Study sees shift from pharmaceuticals to biologics for generic drug makers through 2020

BURLINGTON, Mass. — Forty blockbuster drugs will use patent exclusivity in the United States between this year and 2020, according to a new study.

The report, "Indian Generics Manufacturers Penetrate U.S. Generics Market: Case Studies in Success and Failure and Near-Term Opportunities," released Tuesday by healthcare market research firm Decision Resources, found that during that time, the loss of brand sales to generics will be more than $155 billion, with 2015 being the biggest single year for patent expiries. Through 2020, the opportunities for generic drug makers will shift increasingly from small-molecule drugs to biologics.

"Teva is the leading global generics company and provides Indian companies with a template for successful growth," Decision Resources group SVP Kate Hohenberg said. "The company's growth has been achieved largely through acquisitions to expand its global footprint and technological capabilities."

Currently, Teva, Mylan and Actavis lead the U.S. generics industry, while Indian companies have increased their presence here, including Ranbaxy Labs, Dr. Reddy's Labs and Lupin. However, they face such challenges as the requirement for increased spending on research and development and investment in advanced manufacturing technologies, as opportunities shift from generic pharmaceuticals to biosimilars.