Decision Resources: Biosimilar insulin market may consume brand sales

WALTHAM, Mass. Decision Resources forecasted that biosimilar insulins and insulin analogues stand to erode $6.1 billion in brand sales in the United States and Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and U.K.) by 2018, saving healthcare systems $3.8 billion in the process.

As insulins are relatively easy to develop and manufacture, the new special report entitled "Biosimilars: ESAs, Insulins, and Human Growth Hormones," predicts that a number of competing long-acting biosimilar insulins, which are typically injected once or twice daily, will enter the market during the 2008-2018 study period. Based on differences in revenue and upon patent expiry, Sanofi-Aventis' Lantus presents a greater opportunity for manufacturers of biosimilars than Novo Nordisk's Levemir, according to the report.

"Our survey data suggests that most endocrinologists expect to begin prescribing biosimilars within a year after they launch. Although endocrinologists will require a fair amount of clinical data before they will be comfortable prescribing biosimilars, they have fewer reservations about using biosimilar insulins (used in patients with diabetes) than they do for biosimilar human growth hormones (used in patients with human growth hormone deficiency)," stated MaryEllen Klusacek, Ph.D., analyst at Decision Resources.