Big pharmaceutical companies, including industry stalwarts like Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson, are bracing themselves for a significant challenge – the looming patent cliff. Between 2024 and 2030, blockbuster drugs are set to fall off patent, putting tens of billions of dollars in sales at risk.
The term "patent cliff" refers to the expiration of patents for leading branded products, opening the door for competitors to introduce generic versions at lower prices. This phenomenon typically leads to a decline in revenue for drugmakers but offers cost relief for patients seeking more affordable alternatives.
While some pharmaceutical giants have strategically built their drug pipelines and pursued acquisitions or partnerships to offset losses from impending patent cliffs, challenges persist. The top 20 biopharma companies collectively face $180 billion in sales at risk due to patent expirations between now and 2028, according to estimates from EY.
The impact of patent cliffs varies based on factors such as the type of drug, with biologics facing particular scrutiny. Drugs like Merck's Keytruda, Johnson & Johnson's Stelara, and Bristol Myers Squibb's Opdivo are among the biologics grappling with potential revenue declines. However, the threat from biosimilars – copies of biologics – may take time to materialize, as biosimilars historically face challenges in gaining market share.
Biosimilars, unlike generics, are not identical copies of branded biologics, making them non-interchangeable. The complex nature of biosimilar development and manufacturing also makes them costlier, limiting their willingness to sell at significant discounts.
One prime example is AbbVie's Humira, which, despite facing biosimilar competition, has only experienced a modest 2% loss in market share due to strategic pricing and rebates. However, the overall revenue decline for Humira is significant, with expectations of a 35% drop in 2023 compared to 2022.
Pharmaceutical companies are adopting various strategies to navigate the patent cliff. Merck, for instance, is focusing on oncology drugs and exploring new formulations, like a more convenient version of Keytruda. Bristol Myers Squibb is testing alternative formulations for Opdivo, while Johnson & Johnson is engaging in legal battles to delay biosimilar competition for Stelara.
Despite the challenges, industry analysts project that the pharmaceutical industry's sales will remain stable through 2030, thanks to improved drug pipelines and strategic moves by companies. Merck, for example, envisions substantial growth beyond 2028, bolstered by its diversified drug portfolio, including oncology drugs and antibody-drug conjugates.
While the threat of Medicare drug price negotiations looms, their impact on revenues remains uncertain. The pharmaceutical industry, armed with approximately $1.4 trillion for deals, continues to explore opportunities for growth and acquisition. The race to navigate the patent cliff is on, with companies striving to extend market exclusivity and maintain revenue streams in the face of evolving challenges.
