Reuters
Bristol-Myers Squibb, Sanofi and Novartis have the three top new drugs set
to reach the market in 2015, among 11 products each with $1 billion-plus sales
potential, according to a Thomson Reuters analysis.
More potential blockbusters are expected to be launched this year than
last, in an encouraging sign for the pharmaceutical industry, which relies on
new products to replenish sales as older medicines go off patent.
Regulators have been approving more new drugs in recent years but there
remains a debate as to how far this will translate into bigger overall sales
and profits, since many modern medicines are for rare diseases.
The three biggest potential blockbusters launching this year, however,
offer new ways of fighting cancer, high cholesterol and heart failure -- all
markets targeting relatively large numbers of patients.
In total, 11 of the many new drugs set for launch in 2015 are expected to
generate $1 billion-plus annual sales within five years, up from three in 2014,
Thomson Reuters Cortellis said in its latest "Drugs to Watch" report
on Monday.