ETOPOSIDE - Generic Drug Details

What are the generic drug sources for etoposide and what is the scope of patent protection?

Etoposide is the generic ingredient in four branded drugs marketed by Mylan, Onesource Specialty, Accord Hlthcare, Dash Pharms, Dash Pharms Natco, Fresenius Kabi Usa, Hikma, Hospira, Meitheal, Pharmachemie Bv, Pierre Fabre, Teva Parenteral, Teva Pharms Usa, Watson Labs, Watson Labs Inc, Corden Pharma, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Cheplapharm, and is included in twenty NDAs. Additional information is available in the individual branded drug profile pages.

There are eleven drug master file entries for etoposide. Six suppliers are listed for this compound.

Summary for ETOPOSIDE

US Patents:	0
Tradenames:	4
Applicants:	18
NDAs:	20
Drug Master File Entries:	11
Finished Product Suppliers / Packagers:	6
Raw Ingredient (Bulk) Api Vendors:	76
Clinical Trials:	1,741
Patent Applications:	8,329
Drug Prices:	Drug price trends for ETOPOSIDE
What excipients (inactive ingredients) are in ETOPOSIDE?	ETOPOSIDE excipients list
DailyMed Link:	ETOPOSIDE at DailyMed

See drug prices for ETOPOSIDE

Recent Clinical Trials for ETOPOSIDE

Identify potential brand extensions & 505(b)(2) entrants

Sponsor	Phase
Takeda	PHASE2
ETOP IBCSG Partners Foundation	PHASE2
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute	PHASE2

See all ETOPOSIDE clinical trials

Pharmacology for ETOPOSIDE

Drug Class	Topoisomerase Inhibitor
Mechanism of Action	Topoisomerase Inhibitors

Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) Categories for ETOPOSIDE

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic

Topoisomerase II Inhibitors

Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classes for ETOPOSIDE

L01CB	Podophyllotoxin derivatives
L01C	PLANT ALKALOIDS AND OTHER NATURAL PRODUCTS
L01	ANTINEOPLASTIC AGENTS
L	Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents

US Patents and Regulatory Information for ETOPOSIDE

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Dash Pharms Natco	ETOPOSIDE	etoposide	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	203507-001	Nov 20, 2017		DISCN	No	No
Onesource Specialty	VEPESID	etoposide	CAPSULE;ORAL	019557-001	Dec 30, 1986		DISCN	Yes	No
Hospira	ETOPOSIDE	etoposide	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	074320-001	Aug 30, 1995		DISCN	No	No
Onesource Specialty	VEPESID	etoposide	CAPSULE;ORAL	019557-002	Dec 30, 1986		DISCN	Yes	No

Expired US Patents for ETOPOSIDE

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Patent Expiration
Onesource Specialty	VEPESID	etoposide	CAPSULE;ORAL	019557-001	Dec 30, 1986	3,524,844
Corden Pharma	VEPESID	etoposide	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	018768-001	Nov 10, 1983	3,524,844
Onesource Specialty	VEPESID	etoposide	CAPSULE;ORAL	019557-002	Dec 30, 1986	3,524,844

Last updated: July 27, 2025

rket Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for the Pharmaceutical Drug: Etoposide

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Introduction

Etoposide, a chemotherapeutic agent primarily used in oncology, holds an established position within the global cancer treatment landscape. Approved initially by the FDA in the 1980s, etoposide remains integral to therapy regimens targeting lung cancer, testicular cancer, and certain leukemias. Its market trajectory is shaped by evolving clinical practices, technological advances, patent landscapes, and broader healthcare trends. This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the current market dynamics and financial progression of etoposide, providing essential insights for stakeholders seeking to navigate its complex ecosystem.

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Market Overview and Key Drivers

Global Market Size and Forecast

The global etoposide market, valued at approximately USD 400 million in 2022, is projected to experience moderate growth at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 3-4% through 2030. Growth is driven by the persistent demand for chemotherapy agents amidst increasing cancer incidence rates worldwide, especially in emerging economies where healthcare infrastructure is expanding.[1]

Disease Prevalence and Demographic Trends

Cancer incidence continues to rise globally, with lung and testicular cancers being prominent indications for etoposide therapy. According to WHO data, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, bolstering demand for effective chemotherapeutic options like etoposide.[2] Additionally, demographic shifts such as aging populations in developed economies further sustain demand, as older populations exhibit higher cancer prevalence.

Clinical Guidelines and Adoption

Etoposide's inclusion in standard-of-care protocols for various cancers underpins its market penetration. It is often used in combination regimens, including BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin) for testicular cancer, solidifying its therapeutic importance.[3] Ongoing clinical trials exploring its efficacy in combination with targeted therapies could expand its indications and market reach.

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Market Dynamics: Opportunities and Constraints

Patent and Regulatory Environment

Most etoposide formulations are off-patent, leading to a proliferation of generic versions. While generics boost accessibility and reduce costs, they exert significant price competition, constraining revenue for branded formulations. Regulatory policies, especially in emerging markets, facilitate access but also intensify price pressures.

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Factors

The production of etoposide relies on complex synthesis processes. Supply chain disruptions, such as active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) shortages—exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic—have impacted availability and pricing dynamics. Investments in manufacturing capacity and API sourcing are critical to maintaining market stability.[4]

Competitive Landscape

Etoposide competes with newer chemotherapeutic agents, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies tailored for specific cancer types. While newer agents may offer improved efficacy or tolerability, cost considerations sustain etoposide’s role, especially in resource-constrained settings. The presence of multiple generic producers creates a highly competitive market with downward pricing pressure.

Emerging Technologies and Future Directions

Innovations such as nanoparticle formulations, liposomal delivery systems, and biomarker-driven personalized therapies could influence future utilization. While these advances aim to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects, their integration into existing treatment protocols remains uncertain, potentially impacting etoposide’s market share.[5]

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Financial Trajectory Analysis

Revenue Trends and Market Share

Historically, etoposide’s revenues have plateaued due to genericization, with some fluctuations driven by regional demand and supply factors. The United States and Europe account for the majority of revenues, given established healthcare infrastructure, while growth in Asia-Pacific compensates through increasing cancer prevalence and expanding healthcare coverage.

Pricing Dynamics

Average selling prices (ASPs) have declined progressively, reflecting generic competition. Price erosion varies by market; in the US, the availability of multiple generics has driven prices downward by approximately 60-70% over the past decade.[6] Despite this, revenue streams remain stable owing to volume-driven sales and increasing treatment prevalence.

Regulatory and Reimbursement Impact

Pricing and reimbursement policies significantly influence sales. Countries with strong healthcare funding and reimbursement systems, such as Germany and Japan, facilitate sustained utilization. Conversely, budget constraints and formulary restrictions in developing regions may limit access, affecting revenue trajectories.

Market Challenges and Opportunities

Patent expirations, generic competition, and rapid technological developments pose ongoing threats. However, rising cancer incidence, expanding indications, and inclusion in combination regimens provide sustained revenue potential. Lifecycle management strategies, including new formulations or combination therapies, can mitigate commoditization effects.

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Strategic Considerations for Stakeholders

• Manufacturers: Diversify pipeline offerings, invest in formulation innovations to improve efficacy and reduce side effects, and explore new combination regimens.
• Investors: Monitor regulatory changes and patent landscapes to identify potential revenue fluctuations and growth opportunities.
• Healthcare Providers: Prioritize evidence-based use of etoposide in appropriate indications, considering emerging alternatives.
• Policymakers: Support sustainable manufacturing practices and equitable access, especially in underserved markets.

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Key Market Trends and Future Outlook

1. Continued Demand in Oncology: Despite competition, etoposide’s established efficacy sustains its role, especially in multi-drug regimens.
2. Generics and Pricing Pressure: Price reductions will persist, but high-volume sales offset margins.
3. Regional Growth: Emerging markets offer revenue growth due to increasing cancer burden and expanding healthcare infrastructure.
4. Innovation Potential: Novel delivery methods and combination strategies could extend lifecycle and market relevance.
5. Regulatory and Policy Influences: Dynamic policies shape access, reimbursement, and pricing strategies, influencing market trajectory.

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Key Takeaways

• The global etoposide market, valued at around USD 400 million in 2022, is expected to grow at 3-4% CAGR through 2030, driven predominantly by cancer prevalence and treatment demand.
• Patent expirations and widespread generic availability exert significant downward pressure on prices, challenging revenue growth but maintaining high-volume sales.
• Market expansion hinges on emerging economies, where rising cancer incidence and improving healthcare access are creating new opportunities.
• Advances in formulation technologies and combination therapies could mitigate commoditization effects and rejuvenate interest in etoposide-based treatments.
• Stakeholders must navigate complex regulatory landscapes and supply chain logistics to optimize financial outcomes and sustain competitive advantages.

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FAQs

1. What are the primary indications for etoposide therapy?
Etoposide is mainly used for treating lung cancer, testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, and certain leukemias, typically as part of combination chemotherapy regimens.

2. How has the patent landscape affected etoposide’s market?
The expiration of patents has facilitated the entry of numerous generic manufacturers, leading to price competition and reduced revenues for branded versions but increased accessibility for patients worldwide.

3. What are the key challenges facing etoposide's market growth?
Challenges include intense generic competition, pricing pressures, competition from newer targeted therapies and immunotherapies, and potential regulatory restrictions in certain markets.

4. Are there ongoing innovations that could impact etoposide’s market?
Yes, developments such as liposomal delivery systems, nanoparticle formulations, and combination strategies with targeted agents could enhance efficacy and safety, potentially extending market relevance.

5. How do regional differences influence etoposide’s market dynamics?
Developed markets benefit from established healthcare infrastructure and reimbursement, while emerging markets offer growth opportunities due to increasing cancer burden and expanding healthcare coverage, albeit with pricing and regulatory challenges.

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References

[1] Grand View Research, "Etoposide Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis," 2022.
[2] WHO Cancer Factsheet, 2022.
[3] National Cancer Institute, "Chemotherapy Drugs for Testicular Cancer," 2021.
[4] IQVIA, "API Supply Chain Analysis," 2022.
[5] ClinicalTrials.gov, "Emerging Technologies in Chemotherapy," 2022.
[6] EvaluatePharma, "Generic Drug Pricing Trends," 2022.