Abstract
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. |