Enbrel and Humira to continue dominance of rheumatoid arthritis market to 2018

Despite stiff competition from newer biologics and biosimilars, physicians expect Enbrel (etanercept) from Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN) and Humira (adalimumab) from AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) to continue their dominance of the rheumatoid arthritis market, according to the RA Perceptions survey from market research specialist Research Partnership.

The results of the survey indicate that the current market leaders Humira and Enbrel will continue to lead the market, and be used to treat more than a third of rheumatoid arthritis patients in three years’ time. The anti-TNF segment is predicted to experience a strong downturn, specifically a 19% loss in share, in the same period.

Biologics with novel mechanisms of action such as RoActemra (tocilizumab) from Roche (SIX: ROG) are expected to outperform the overall EU biologics market with 15% growth over the next three years.