Introduction to MVASI
MVASI (bevacizumab-awwb) is a biosimilar of the biologic drug Avastin, which is used to treat various types of cancer, including colorectal, non-small cell lung, glioblastoma, renal cell carcinoma, cervical, and ovarian cancers. Understanding the market dynamics and financial trajectory of MVASI is crucial for stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry.
Market Segmentation and Growth
Application Segments
The global bevacizumab biosimilar market, including MVASI, is segmented based on applications such as colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, glioblastoma, renal cell carcinoma, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer. The non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer segments are expected to grow at a higher pace due to the increasing incidence and prevalence rates of these diseases[1].
Distribution Channels
The market is also segmented by distribution channels, including hospital pharmacies, online pharmacies, and others. Hospital pharmacies are expected to dominate the market due to the increasing number of hospital visits and hospital stays[1].
Regional Market
At the regional level, North America and Europe are the major contributors to the global bevacizumab biosimilar market, driven by strong clinical pipelines, increasing research and drug development activities, and the presence of major players and developed healthcare infrastructure. Asia Pacific, particularly countries like Japan, India, and China, is also expected to grow rapidly due to early availability of biosimilars and a large population base[1].
Competitive Landscape
Market Competition
The biosimilar market, including MVASI, is highly competitive. Amgen, the manufacturer of MVASI, has reported significant sales but also faces intense competition that drives down prices. For instance, in the third quarter of 2024, MVASI sales decreased by 8% year-over-year to $195 million, with expectations of continued sales erosion due to competition[2].
Price Dynamics
Competition among biosimilars and originator products is driving down prices at an overall rate of 10% to 15% per year. This trend is expected to continue, affecting the revenues of both biosimilars and originator products. For example, Amgen reported a 71% increase in MVASI sales in 2021, but this growth was offset somewhat by price declines[4].
Financial Performance
Quarterly Sales
In the first quarter of 2024, MVASI generated $202 million in sales, which was flat year-over-year. This stability in sales is notable despite the competitive landscape[5].
Annual Financial Outlook
For the full year 2024, Amgen expects continued sales erosion for MVASI due to competition. The company's overall financial performance is influenced by various factors, including higher operating and interest expenses, partially offset by higher revenues. For instance, Amgen's non-GAAP operating income increased from $2.8 billion to $3.1 billion in the first quarter of 2024, but the non-GAAP operating margin decreased by 5.1 percentage points to 43.2%[5].
Free Cash Flow and Investments
Amgen generated $0.5 billion of free cash flow in the first quarter of 2024, which was lower than the $0.7 billion in the first quarter of 2023. This decrease was driven by an $800 million tax deposit, partially offset by the timing of working capital items. The company's cash and investments totaled $9.7 billion, and debt outstanding totaled $64.0 billion as of March 31, 2024[5].
Market Drivers and Challenges
Increasing Healthcare Expenditure
Globally, rising healthcare spending, driven by an aging population and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, supports the growth of biologics and biosimilars like MVASI. This trend is expected to continue, providing a favorable market environment[3].
Rise in Chronic Diseases
The escalating incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders necessitates the use of biologics and biosimilars. MVASI, being a cost-effective alternative to Avastin, benefits from this trend[3].
Patent Expiry of Blockbuster Biologics
The ‘patent cliff’ of several high-revenue biologics opens significant opportunities for biosimilars to enter the market. This shift is a major driver for the biosimilars industry, including MVASI[3].
Regional Opportunities
North America and Europe
These regions are major contributors to the global bevacizumab biosimilar market due to their strong clinical pipelines, research activities, and developed healthcare infrastructure. The presence of major players in these regions further propels market growth[1].
Asia Pacific
Countries like Japan, India, and China offer tremendous market opportunities due to early availability of biosimilars and a large population base. The rapid growth expected in this region is a significant factor in the overall market dynamics of MVASI[1].
Key Takeaways
- Market Growth: The bevacizumab biosimilar market, including MVASI, is expected to grow at an 18.40% CAGR from 2023 to 2031.
- Segmentation: The market is segmented by application and distribution channels, with non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer segments growing rapidly.
- Competition: Intense competition drives down prices, affecting revenues despite increasing sales volumes.
- Financial Performance: MVASI sales have been stable but face erosion due to competition, influencing Amgen's overall financial outlook.
- Market Drivers: Increasing healthcare expenditure, rise in chronic diseases, and patent expiry of blockbuster biologics drive the market.
FAQs
What is MVASI?
MVASI (bevacizumab-awwb) is a biosimilar of the biologic drug Avastin, used to treat various types of cancer.
How is the bevacizumab biosimilar market segmented?
The market is segmented by application (e.g., colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer) and distribution channels (e.g., hospital pharmacies, online pharmacies).
What are the key drivers of the bevacizumab biosimilar market?
Key drivers include increasing healthcare expenditure, the rise in chronic diseases, and the patent expiry of blockbuster biologics.
How does competition affect MVASI sales?
Competition among biosimilars and originator products drives down prices, affecting revenues despite increasing sales volumes.
What is the expected growth rate of the bevacizumab biosimilar market?
The market is expected to grow at an 18.40% CAGR from 2023 to 2031.
Sources
- InsightAce Analytic: Bevacizumab Biosimilar Market Share, Size, Growth and Forecast to 2031.
- Amgen: AMGEN REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS.
- East Street Pharmacy: The Growth of Biologics and Biosimilars in 2024.
- Center for Biosimilars: Amgen Reports 56% Increase in Biosimilar Sales.
- PR Newswire: AMGEN REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS.