Huge Potential in Biosimilars if Generic Providers Overcome Regulato...( NEW YORK April 22 /- Some of the ...)

NEW YORK, April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Some of the biggest-selling biologics developed during the boom years in biotech of the 1980's, including human growth hormone (hGH) and insulin, have lost patent protection in the U.S. in 2007 or will shortly, and they represent a market of $40 billion. This opens up a huge potential market for biosimilars, if regulatory hurdles can be overcome, according to a new report by Kalorama Information, Biogenerics: the World Market for Biosimilars.

Worldwide interest in biosimilars is gaining momentum and is expected to reach $5.8 billion by 2012. But first such stumbling blocks as safety, access to innovators' key intermediates, process controls, availability and access to bulk materials, specifically designed and adapted analytical procedures and validation studies must be addressed. Also, biosimilars cannot currently be marketed in the U.S. because there is no pathway for them to reach the market.

"Right now, there is limited competition in biosimilars due to the complicated regulatory process and the high costs," notes Mary Anne Crandall, senior analyst for Kalorama. "But this won't last forever, and in fact in the near-term we should see some technological changes and political shifts that will fuel the market."

Biosimilars have been selling outside of the U.S. for years, creating a small existing market. As the industry is allowed in the U.S., which Kalorama predicts will happen in a serious way by 2009, it will grow exponentially. Growth will likely occur around a few big biopharmaceuticals at first.

Kalorama Information's report Biogenerics: the World Market for Biosimilars identifies the biopharmaceuticals that have lost patent protection and are likely to be the first products attempted by generic companies. Current and future trends, market size and projections are also provided. The report can be purchased directly from Kalorama Information by visiting