Ensuring Big Pharma Doesn’t Turn Specialty Markets Into Primary Care

Lured by the success of Abbott in rheumatology, Novartis in oncology, and Genzyme in orphan/genetic diseases, pharmaceutical manufacturers have turned their collective sights on specialist-driven markets. But payor pressure is ballooning and as examples in these hotly competitive areas demonstrate, to truly succeed in specialist markets, companies cannot rely on a ‘follower’ strategy. Instead, careful selection of indications where true innovation is possible and fostering meaningful interaction with physicians and patient communities will allow pharmaceutical companies to grow specialty franchises alongside traditional strengths.