Drug Launch Superstars: Where are They Now?
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June 2025
Drug Launch Superstars: Where are They Now?
Market incentives work to support supplemental approvals and competition
In this Center for Pharmacoeconomics (CPE) Special Report, we examine the real-world market dynamics of 15 drugs—10 small molecules and 5 biologics. The drugs examined had only been in the market for 12 to 16 years at the time of this analysis.
Of the 15 drugs examined, all but two (87%) have had at least one supplemental approval (e.g., new indication, expanded population, new formulation, updated label). There was an average of 4.5 supplemental approvals per drug suggesting there were market incentives for manufacturers to invest in post-approval research and development. These supplemental approvals are beneficial for society and the stakeholders within the healthcare system.
At the time of this report posting, the majority (60%) of the drugs examined were already facing generic or biosimilar competition suggesting there were market incentives for generics and biosimilars to enter the market as quickly as possible. For the subset of drugs we examined that had a generic/biosimilar with public price estimates available, substantial price drops were already observed. For products with a generic in the market for more than one year, the generic price was 87% to 99% lower than the branded launch price. Generic and biosimilar competition after the appropriate exclusivity period is essential to promote ongoing innovation and lower drug costs.
The drugs evaluated in this CPE Special Report may not be reflective of all drugs. However, these real-world examples illustrate how market-based incentives are working to support supplemental approvals (which should be a win-win for the manufacturer and society) and the entry of generic/biosimilar competition (which should result in substantial price drops).
A drug has a variety of market incentives and dynamics over its lifecycle, and it is critically important these are acknowledged when critiquing prices and developing policies.
Read our full report for more details and discussion.
Drug Launch Superstars: Where Are They Now?
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The Leerink Center for Pharmacoeconomics is a division of MEDACorp and an affiliate of Leerink Partners
Leerink Center for Pharmacoeconomics
– Melanie Whittington, PhD, Managing Director, Head of the Center for Pharmacoeconomics
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This information (including, but not limited to, prices, quotes, and statistics) has been obtained from sources that we believe reliable, but we do not represent that it is accurate or complete and it should not be relied upon as such. All information is subject to change without notice, and the information and any opinions contained herein are as of the date of this material and the Firm does not undertake any obligation to update them. The information is not an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any product to which this information relates. Leerink Partners LLC (“Firm”), its officers, directors, employees, proprietary accounts, and affiliates may have a position, long or short, in the securities referred to in this report, and/or other related securities, and from time to time may increase or decrease the position or express a view that is contrary to that contained in this piece. The Firm’s research analysts, bankers, salespeople, and traders may provide oral or written market commentary or trading strategies that are contrary to opinions expressed, and the Firm’s market making desk may make investment decisions that are inconsistent with the opinions expressed in this document. The past performance of securities does not guarantee or predict future performance. This material does not take into account individual circumstances, objectives, or needs and is not intended as a recommendation to any particular person(s). As such, the financial instruments discussed herein may not be suitable for all investors, and investors must make their own investment decisions based upon their specific investment objectives and financial situation. This material is a marketing communication and is not and should not be construed as investment research or a research report prepared by a research analyst. Any views portrayed in this material may differ from those of the research department of Leerink Partners LLC. All information contained herein is intended solely for your own personal, informational use, and you are not permitted to reproduce, retransmit, disseminate, sell, license, distribute, republish, broadcast, post, circulate or commercially exploit the information in any manner or media without the express written consent of Leerink Partners LLC, or to use the information for any unlawful purpose. Additional information is available upon request by contacting the Editorial Department, Leerink Partners LLC, 53 State Street, 40th Floor, Boston, MA 02109. MEDACorp LLC (MEDACorp), an affiliate of Leerink Partners LLC, is a global network of independent healthcare professionals (Key Opinion Leaders and consultants) providing industry and market insights to Leerink Partners and its clients. © 2025 Leerink Partners LLC. All Rights Reserved. Member FINRA/SIPC.
Disclosures
This information (including, but not limited to, prices, quotes, and statistics) has been obtained from sources that we believe reliable, but we do not represent that it is accurate or complete and it should not be relied upon as such. All information is subject to change without notice, and the information and any opinions contained herein are as of the date of this material and the Firm does not undertake any obligation to update them. The information is not an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any product to which this information relates. Leerink Partners LLC (“Firm”), its officers, directors, employees, proprietary accounts, and affiliates may have a position, long or short, in the securities referred to in this report, and/or other related securities, and from time to time may increase or decrease the position or express a view that is contrary to that contained in this piece. The Firm’s research analysts, bankers, salespeople, and traders may provide oral or written market commentary or trading strategies that are contrary to opinions expressed, and the Firm’s market making desk may make investment decisions that are inconsistent with the opinions expressed in this document. The past performance of securities does not guarantee or predict future performance. This material does not take into account individual circumstances, objectives, or needs and is not intended as a recommendation to any particular person(s). As such, the financial instruments discussed herein may not be suitable for all investors, and investors must make their own investment decisions based upon their specific investment objectives and financial situation. This material is a marketing communication and is not and should not be construed as investment research or a research report prepared by a research analyst. Any views portrayed in this material may differ from those of the research department of Leerink Partners LLC. All information contained herein is intended solely for your own personal, informational use, and you are not permitted to reproduce, retransmit, disseminate, sell, license, distribute, republish, broadcast, post, circulate or commercially exploit the information in any manner or media without the express written consent of Leerink Partners LLC, or to use the information for any unlawful purpose. Additional information is available upon request by contacting the Editorial Department, Leerink Partners LLC, 53 State Street, 40th Floor, Boston, MA 02109. MEDACorp LLC (MEDACorp), an affiliate of Leerink Partners LLC, is a global network of independent healthcare professionals (Key Opinion Leaders and consultants) providing industry and market insights to Leerink Partners and its clients. © 2025 Leerink Partners LLC. All Rights Reserved. Member FINRA/SIPC.
Disclosures
This information (including, but not limited to, prices, quotes, and statistics) has been obtained from sources that we believe reliable, but we do not represent that it is accurate or complete and it should not be relied upon as such. All information is subject to change without notice, and the information and any opinions contained herein are as of the date of this material and the Firm does not undertake any obligation to update them. The information is not an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any product to which this information relates. Leerink Partners LLC (“Firm”), its officers, directors, employees, proprietary accounts, and affiliates may have a position, long or short, in the securities referred to in this report, and/or other related securities, and from time to time may increase or decrease the position or express a view that is contrary to that contained in this piece. The Firm’s research analysts, bankers, salespeople, and traders may provide oral or written market commentary or trading strategies that are contrary to opinions expressed, and the Firm’s market making desk may make investment decisions that are inconsistent with the opinions expressed in this document. The past performance of securities does not guarantee or predict future performance. This material does not take into account individual circumstances, objectives, or needs and is not intended as a recommendation to any particular person(s). As such, the financial instruments discussed herein may not be suitable for all investors, and investors must make their own investment decisions based upon their specific investment objectives and financial situation. This material is a marketing communication and is not and should not be construed as investment research or a research report prepared by a research analyst. Any views portrayed in this material may differ from those of the research department of Leerink Partners LLC. All information contained herein is intended solely for your own personal, informational use, and you are not permitted to reproduce, retransmit, disseminate, sell, license, distribute, republish, broadcast, post, circulate or commercially exploit the information in any manner or media without the express written consent of Leerink Partners LLC, or to use the information for any unlawful purpose. Additional information is available upon request by contacting the Editorial Department, Leerink Partners LLC, 53 State Street, 40th Floor, Boston, MA 02109. MEDACorp LLC (MEDACorp), an affiliate of Leerink Partners LLC, is a global network of independent healthcare professionals (Key Opinion Leaders and consultants) providing industry and market insights to Leerink Partners and its clients. © 2025 Leerink Partners LLC. All Rights Reserved. Member FINRA/SIPC.
