The mature rheumatoid arthritis (RA) market boasts ten different biologics representing several distinct drug classes, including blockbuster tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors Enbrel (Amgen), Humira (AbbVie), and Remicade (Janssen); five non-TNF-α biologics, including the recently approved IL-6 inhibitor Kevzara; and oral Jak inhibitors Xeljanz (Pfizer) and recently approved Olumiant (Eli Lilly). The TNF-α inhibitors are the most widely prescribed biologics for RA patients refractory to conventional DMARDs, and the non-TNF-α biologics and Jakinhibitors largely compete for use in TNF-refractory patients. However, the premium-priced branded TNF-α inhibitors face a competitive threat from the launch of biosimilars, including biosimilar infliximab and biosimilar etanercept, which provide cost-effective alternatives. With the impending entry of additional Jak inhibitors (AbbVie’s upadacitinib, Galapagos’s filgotinib) and biosimilars of several other TNF and non-TNF biologics, marketers are faced with fierce competition and increasing challenges to gain market uptake.
Questions answered:
Scope:
Markets covered: United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Japan.
Primary research: 22 country-specific interviews with thought leaders.
Epidemiology: Number of total, diagnosed, and drug-treated prevalent cases of RA; number of diagnosed prevalent cases of RA by severity.
Emerging therapies: Preregistered: 5 drugs; Phase III: 4 drugs; Phase II: 22 drugs; coverage of 10 select preclinical and Phase I products.