European generics manufacturers are switching to biosimilars. Two thirds of drugs losing patent protection in 2014-2020 are biologics or specialty products.

Common generics are undergoing price erosion that pushes companies to look for new opportunities. Entry barriers to biosimilars and specialty drugs markets are, however, much higher.

Originators use legal, regulatory, commercial and product strategies to protect their market share. Therefore, while the share of original drugs in common generics markets is only 55%, it can reach up to 85% for a biologic.

 

Source: BCG