INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES

BURLINGTON, Mass. — While drug companies are developing treatments for a wide variety of diseases, the greatest amount of mid- to late-stage research and development activity is in cancer treatments, according to a new report.

According to healthcare market research company Decision Resources, among the top 25 drug companies, oncology is the focus for 30% of phase-2 drugs and 22% of phase-3 drugs. Other areas seeing strong activity include drugs for obesity, diabetes, infections and central nervous system disorders.

BURLINGTON, Mass. — Use of injectable drugs for multiple sclerosis declined during the 12-month period that ended on June 30 as orally administered drugs for the condition became more popular, according to a new report.

NEW YORK — Global spending on drugs will pass the $1 trillion mark next year, according to a new study by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics, a division of healthcare market analysis firm IMS Health.

CHICAGO — A big majority of consumers plan to use their phones during the holiday season to do more than just check prices, according to a new consumer survey.

Vibes, a Chicago-based mobile marketing technology company, commissioned research firm Equation Research to poll 1,000 adult smartphone owners; the survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1%.

DALLAS — The global market for biosimilars is expected to be worth nearly $2 billion before the end of the decade, according to a new study.

MarketsandMarkets, a Dallas-based research company, looked at the global market for biosimilars - knock-off versions of biotech drugs - including monoclonal antibodies, erythropoietins, recombinant proteins and peptides, forecasting $1.954 billion in market value by 2018.

LONDON — An experimental human papillomavirus vaccine made by Merck could offer a boost to the vaccine market, but the company will have to use effective marketing efforts to ensure uptake, according to a new study.

The London-based research and consulting firm GlobalData said Merck's V503 vaccine, currently in phase-3 clinical trials, had strong potential because it protects against five HPV types not covered by current vaccines and demonstrates 97% efficacy against precancerous lesions caused by the additional virus types it contains.

NEW YORK — The value of drugs approved in the United States this year could reach almost $19 billion in sales five years after their launch, exceeding the value of drugs approved in 2012, according to a new report.

Rite Aid is testing a revamped beauty section in at least one of its Genuine Well Being stores, in New York's West Village. Dubbed Beauty Vision, the section features a wider assortment of brands, a spruced-up look and a Beauty Vision adviser who can help customers learn about various brands and products. The chain is promoting the new concept with a special event on Tuesday featuring Eddie Funkhouser, creator of the eponymous cosmetic brand.