AllianceBernstein’s Sanford C. Bernstein unit has revealed the names of the top 7 best-selling COVID-19 vaccines and drugs of 2020.
After the analysis of sales figures released in recent weeks by developers of the therapeutics, it has revealed that the top five therapeutics will yield a combined $38.5 billion in sales in 2021.
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of that total, $25.2 billion, is expected to be generated by two vaccines: BNT162b2, developed by Pfizer and BioNTech ($14.3 billion), and Moderna’s namesake Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine ($10.9 billion).
Below are seven COVID-19 vaccines and drugs for which sales figures have been disclosed by their developers during 2020. Each drug or vaccine is listed by its name(s), sponsor(s), 2020 sales as disclosed by sponsor(s), and 2021 forecasts as projected by investment firms and/or sponsor(s) in guidance to investors.
Not included on the list are just as many COVID-19 vaccines and drugs that are well into clinical development but have yet to win authorizations from regulators. When those candidates begin to reach patients in settings beyond clinical trials, they are expected to generate several billion dollars in additional revenue. According to a report by Morningstar, these candidates waiting in the proverbial wings include:
- Johnson & Johnson’s adenovirus vector-based Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate ($2.4 billion)
- Novavax’s nanoparticle vaccine NVX-CoV2373 ($2 billion).
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Vir Biotechnology’s antiviral antibody VIR-7831 (close to $1 billion).
- CureVac’s mRNA-based vaccine CVnCoV, for which Bayer is supporting development with manufacturing and other services ($900 million).
- Merck & Co.’s oral antiviral agent molnupiravir, also called MK-4482 ($250 million).
- Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)’s recombinant protein-based vaccine incorporating a Sanofi antigen and GSK adjuvant ($200 million).