Which of 2012's launches will be future blockbusters?

A review of the year's biggest product launches - based on analyst forecasts - reveals a bumper crop of oral small molecules approaching the market, according to a new report from EP Vantage, a unit of EvaluatePharma. From Biogen Idec's multiple sclerosis therapy BG-12 to Pfizer's rheumatoid arthritis pill tofacitinib, if all goes to plan 2012 could see some game changing medicines launched before the year is out, it opines.

The world of biotechnology is predicted to have a quieter year, with Novo Nordisk's new long acting insulin, Degludec, potentially the biggest product up for approval this year. Roche's pertuzumab is also a strong contender but could slip into the class of 2013 on even a small delay. In all, eight out of the top 20 product launches of 2012 are forecast to achieve blockbuster status by 2016, according to consensus data from EvaluatePharma. As ever, however, delays and setbacks can rarely be ruled out and the picture by the end of the year is likely to have shifted (Lift off for big drug hopes of 2011, Jan 10, 2012).

Biotech class