Benlysta to drive lupus drug market to $2.1 billion in 2020

Driven primarily by the launch and uptake of Human Genome Sciences (Nasdaq: HGSI) and GlaxoSmithKline’s (LSE: GSK) Benlysta (belimumab), the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) drug market will increase more than seven-fold, from around $300 million in 2010 to more than $2.1 billion in 2020 in the seven leading markets of the USA, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and Japan, according to a new report from advisory firm Decision Resources.

The findings from DR’s Pharmacor topic titled Systemic Lupus Erythematosus reveal that the premium-priced biologic Benlysta will stand as the market leader in 2020, with blockbuster sales in excess of $1 billion. Benlysta’s position as the first formally approved agent for SLE in more than 50 years, its perceived positive safety profile and its demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials will drive its uptake. The availability of a subcutaneous formulation of Benlysta will also help to bolster its market-leading position in 2020.

Subcutaneous formulation will add competitive edge