The current research and development of dozens of major cancer therapies will spur enormous sales potential in the market over the next 15 years, according to a study by Pharmacor and Decision Resources Inc.

The report says that five new classes of cancer drugs will jointly account for more than $20 billion by 2021. The classes include inhibitors of apoptosis, downstream signaling, DNA repair, cell cycle kinases and heat shock proteins. The identification of these novel targets will result in many opportunities to launch new and high-priced therapies and increase the combined use of the new drugs.

The launch of these targeted therapies in cancer imposes a major economic burden on society because of high prices and long treatments.

“To maximize the cost-to-benefit ratio, clinicians will want to identify potential responders over patients who are unlikely to benefit from treatment,” says Joanne Graham, Decision Resources therapeutic area director. “And in guarded markets, the use of premium-priced drugs will be constrained despite data to support clinical benefit.”

For more information, visit www.decisionresources.com/press_releases/pr_11_14_2006.htm.

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