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Projection of the top 10 pharmaceuticals in the world by 2026
RANKING INSIDER
(in billions of US dollars)
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1 Humira
Launched in 2003, Humira (also known as adalimumab, by its generic name) is currently the best-selling prescription drug in the world. Created by the American pharmaceutical company AbbVie, Humira is a drug indicated to treat pathologies such as arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, among others, since it decreases the inflammation process associated with these diseases. It is expected that during the next few years it will accumulate around 54.2 billion dollars, totaling 252.1 billion dollars from its launch until the cut of 2026.
2. Keytruda
The drug, called Keytruda (pembrolizumab) from the American pharmaceutical company MSD, was approved as a treatment for latestage melanoma; the consultancy Evaluate Pharma predicts that at some point it will unseat Humira in subsequent sales, as cancer support drugs will increase by 11% per year in the coming years until 2024.
3. Lipitor
Created by the Pfizer laboratory, Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a treatment against cardiovascular diseases, used specifically to drastically reduce cholesterol. For years it was the best-selling drug in the world and, although its patent expired in 2011, it is believed that it will get another 5.5 billion dollars in sales until 2026.
4. Enbrel
The drug Enbrel (etanercept), developed by Pfizer, is indicated to treat diseases such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, among others, functioning as a powerful anti-inflammatory. From 1998 to the 2021 cutoff, it invoiced 124.7 billion dollars; it is expected to generate another $23.4 billion by 2026.
5. Remicade
Launched in 1998 by Janssen Biotech, Inc., Remicade (infliximab) is one of the so-called biologic treatments, typically used as an antiinflammatory when other drugs have failed. It has raised about 113.4 billion dollars and is expected to enter another 12.4 billion dollars.
06. Revlimid
A thalidomide-like drug, Revlimid (lenalidomide) from the Celgene laboratory is used to treat myelodysplastic syndromes and certain anemias. It is a novel therapy based on immunomodulatory compounds. Since 2005, it has raised $89.9 million and expects to raise another $33.6 million for the year.
7. Rituxan
Also known as rituximab by its generic name, Rituxan is a genetically engineered monoclonal antibody. It is implemented as a treatment for certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Although their sales are declining, they are still expected to acquire 9.3 million dollars within the next four years.
8. Advair
Marketed since 1988 by GlaxoSmithKline, Advair (fluticasone and salmeterol) is used to treat shortness of breath, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness caused by asthma. It has billed $110.2 billion and expects another $6.1 billion by 2026.
9. Epogen
Epogen (epoetin alfa) works similarly to the human protein erythropoietin, which helps the body make more red blood cells, so it’s a prescription medicine used to treat anemia. Launched in 1988, it has grossed around $111.7 million through 2021.
10. Comirnaty
Comirnaty is a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine launched in 2020 by BioNTech/Pfizer; obtained Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA for use by persons 16 years of age or older. Due to the relevance caused by this disease, sales of more than 112.1 billion dollars are expected from its launch until the end of 2026.
*Projection taken based on sales from the date of its launch until the cut of 2021, as well as the needs of the market, and based on international consultants.
*All figures are referenced in U.S. dollars.
*Information update: October 2022.
Courtesy: Matej Mikulic, Nov. 7, 2022; Statista. Retrieved from: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1089322/top-drugs-by-lifetime-salesglobally/
