Global rheumatology market controlled by Enbrel, Humira and Remicade

The global rheumatology therapeutics market has been forecast to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% over the next six years, increasing from a valuation of $17.1 billion in 2011, to hit a market value of $23.8 billion by 2018, according to a new report added to the offering of companiesandmarkets.com.

Despite healthy sales of key medications and the positive market impact of an expanding geriatric population, growth in the global rheumatology therapeutics market is expected to slow in the near future due to the entry of biosimilars.

Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN) and Pfizer’s (NYSE: PFE) Enbrel (etanercept), Abbott Labs’ (NYSE ABT) Humira (adalimumab) and Johnson & Johnson’s (NYSE: JNJ) Remicade (infliximab) are the major drugs used in rheumatology therapeutics. Enbrel and Humira account for the majority of the market in the USA. Enbrel's patent was set to expire in October 2012, but has been extended, although this is not expected to have an immediate impact as biosimilars are not predicted to enter the market until 2016-2017.