Current News

Contact | Print version | PDF version | Send article | RSS feed

Use of Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies Increasing in Europe

17 Sep 2008 - Despite high therapy costs and drug format limitations, the popularity of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is on the rise. Physicians are increasingly adopting mAbs because of their superior side effect profile, and continued research is expected to yield more innovative products. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, European Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibody Markets, finds that the markets earned revenues of $7.9 billion in 2007 and estimates this to reach $22.2 billion in 2014.
 
"A strong R&D pipeline along with expanding applications of mAbs in new therapeutic and disease areas will accelerate market growth,” notes Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst Arun A.K. "The increasing number of alliances between pharma and biotech companies will advance research and technological initiatives, a factor key to the continued expansion of the market.”
 
The financial success stories of top mAbs have attracted many companies and have resulted in mAbs being identified as a key growth area. Companies are relying on research to develop mAbs and associated technologies for commercial opportunities.
 
Market participants will however have to meet key challenges to take advantage of opportunities. Firstly, the public healthcare system is under tremendous pressure to support the therapy cost of mAbs. Due to their high costs, the target population for treatment is also likely to be limited. Moreover, the inherent challenges associated with development and manufacturing of mAbs is likely to remain high over the long term.
 
"High treatment costs and inherent limitations in the antibody format are constraining market expansion,” explains Arun. "The heightened focus on small molecule drugs will also challenge the growth of this market over the next five to seven years.”
 
Investing in research and moving manufacturing units to cheaper destinations will help overcome the high development costs associated with mAbs. Building a recognisable brand will enable companies to popularise mAbs and reduce the risk posed by alternate therapies in the future.
 
If you are interested in a virtual brochure, then send an e-mail using the contact button below.