Drug Commercialisation and Company Analysis Flashcards
What is the main goal of drug commercialisation?
To bring a pharmaceutical product to market and ensure patient access through R&D, regulatory approval, marketing, and distribution.
Name different types of pharmaceutical companies by business model.
Big Pharma, Biotech, Diversified, Generic/Outsourcing, Commercialisation-Based.
List the main operational stages in pharma companies.
R&D, Clinical Trials, Manufacturing, Regulatory Approval, Marketing & Sales.
Who were the top pharma companies in 2024?
Roche, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Novartis.
Which drug was projected as top-selling in 2025?
Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy).
What are key financial metrics used to evaluate pharma companies?
Sales, COGS, SG&A, R&D Spend, Gross Margin, Operating Profit, Net Margin, P/E Ratio, Dividends.
Which drug type typically has higher COGS?
Biologics.
Which company had the highest R&D spend in 2023?
Merck ($30 billion).
What are the key phases in a drug’s lifecycle?
Pre-launch, Launch, Maturity, Loss of Exclusivity (LOE).
Give an example of lifecycle management through isomer reformulation.
Prilosec → Nexium (AstraZeneca).
How is a pipeline asset valued?
Forecasted Sales × Success Probability.
What are ways companies source innovation externally?
Licensing, M&A, Joint Ventures, Asset Swaps.
Name a famous licensing-to-M&A example.
Roche–Genentech (Herceptin, Rituxan).
Which phase had the most licensing deals in 2023–2024?
Phase III.
Name two tools used for strategic analysis.
SWOT Analysis, Porter’s Five Forces.
Which force is strongest in pharma: rivalry or entry barriers?
Rivalry – very high; Entry barriers – high but less significant.
Which C-suite roles are crucial in pharma leadership?
CEO, CSO, CFO, COO, CTO.
How does leadership influence commercial success?
Through strategic vision, investor trust, and scientific credibility.
