Aurobindo Pharma is positioning itself to enter the lucrative global bone treatment market following successful Phase 3 clinical trial results for its denosumab biosimilar. The pharmaceutical company is preparing regulatory submissions across key Western markets to compete in a sector currently valued at $7 billion globally.
Satakarni Makkapati, CEO of Aurobindo Pharma's biologics, vaccines, and peptides business, announced the company's strategic timeline for market entry during an interview with NDTV Profit. "Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody used primarily to treat osteoporosis and bone metastasis from cancer. The drug has strong market potential, and with biosimilar entrants expected from late 2025, we plan regulatory filings in the US, EU, and other key markets from January 2026," Makkapati stated.
Regulatory Timeline and Market Entry Strategy
The company has outlined an aggressive regulatory pathway with differentiated approval timelines across major markets. Makkapati expressed confidence in European regulatory processes, anticipating clearance from the UK and Health Canada within 9-10 months, with approval expected by the end of 2026. US approval is projected for 2027, reflecting the typically longer regulatory review process in that market.
Market Size and Competitive Landscape
The denosumab market presents substantial commercial opportunities across key regions. According to Makkapati, the current market is valued at $2.2 billion in Europe and $5 billion in the US. The company projects that biosimilars will capture 30-50% of the innovator market by 2030, translating to initial sales of $1.5-1.6 billion, with potential growth to $3-4 billion distributed among five to six major players.
Competitive Challenges and Market Dynamics
Despite the significant market opportunity, Makkapati acknowledged the challenges facing biosimilar entrants. He cautioned about intense competition and accelerated price erosion that typically accompanies biosimilar market entry. "We need to see how many of these early entrants would be the last man standing," he concluded, noting that some early market participants may eventually exit due to competitive pressures.
The denosumab biosimilar represents Aurobindo Pharma's strategic expansion into high-value biologics, targeting treatments for osteoporosis and cancer-related bone complications. With biosimilar competition expected to intensify from late 2025, the company's Phase 3 success positions it among the potential early entrants in this substantial therapeutic market.
