Biotech growth moderates
Executive Summary
Global prescription sales of biotech drugs increased 12.5 percent in 2007 compared with 18.2 percent in 2006, according to IMS Health. Going forward, the research group predicts a more moderate growth environment through 2012 due to loss of exclusivity and competition from biosimilars, crowded therapy areas, payer reluctance to fund high-cost therapies and safety concerns. Sales gains in 2007 were led by oncologics and autoimmune agents, which each advanced by more than 24 percent. Overall biotech sales topped $75 million in 2007