminent patent expiries of key biologics are set to create new opportunities for biosimilar manufacturers, according to business intelligence provider GBI Research.

Adam Bradbury and Rishikesh Mandilwar, Analysts at GBI Research and co-authors of the company’s latest report, Global Biosimilar Pipeline and Market Prospects: Addressing Production Complexities Through Risk Management and Quality by Design, state that one of the key challenges biosimilar manufacturers face is the knowledge gap under which these products are developed. Indeed, the innovator product information remains proprietary, and manufacturers must adopt a reverse engineering process.

Rishikesh Mandilwar explains “In order to be successful in the biosimilars sector, companies must adopt the latest technology and quality initiatives, such as quality by design, design of experiments, and process analytical technology. They must also take a proactive approach in risk mitigation by compiling risk-management plans and adopting production best practices outlined by industry associations and regulatory agencies.”

A number of biologics are set to go off patent before 2020, which presents a huge opportunity for biosimilar manufacturers. Biologics have managed to leverage relatively high prices, with the average annual price currently $16,425 – more than 20 times the cost of small molecule drugs. However, it is increasingly difficult to maintain high prices. For example, in the UK, NICE has issued recommendations against a series of key drugs based on cost-effectiveness.

Pricing for biosimilars is usually 30%-50% lower than the innovator product. These cost advantages will lead to greater access to these drugs, and significantly reduce the cost of healthcare in many countries. By 2020, $100 billion of biologics will be exposed to competition due to patent expiration.

Adam Bradbury concludes “The biosimilar pipeline is robust, and most products are being developed for the oncology and immunology therapy areas. Over 126 companies are currently involved in biosimilar development, which reflects the significant commercial potential that these products represent.”

This report was built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis conducted by GBI Research’s team of industry experts. GBI Research is a market-leading provider of business intelligence reports, offering actionable data and forecasts based on the insights of key industry leaders to ensure you stay up-to-date with the latest emerging trends in your markets. GBI Research is a trading name of GlobalData plc. For more information, please contact our Press Office on +44 (0)161 359 5822 or at pr@gbiresearch.com. Follow us online for the latest industry updates: Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter.