Generics Markets to Reach $60 Billion by 2007

Feb. 1, 2004

Generic pharmaceutical sales are expected to exceed $60 billion by 2007, according to a recent study by Cutting Edge Information, a research consulting group in Durham, N.C. As prices of branded drugs increase and patents for more blockbuster products expire, generic manufacturers are responding to trends by producing less-expensive equivalents. These developments have reportedly caused a 4% drop in AstraZeneca's pre-tax profits in 2003, according to the study.

One issue is that of generic biologics, since the first biotech products will begin to lose patent protection over the next few years. By 2003, the generic biologics market had already reached $30 million globally, the study projects, but, by 2010, it should hit nearly $12 billion. Insulin and human growth hormone should represent the first wave of generic biotech products, with insulin accounting for 27%, and erythropoietin, for 36% of the biogenerics market by 2010.

"Combating Generics: Pharmaceutical Brand Defense," a new study by Cutting Edge, evaluates strategies being used by key pharmaceutical companies, including Abbot Labs, Eli Lilly, GSK, Merck and Pfizer, as well as their generic competitors, incuding Ranbaxy, including detailed information on prescription-to-over-the-counter strategies, dealmaking and crossovers, and budget and staffing. For more information, visit

http://www.cuttingedgeinfo.com/.
Brand Maker Approved:  Patent Exp.  Generics?
 Procrit Ortho 1990  2004/2006  Yes
 Epogen Amgen 1989  2004  Yes
 Remicade Centocor 1998  N/A  Yes
 Neupogen Amgen 1991  2006  Yes
 Rituxen Genentech 1997  N/A  No
 Avonex Biogen 1996  N/A  Yes
 Intron A Schering-Plough  1995  2002  Yes
 Betaferon Schering 1995  2002  Yes
 Humulin Lily 1992  N/A  Yes
Source: IMS; Burrill & Co., cited by Michael Rosen, in "The Coming of Biotech Generic Pharmaceuticals", www.wisetechnology.com, January 26, 2004.