Pharmafile | Joel Levy
The year 2016 is set to see continued growth in
research and development productivity, with significant new drug launches and a
limited impact of patent expiries, according to a new report. The report claims
blockbuster drug launches will continue to set the tone in 2016, with a dozen
therapies seeking FDA approval next year. Roche is set to cement its position
as one of the most efficient drug developers by having some of the biggest
launches in 2016 – including the multiple sclerosis drug, ocrelizumab,
developed by subsidiary Genentech.
Unlike past years, patent expiries will have
minimal impact on some companies, thanks to the remaining difficulties of
bringing biosimilars to the market in the US. AbbVie’s best-selling drug,
Humira (adalimumab), will lose exclusivity in the US in 2016, but is not
forecast to lose much of its $16 billion sales, and will remain the industry’s
top seller. Despite this, investor confidence in the sector may be affected by
increased scrutiny by policymakers around drug pricing and tax avoidance
strategies, as seen with Pfizer’s recent takeover of Allergan and tax inversion
plan.