Fixed-dose antihypertensive cannot stem tide of patent expiries

Following the patent expiries of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), Datamonitor expects antihypertensives sales in the seven major markets to record sales of $29.5 billion in 2018, a drop of over $6 billion compared to 2008. With no promising novel pipeline agents, pharmaceutical companies have little choice but to adopt line extension life cycle management strategies introducing a number of new fixed dose combinations.

The antihypertensive market is declining, according to Datamonitor's new report on the sector. It is mature and does not present an attractive opportunity for R&D expenditure; consequently Big Pharma is shying away from the pursuit of novel mechanisms of action in favor of developing more efficacious combination therapies.

Cozaar's and Diovan's patent expiries in the USA are expected to alter the structure of the antihypertensive market dramatically. Threats of generic substitution and money-saving healthcare strategies which have plagued other markets, are now approaching the successful ARB class, and will have an impact on the whole antihypertensive market.

Novartis have failed to strengthen its position in the antihypertensives arena with its new renin inhibitor Tekturna and Exforge is expected to face a number of competitive alternatives. More fixed dose combinations from all major players are soon expected to enter. Those agents however will be restricted to a niche population with limited growth, the report concludes.