Finding The Balance: First-In-Class Versus Best-In-Class

As pharmaceutical companies face a crowded and competitive landscape, the debate between being first-in-class or best-in-class is evergreen. This strategic choice impacts new product launches, with first-to-market therapies offering market share and brand recognition advantages, while best-in-class options can capture value through product differentiation and commercial execution. In Vivo talked to L.E.K. Consulting on how to make a product stand out from the crowd.

Key Takeaways
  1. Strategic Choice Impact: The decision between pursuing a first-in-class or best-in-class strategy is crucial for pharmaceutical companies, as it significantly impacts the success of new product launches. While first-to-market therapies offer advantages in market share and brand recognition, best-in-class options can capture substantial value through differentiation and execution.
  2. Product Differentiation: Successful late entrants focus on true product differentiation, such as efficacy, safety, route of administration, and dose frequency. This differentiation, combined with seamless commercial execution, allows them to secure significant market share even in crowded therapeutic areas.
  3. Market Dynamics: The evolving regulatory environment, including the Inflation Reduction Act, has shortened the time for value capture, making it essential for companies to be disciplined in their development strategies. Additionally, the potential for market expansion with new drug entries highlights the importance of accurately estimating market growth to capitalize on opportunities.

As pharmaceutical companies navigate an increasingly crowded and competitive landscape, the age-old debate around whether to be first-in-class

For heads of business units, R&D leaders, and other senior decision makers, this strategic choice can impact the success of a new product launch. On one hand, the allure of being first to market with a novel therapy is strong ­- it can confer significant advantages in terms of market share, brand recognition, and the ability to shape treatment paradigms

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