Glossary

Time To Market

What is time to market in pharmaceutical industry?

Time to market refers to the concept of entering the market as quickly as possible with a new drug or medical device. It is a critical factor in the pharmaceutical industry, as it can provide a competitive advantage to companies. The first entrant in the market often establishes a significant brand presence, granting access to a large portion of the market potential. Reducing the time to market is essential for promptly addressing medical needs and commercial opportunities while maintaining high standards of drug safety and efficacy. The process involves research and development, preclinical testing, clinical trials, and regulatory approval, and challenges arise when trying to expedite these stages. On average, it takes over 10 years to bring a drug to market, and efforts are continually being made to reduce this timeline.

What are the key factors that influence time to market in pharma?

Several key factors influence the time it takes for a pharmaceutical product to reach the market:

  • Product Type and Complexity: The nature of the product plays a significant role. Pharmaceutical products, especially novel drugs, often involve intricate development processes and extensive research, contributing to longer timelines.
  • Regulatory Requirements: Complying with regulatory standards and gaining approval from agencies like the FDA is mandatory. The review and approval process can be lengthy, depending on the drug’s complexity and the agency’s resources.
  • Research and Development Activities: The efficiency of R&D processes impacts timelines. This includes the speed of discovering and optimizing potential drug candidates, as well as the success rate of moving candidates through preclinical and clinical stages.