The monoclonal antibody market represents the fastest growing segment of the pharmaceutical industry. Therapeutic antibodies revenues are anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14.2% over 2006-12, versus 2.2% for the overall market.

 

Currently there are 21 FDA approved monoclonal antibody therapies generating annual sales in excess of $24 billion. With therapeutic Mabs already a significant part of effective medical treatment they will assume an increasing role in the future of pharmaceutical industry with the Mab market poised to reach an estimated value of $47 billion by 2012.

 

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) currently command a two-fold average revenue per product premium over small molecules. Positive factors supporting this premium include a higher demand due to addressing therapy areas of high unmet need and lower competitive intensity due to accessing novel target space.

A number of key mAb products are also the subject of horizontal indication broadening strategies, a trend which is expected to further enhance revenue growth. The most notable example of this strategy is Genentech and Roche's Avastin (bevacizumab). Given its broad-spectrum mode of action (it targets angiogenesis) it can be used across a wide range of tumor types. With annual sales in excess of $2 billion in 2007 this therapeutic is set to become one of the most dominant products on the market.

Reference: Datamonitor: Monoclonal Antibodies Report Part II, 2007