Can Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Hold Its Ground in the Multiple Myeloma Market?

An exception to the rule?
Velcade was the first proteasome inhibitor approved in the United States, but being a pioneer has its drawbacks. The drug will lose total exclusivity in early 2014. Despite the looming date for generic competition, analysts widely expect the drug to hold its ground in the market, even against newer drugs like Onyx’s recently approved Kyprolis.

Even Johnson & Johnson thinks Velcade could reach $2 billion in sales in the next few years, which may be easily attainable given recent approval in Europe (link opens PDF). Even then, the drug may have a difficult time keeping pace with the company’s up-and-comer oncology treatment Zytiga, whose sales exploded 219% last year and narrowly missed the $1 billion blockbuster threshold.

The article Can Johnson & Johnson Hold Its Ground in the Multiple Myeloma Market? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Maxx Chatsko.

Fool contributor Maxx Chatsko has no position in any stocks mentioned. Check out his personal portfolio or follow him on Twitter @BlacknGoldFool to keep up with his writing on energy, bioprocessing, and emerging technologies.The Motley Fool recommends Johnson & Johnson. The Motley Fool owns shares of Johnson & Johnson.

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