Core Insights - The article emphasizes that being the "first" in the biopharmaceutical industry does not guarantee long-term commercial success, as evidenced by the rapid evolution and competition in the market [1][3] - There is a growing recognition that "Best in Class" (BIC) products, which are iterations of existing drugs, may offer better commercial viability compared to "First in Class" (FIC) products [1][5] - The article highlights the importance of strategic innovation, particularly in the context of established mechanisms and pathways, to meet clinical needs and market demands [1][7] Group 1: Innovation Dynamics - The rapid iteration of drugs is compressing their lifecycle, forcing companies to maximize the value of new drugs within limited timeframes [1][9] - The success of atorvastatin, which became a blockbuster despite being a later entrant in the statin class, illustrates that FIC advantages can diminish over time as BIC products emerge [3][4] - Companies like Eli Lilly have successfully adopted a strategy focused on "me better" drugs, which are improvements on existing therapies rather than entirely new innovations [5][6] Group 2: Market Trends - The trend towards BIC products is evident in various therapeutic areas, including oncology and autoimmune diseases, where companies are focusing on improving established targets rather than pursuing new ones [7][9] - The competitive landscape is shifting as more Chinese pharmaceutical companies leverage their advantages in speed and cost-effectiveness to innovate rapidly, challenging established players [10] - The urgency to fill gaps left by patent expirations is leading to a preference for iteratively developed products based on validated mechanisms [9][10]
立项只是FIC,已经不够用了?