MAb sector growth will continue to outstrip that of small molecules; report

The dynamics of the monoclonal antibody (MAb) market have changed significantly over the past two decades since the launch of US drug major Johnson & Johnson's Orthoclone OKT3 (muromomab-CD3). Far removed from these shaky beginnings, MAbs currently generate global revenues of around $20.0 billion and represent the fastest-growing segment within the pharmaceutical industry, expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate of 14% between 2006-2012, easily outstripping the growth rate of 0.6% which is expected for the more traditional, small-molecules market.

Moreover, with key individual MAb product franchises forecast to record peak sales growth through horizontal indication broadening and the launch of new products in the next few years, this rapid expansion is expected to continue, according to independent market analyst Datamonitor.

MAb market evolution - from mouse to human