Commercial Perspectives: Cytotoxics - Third-Generation Cytotoxics To Offset Taxols Generic Woes

Introduction

Despite the advent of innovative agents in recent years, cytotoxic agents still remain the mainstay of cancer treatment due to high unmet needs in the disease. This report examines the key cytotoxic products that are currently in use for the treatment of major tumors and provides an in-depth analysis of the future trends in the market, including sales forecasts for these drugs to 2011.

Scope

• Profiles of key cytotoxic products including 12-month events and strategic analyses
• Current and future global sales of key cytotoxics to 2011
• Case studies and alternative forecast scenarios
• Portfolio and lifecycle management of cytotoxic products

Highlights

Because of its patent expiry, BMS’ Taxol (paclitaxel) has lost its leading position to its rival drug, Aventis’ Taxotere (docetaxel). In order to maintain the dominance, Aventis will need to continue to market the drug aggressively in the light of generic and reformulated paclitaxel entering the market

Eli Lilly’s Gemzar (gemcitabine) is the leading antimetabolite in the class, achieving sales of $708m in 2002. Datamonitor expects the drug’s sales to increase to over $2 billion by 2008. However, by 2010, when its patent expires, it is expected to see a significant decline in its sales.

Datamonitor believes that colorectal cancer will be the main growth area of the cytotoxic market. Pharmaceutical companies with pipeline products seeking to enter the colorectal cancer market should consider conducting clinical trials with these cytotoxic agents to ensure a smooth entry into the market.

Reasons to Purchase

• Assess opportunities and risks in the cytotoxics market, based on a thorough knowledge of current products
• Implement successful portfolio and lifecycle management strategies to enhance product positioning
• Evaluate the impact of market entry of pipeline cytotoxics, with Datamonitor’s proprietary sales forecasts