The Fight for Market Supremacy: OPDIVO vs. KEYTRUDA in Japan’s Cancer Treatment
Analyzing OPDIVO’s Pre-2022 Sales Decline and KEYTRUDA’s Market Ascendancy Before 2022, OPDIVO, developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), faced a significant sales decline in Japan’s PD-1 inhibitor market. Despite its initial success, the PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors faced challenges from new competitors and evolving market dynamics. One key competitor was Merck's KEYTRUDA, which steadily gained market share due to its broader range of approved indications and successful clinical trial outcomes. KEYTRUDA’s market ascendancy was marked by its approval for various cancers, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and urothelial carcinoma, among others, making it a versatile choice for oncologists. How OPDIVO Outpaced KEYTRUDA in Japan’s Pharmaceutical Market In 2022, OPDIVO made a remarkable comeback, outpacing KEYTRUDA in Japan’s pharmaceutical market. This resurgence was driven by several strategic moves by BMS. The company expanded OPDIVO’s indications, securing approvals fo