Despite the recent downturn in investor sentiment in the pharma and biotech sectors, 2016 is set to see research and development productivity continue to grow with significant new drug launches and a limited impact of patent expiries.

According to EP Vantage’s new report, Pharma & Biotech 2016 Preview, 2016 will see:

• The launch of 12 blockbusters

• Pfizer overtaking Novartis to be the industry’s biggest company by sales – even without Allergan

• AstraZenca slipping to the bottom of the top 10 biggest companies
  

• Humira remaining the industry’s biggest selling drug

• Gilead topping 2016’s biggest launches with its combination HIV drug
  

• AbbVie and AstraZeneca facing the biggest patent risks

• Payer concerns on pricing could further dampen valuations
  

Unlike past years, patent expiries will have minimal impact on some companies, thanks to the remaining difficulties of getting biosimilars onto the market in the US.