Top 15 Oncology Drugs by Worldwide Sales in 2023
In the ever-changing world of cancer treatment, it's crucial for stakeholders in the health and life sciences industry to be updated about the latest trends and performance of leading drugs. As we move through the complex landscape of cancer treatment drugs, the top 15 best-selling cancer drugs of 2023 serve as indicators of progress, highlighting advances toward better patient outcomes and pioneering discoveries in the field of oncology drugs.
These top-selling oncology drugs not only demonstrate financial success with their impressive sales figures but also showcase the substantial investment in research and development that has contributed to their market influence. From innovative targeted therapies to cutting-edge immunotherapies, each drug on this list represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
This article provides insights into the top oncology drugs of 2023, offering a comprehensive view of the latest developments and market opportunities in this significant segment. Let's go through the 15 most popular cancer medications sold globally in 2023, each of which represents a remarkable breakthrough in the field of cancer therapeutics.
1. Keytruda (Pembrolizumab)
- 2023 Sales: $25 Bn
- Company: Merck
- Price: $11,337.36, when given every 3 weeks. $22,674.72, when given every 6 weeks
- FDA Approved Indications: Lung cancer (non–small cell lung cancer), skin cancer (melanoma), head and neck squamous cell cancer, urothelial cancer, colon or rectal cancer, gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, esophageal or certain gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) carcinomas, cervical cancer, renal cell carcinoma, advanced endometrial carcinoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, triple-negative breast cancer
How it achieved market success: Keytruda, introduced in 2014 for advanced melanoma, has achieved major success in the past decade. It has garnered approvals in 39 indications spanning over 20 diverse cancer types in the US. Lately, it has received approval for late-stage cervical cancer, by the FDA in January 2024. As a programmed dying receptor-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor, Keytruda stands as Merck’s flagship product and a global top-seller. Projections indicate it will declare the world’s best-selling drug title in 2024. Its tremendous acclaim stems from its proven efficacy across numerous cancers. Both as a standalone remedy and in combination therapies, Keytruda has proven huge effectiveness, showcasing its versatility.
2. Darzalex (Daratumumab)
- 2023 Sales: $9.7 Bn
- Company: Janssen Biotech (Johnson & Johnson Company)
- Price: $758 for a supply of 5 mL
- FDA Approved Indications: Multiple Myeloma
How it achieved market success: Darzalex (daratumumab) has revolutionized multiple myeloma treatment as the world's first human anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, presenting a novel mechanism of action that distinguishes it from traditional treatments. Its approval by the FDA in 2015, following fast-track and breakthrough remedy designations, underscored its ability to address the unmet medical needs of patients who had undergone at least three prior lines of therapy. Clinical trials, notably the pivotal Phase II MMY2002 SIRIUS study, showcased Darzalex's efficacy as a single agent, reporting significant response rates in heavily pretreated multiple myeloma patients. Furthermore, its combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, as demonstrated in the GEN503 study, showcased remarkable results, with an incredible overall response rate (ORR) of 81% in relapsed or refractory patients.
3. Opdivo (Nivolumab)
- 2023 Sales: $9 Bn
- Company: Bristol Myers Squibb
- Price: $1,323 per 4 mL
- FDA Approved Indications: Metastatic melanoma, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, advanced renal cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, metastatic colorectal cancer, classical hodgkin lymphoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
How it achieved market success: Opdivo, a pioneering PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor, redefined cancer therapy with early success in melanoma and later metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Its early success in melanoma laid the groundwork for the wonderful journey of Opdivo, where treatment options were once limited, they were there, and they gave new hope. Opdivo has demonstrated its ability to stimulate an immune response against cancer cells, making it a significant breakthrough in the field of oncology. It has been particularly effective in treating metastatic NSCLC, where there is a significant gap in managing patient care. Opdivo maintains its reputation in the oncology landscape despite facing stiff competition from Keytruda, a new PD-1 inhibitor with broad indications and a complex clinical profile Bristol Myers Squibb's recent FDA application for the use of Opdivo in advanced urothelial carcinoma and its continued profitability and commitment to improving cancer care.
4. Revlimid (Lenalidomide)
- 2023 Sales: $6 Bn
- Company: Bristol Myers Squibb
- Price: 2.5 mg oral capsule is around $24,576 for a supply of 28 capsules
- FDA Approved Indications: Multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and mantle cell lymphoma
How it achieved market success: Revlimid, Bristol Myers Squibb’s flagship oncology drug, continues to dominate in multiple myeloma patients with an exceptional response rate exceeding 70 percent. Its effectiveness is owed to lenalidomide, an effective derivative of thalidomide acting as a cereblon E3 ligase modulator. Lenalidomide's multifaceted mechanism inhibits tumor cell proliferation, disrupts angiogenesis, and modulates tumor-secreted cytokines, offering a comprehensive approach to cancer therapy. Essentially, Revlimide's success is due to lenalidomide's ability to target multiple pathways crucial for cancer progression in patients with leukemia.
5. Tagrisso (Osimertinib)
- 2023 Sales: $5.8 Bn
- Company: AstraZeneca
- Price: $17,509 for a supply of 30 tablets
- FDA Approved Indications: Adjuvant therapy after tumor resection in adult patients with non-small cell lung cancer, first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, and for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer.
How it achieved market success: Tagrisso stands out as a breakthrough drug for cancer, having been approved as a stand-alone drug in more than 100 countries, including key healthcare markets such as the US, EU, China, and Japan. Its widespread approval underscores its efficacy and importance in addressing global medical needs. With approximately 700,000 patients benefiting from Tagrisso in all its indications worldwide, its impact on cancer treatment is profound, demonstrating its accessibility and recognition in the medical community of Tagrisso’s patient efficacy the positive impact of such a large number means significant advances in oncology, across the world with cancer It gives individuals fighting hope and improved outcomes.
6. Xtandi (Enzalutamide)
- 2023 Sales: $4.8 Bn
- Company: Astellas Pharma US and Pfizer
- Price: $15,102 for a supply of 120 capsules
- FDA Approved Indications: Treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who have previously received docetaxel
How it achieved market success: Xtandi stands out in the oncology drugs market having been approved in 100+ countries including key regions like the US, EU, and Japan. Its use in the treatment of more than 1 Mn patients worldwide highlights its efficacy and reliability, making it a vital choice in oncology treatments worldwide.
7. Ibrance (Palbociclib)
- 2023 Sales: $4.7 Bn
- Company: Pfizer
- Price: $16,839 for a supply of 21 capsules
- FDA Approved Indications: Treatment of adult patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer
How it achieved market success: In 2023, Ibrance (palbociclib) stood out with US sales reaching $712 Mn. Licensed in over 90 countries and recommended for use by over 200,000 patients globally. Its significant impact on patients and market dominance solidifies its position as a top drug for cancer treatment.
8. Imfinzi (Durvalumab)
- 2023 Sales: $4.24 Bn
- Company: AstraZeneca
- Price: $1,027 for a supply of 2.4 mL
- FDA Approved Indications: Treatment of adult patients with unresectable, Stage III non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, metastatic biliary tract cancer, and unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.
How it achieved market success: Imfinzi's exceptional sales of $3.1 Bn in the first nine months of 2023, representing a 56% increase, attest to its significant impact. It has been administered to more than 150,000 patients since 2017, and its global approval for the treatment of small-cell metastatic lung cancer solidifies its position as a leading drug for cancer treatment.
9. Perjeta (Pertuzumab)
- 2023 Sales: $4.14 Bn
- Company: Genentech (Roche)
- Price: $5,534 for a supply of 14 mL intravenous solution
- FDA Approved Indications: Treatment of patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer and HER2-positive, locally advanced, inflammatory, or early-stage breast cancer
How it achieved market success: In 2020, Perjeta's sales increased to $4.2 Bn, a 19% increase, largely due to its expanding presence in China. Its effectiveness in treating HER2-positive breast cancer, coupled with strategic market expansion, fuelled this remarkable growth. Perjeta's success underscores its critical role in oncology treatment and highlights the power of innovation in drug development.
10. Tecentriq (Atezolizumab)
- 2023 Sales: $4.14 Bn
- Company: Genentech (Roche)
- Price: $7,827 for a supply of 14 mL
- FDA Approved Indications: Urothelial carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and melanoma
How it achieved market success: Tecentriq stands out as a top oncology drug due to its widespread approval in regions like the US and EU, its versatility in treatment approaches - whether alone or combined with other therapies, and its proven efficacy across multiple types of cancer including non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, metastatic urothelial cancer, metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Its sales exceeding $3 Bn in 2021 underscore its commercial success and widespread adoption, demonstrating its tremendous impact on improving patient outcomes.
11. Pomalyst (Pomalidomide)
- 2023 Sales: $3.441 Bn
- Company: Bristol Myers Squibb
- Price: $24,164 for a supply of 21 capsules
- FDA Approved Indications: Multiple myeloma
How it achieved market success: Pomalyst has become a cornerstone of Bristol Myers Squibb's financial success, contributing $3.5 Bn to its 2022 revenue of $46.16 Bn. In just three months ending September 30, 2023, it generated $872 Mn worldwide. It has solidified its position as a leader in oncology treatment, exemplifying Bristol Myers Squibb's dedication to pioneering solutions in the field of oncology.
12. Lenvima (Lenvatinib)
- 2023 Sales: $1.185 Bn
- Company: Eisai
- Price: $25,550 for a supply of 60 capsules
- FDA Approved Indications: Differentiated thyroid cancer, endometrial carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma
How it achieved market success: Lenvima has excelled in oncology with global sales of $1.05 Bn for six months ending September 30, 2023. It was approved in more than 80 countries for hepatocellular carcinoma, 65 for renal cell carcinoma, and 50 for endometrial carcinoma, its versatile efficacy and widespread recognition make it a strong contender in cancer therapy.
13. Verzenio (Abemaciclib)
- 2023 Sales: $1.15 Bn
- Company: Eli Lilly
- Price: $4,065 for a supply of 14 tablets
- FDA Approved Indications: Adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, node-positive, early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence, treatment of postmenopausal women, and men, with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, advanced or metastatic breast cancer
How it achieved market success: Verzenio has proven itself as a superior oncology drug with exceptional performance in terms of revenue growth and clinical excellence. Global revenue increased 68% to $1.04 Bn in the third quarter of 2023, driven by increased demand and proven effectiveness. Verzenio demonstrated a progression-free survival of 16.4 months in clinical trials, compared to 9.3 months with a placebo. Additionally, 20% of patients experienced tumor shrinkage. These findings demonstrate that Verzenio is a highly effective therapy for cancer patients globally.
14. Imbruvica (Ibrutinib)
- 2023 Sales: $0.903 Bn
- Company: Janssen Biotech and Pharmacyclics LLC (AbbVie Company)
- Price: $18,503 for a supply of 90 capsules
- FDA Approved Indications: Mantle cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia and marginal zone lymphoma
How it achieved market success: Imbruvica (ibrutinib) revolutionized chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment since its approval in 2013, maintaining its leading status a decade later. Recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, its sales grew by 5.8% from 2021 to 2022. Imbruvica's resilience underlines its enduring impact and commitment to patient safety.
15. Lynparza (Olaparib)
- 2023 Sales: $0.245 Bn
- Company: AstraZeneca and Merck
- Price: $8,625 for a supply of 60 tablets
- FDA Approved Indications: Ovarian cancer and breast cancer
How it achieved market success: Lynparza has gained wide acceptance across multiple countries for ovarian and breast cancer, a testament to its effectiveness and versatility. Developed in conjunction with AstraZeneca and Merck, it has benefited over 75,000 patients worldwide, solidifying its position as a leading cancer treatment drug.
Conclusion
Looking at the landscape of oncology drugs it will continue to observe remarkable advancements, with the top 15 best-selling cancer drugs of 2023 showcasing not just financial success, but also highlighting the huge opportunities in the oncology market, encouraging continued investment in the research and development of these drugs. From groundbreaking immunotherapies like Keytruda to innovative monoclonal antibodies such as Darzalex, each drug on this distinguished list represents a significant impactful step towards the search for better clinical outcomes and innovative therapeutic approaches. Pharmaceutical companies are ready to seize this growing market by investing in research and development and introducing new therapies that address the medical needs that haven't been addressed yet.