Monoclonal antibody drugs offer several advantages over other types of drugs. Technologically, antibodies exhibit amazing specificity that allows for a safe and targeted attack on disease-causing cells or compounds. The antibody itself may be used as a weapon or the antibody may serve as the vehicle to deliver a drug. Along with high specificity, monoclonal antibodies are effective in a broad range of diseases including autoimmune, cardiovascular and infectious diseases, cancer and inflammation. Also of great importance is that antibodies are virtually never toxic.

As of May 2005, there were 18 therapeutic monoclonal antibody products on the U.S. market. Worldwide, there were an estimated 500 monoclonal antibody products in development by more than 200 companies for the treatment of virtually every debilitating disease. Approximately 80 of these were in clinical trials.

This BCC report provides detailed market analyses and industry trends. It quantifies and qualifies the emerging market for monoclonal and polyclonal antibody drugs and imaging products. Forecasts and trends are gleaned from industry sources as well as from considered assessments of available and emerging technologies. The study also examines strategies used by biotechnology companies and pharmaceutical firms to develop and market products in this explosive market sector.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The report contains:

• A discussion of the importance and advantages of antibody-based products, patent issues and applicability
• Analysis of antibody technology, research and production, and the types of antibodies used as therapeutics or diagnostics
• A synopsis of more than 100 monoclonal and polyclonal antibody drugs and diagnostic imaging products currently marketed and those in Phase II or later development
• Comparative product and sales analyses, including current and forecasted sales through 2010 by individual product, target and technology, as well as worldwide market size and growth estimates
• An overview of the leading indications for available and emerging antibody-based therapeutics and diagnostics
• Profiles of leading companies and those with emerging products or technologies.

METHODOLOGY

The base year for this study is 2005. Figures are based on revenue figures at the manufacturers' level and are projected at 2005-dollar value; that is, inflation is not computed into the projection figures.

Information to prepare this study was derived from information obtained from product managers, marketing strategists, research executives and others at leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that compete in the market for antibody drugs and imaging diagnostics or which have products in development for this market.

INFORMATION SOURCES

The information and analyses presented in this report are based on an extensive survey of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries as well as a detailed examination of published literature and reports obtained from regulatory authorities, medical research institutions, pharmaceutical trade associations and national and world health organizations. Key information from the business literature was used to obtain expert opinion on commercial potential and market sizes from industry professionals.

ANALYST'S CREDENTIALS

Lynn Gray has been a research analyst in the biotechnology and life sciences since 1989. Her collaboration with Business Communications Co. (BCC) began in 1996, and during that time, she has authored over 20 BCC biomedical reports.