Oncology, cardiovascular, autoimmune/anti-inflammatories and infectious diseases will be the top areas of investments in 2015, according to a report by global growth consulting firm Frost & Sullivan.

“In addition, pharmaceutical companies will be keen to invest in in-vitro diagnostics such as biomarkers; molecular, tissue, companion diagnostics; predisposition disease; and predictive testing,” said Jennifer Lazar, Frost & Sullivan Life Sciences global program director. “This is because drugs with companion diagnostics are expected to increase two- to three-fold over the next five years with increased focus on areas such as cardiology and inflammatory diseases.”

In addition to new molecular entity (NME) product launches, there are abundant opportunities for generic and biosimilar drugs due to the patent expiry of several blockbuster drugs in 2014 and 2015.

To entrench themselves in the market, technology developers could expedite the identification of biomarkers and targets for novel therapeutics. Additionally, pharma/biotech and ICT companies could enhance patient awareness of product launches.