Frost & Sullivan Predicts Growth for Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies

Efficient resource to therapy of complex disorders with lesser side-effects has accelerated growth of monoclonal antibodies-based therapeutics against conventional chemical drugs. However, high developmental costs constitute a major barrier for mid-segment market entrants. Growing market opportunities generated by innovative treatment methods and existing product success rate will boost market growth.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Analysis of the Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies Market in Europe (www.pharma.frost.com), finds that the market earned revenues of $19.01 billion in 2011 and estimates this to reach $42.37 billion in 2018, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1% from 2011-2018.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are mono-specific high molecular weight complex proteins that are capable of post translational modifications, such as glycosylation. They are commonly used biologics for therapeutics and therefore are the fastest growing segment within the biotechnology market. mAbs are predominantly used in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Other therapy areas using mAbs include cardiovascular and infectious diseases, as well as organ transplants.

“Technological development within the biotech and genomic markets triggered the use of mAbs for therapeutics,” notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Deepika Pramod Chopda. “With the rise in disease incidence rate and deterioration in human health conditions, the need for innovative and effective cure has been in great demand.”

High developmental costs act however as a major barrier for market entrants due to the complex production process, expensive biological and chemical materials, and clinical trials, as well as required safety, efficacy, and quality tests. The average production cost of developing monoclonal antibodies ranges from $650-$750 million and takes about 8 to 9 years. This factor particularly hinders the entrance of small biotech companies and favors big pharma participants, because of their financial strength and capabilities. On the other hand, the rise in other specialty pharmaceuticals with biotech invasion is expected to expand therapeutics at niche levels, thereby creating opportunities for bigger and better biologics business.

“Alliances between big pharma and small biotech firms for developing biologics are a key trend observed in this market,” added Mr. Deepika. “High developmental costs due to expensive research and testing activities trigger the overall expenditure of mAbs. Alliances with financially adept companies will help small biotech firms to develop new technologies, thus encouraging product development within this market.“

If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an email with your contact details to Anna Zanchi, Corporate Communications, at anna.zanchi@frost.com.

Analysis of the Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies Market in Europe is part of the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Growth Partnership Service program, which also includes research in the following markets: European Biosimilars Market, Global Generics Market and European Autoimmune Diseases Therapeutics Market. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.