Market Analysis
The world-wide market for biopharmaceuticals is estimated to reach US$55 billion by 2016 (Datamonitor). With an aging population and an increasing requirement for drug cost decreases from reimbursement entities there is currently great interest in the development of “biosimilar” or “follow-on biologics".
Due to the success of a number of blockbuster biologic drugs which have, or will be, coming off patent during the next three to five years a large number of companies are developing biosimilar products. However, for biosimilars to have a competitive advantage over the originator product they must be produced at a significantly discounted cost to the market leader. This means that most, if not all, biosimilars will have to be developed rapidly with a very low cost base.
Recently, the concept of “Biosuperior” products has been proposed. These products are based on previously registered biopharmaceuticals which have come off patent, but further product development has been carried out to improve their characteristics compared to the innovator product. These products will have a significantly increased value due to the product enhancements and also additional protection due to the use of novel intellectual property and associated product protection.
Cantab Biopharmaceuticals Ltd is developing a number of biosuperior products, within selected therapeutic areas to decrease treatment cost bases and improve therapeutic outcomes.