Yervoy and Zelboraf accounted for two-thirds of malignant melanoma drug market in 2011; report

The launches of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s (NYSE: BMY) immunotherapy Yervoy (ipilimumab) and Roche (ROG: SIX)/Genentech/Chugai/Daiichi Sankyo BRAF inhibitor Zelboraf (vemurafenib) have transformed the treatment of advanced malignant melanoma and, in 2011, these agents accounted for two-thirds of total malignant melanoma sales, according to the latest findings of health care advisory firm Decision Resources.

Through 2021, the line-extension of these agents into the adjuvant setting, and launches of other emerging novel therapies will drive a robust 9% annual growth in the malignant melanoma drug market in the USA, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and Japan.

The Pharmacor Malignant Melanoma advisory service also finds that, according to interviewed experts, the launch of Zelboraf has resulted in the rapid segmentation of unresectable and metastatic malignant melanoma patients by their BRAF mutational status. Zelboraf has rapidly overtaken Yervoy as the therapy of choice for BRAF-mutation-positive patients. Zelboraf, as well as GlaxoSmithKline’s recently filed BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib and MEK inhibitor trametinib, will relegate Yervoy to predominantly being a welcome second-line option for the BRAF-mutated population. However, due to Yervoy’s anticipated line-extension into the adjuvant setting and its premium price, the agent is expected to maintain its sales leader status throughout the forecast period.