At the end of 2004 the world market for erythropoietin was valued at $11.1 billion, a growth of 8% over 2003. The market has been growing at an average annual growth rate of 18% over the previous 5 years.
The market for Erythropoietin is very lucrative. Marketing costs are low due to the well-defined patient population and distribution costs are low due to the limited distribution outlets. Since the market is a virtual oligopoly barriers to entry are high thus insuring high profitability.
Key process patents for Erythropoietin expired in Europe and the US in late 2004 opening the market for potential generic competition. Already generic products have been developed and are currently being marketed in Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe.
With such a huge market at stake both large multinationals such as Novartis's Sandoz biogenerics division and large generics producers such as Ratiopharm of Germany are eyeing the market.
Many new and emerging dedicated biogenerics companies have launched their products in selected niche markets and many licensing opportunities for fully developed generics versions of epoetin alfa are available for the taking.
Written with the senior executive needs in mind, Erythropoietin – Current Market Dynamics & Future outlook, is a must read for pharmaceutical and medical biotech professionals interested in high growth area therapeutics or in Biogenerics.
