The strong growth of biosimilars Pfizer recently launched in the United States are part of the success story, although reference etanercept (Enbrel) sales have seen major erosion.
Third-quarter earnings for Pfizer revealed a strong upward pattern for biosimilar penetration, despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Biosimilar revenues climbed to $424 million (up 80%), driven mainly by the recent launches of biosimilars for rituximab (Ruxience), bevacizumab (Zirabev), and trastuzumab (Trazimera) products in the United States and elsewhere, Pfizer said in an earnings report.
The company also cited ongoing growth in revenues from its epoetin zeta biosimilar (Retacrit), mainly in the United States.
Pfizer said sales declined 21% overall for its reference product Enbrel (etanercept) owing to competition in Europe, Japan, and Brazil, where biosimilars of this drug are available.
Biosimilar and generic competition for Pfizer’s products that are losing or have lost patent protection was cited for an anticipated “negative revenue impact of $2.4 billion” for the full year 2020. However, success with Pfizer’s own biosimilar launches contributed to 4% overall operational revenue growth, the company said. Third-quarter revenues totaled $12.1 billion.
“In the first 9 months of the year, our biopharma business grew 7% operationally, despite a COVID-19–related negative impact of approximately 2%, driven by the strong performance of many of our key brands,” said Frank D’Amelio, chief financial officer and executive vice president of Global Supply for Pfizer.
Biosimilars in America: Overcoming Barriers and Maximizing Impact
July 21st 2024Join us as we explore the complexities of the US biosimilars market, discussing legislative influences, payer and provider adoption factors, and strategies to overcome industry challenges with expert insights from Kyle Noonan, PharmD, MS, value & access strategy manager at Cencora.
Overcoming Challenges to Improve Access and Reduce Costs
November 12th 2024Biosimilars hold the potential to dramatically lower health care costs and improve access to life-changing treatments, but realizing this potential will require urgent policy reforms, market competition, and better education for both providers and patients.
Biosimilars Oncology Roundup for June 2024—Podcast Edition
July 7th 2024On this episode of Not So Different, we review biosimilar news coming out of June, with clinical trial results from conferences and a study showcasing how to overcome economic and noneconomic barriers to oncology biosimilars.
Skyrizi Overtakes Humira: “Product Hopping” Leaves Biosimilar Market in Limbo
November 7th 2024For the first time, Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa) has replaced Humira (reference adalimumab) as AbbVie’s sales driver, largely due to companies encouraging “product hopping” to avoid competition, creating concerns for the sustainability of the burgeoning adalimumab biosimilar market.