Billion Dollar Blueprint: The Journey To Blockbuster Status

By Jessica Merrill

Of the 487 drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration between 2014 and 2023, an impressive 193 are anticipated to achieve peak-year sales exceeding $1 billion, indicating that nearly 39% of these new drugs are poised to become blockbusters.* The allure of a blockbuster drug extends beyond its potential to generate substantial revenue, solidifying a company's financial position. It also attracts further investment into research and development, enhances corporate reputation, and opens doors to lucrative partnerships and licensing agreements. Given these incentives, pharmaceutical companies dedicate significant resources and effort to pursue these high-value assets.

In this white paper, we delve deeply into the dynamics surrounding blockbuster drugs. We explore the landscape of these top-tier products, analyze the impact of pursuing multiple indications and the time required to attain blockbuster status and examine the strategic advantages of developing assets internally versus through external partnerships.

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