Companies and Markets: "The Fastest Growing Biotechnology Companies" Market Report Available Now.

LONDON -- Companies and Markets announces the addition of "The Fastest Growing Biotechnology Companies - Growth strategies, comparative analyses and company profiles" market research report to its portfolio

(http://www.companiesandmarkets.com/link.asp?id=DFCIQIQHI41393)

In recent years, the biopharmaceutical industry has emerged as one of the most important sectors in the healthcare industry. Advances in life sciences have resulted in the drug discovery process becoming more science-intensive, with an increasing emphasis cross-company collaborations and the exchange of information. However, growing commercial pressures and rising R&D costs have prompted many biotech companies to seek financial support from global Big Pharma corporations through licensing and collaborative R&D deals. Progressive enhancements in integration have subsequently led to traditional pharma companies becoming increasingly dependant upon the technology platforms and approaches adopted by biotech companies.

Theravance, Inc. is the fastest growing biopharmaceutical company in the world with a growth rate of 12,456% over this 5 year period. However, Theravance also has one of the highest levels of net losses within the industry, highlighting the need to sustain more stable, predictable and stronger financial performance.

ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc is the world's second fastest growing biotechnology company, with a growth rate of 11,773% between 2002-06. Palatin Technologies, Inc. is in third position with a growth rate of 6,928% during the same period. In addition, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. recorded the greatest sales gains over 2002-2006, with an increase of $497.4mn during this period.

The Fastest Growing Biotechnology Companies had a total R&D expenditure of $733.991 million in 2006, compared to total revenues of $1,149.62 million. This constitutes an increase in R&D expenditure of $324.7mn since 2002, and a five year growth rate of 179%.

Compared to global pharmaceutical companies, the fast growing Biotechnology companies constitute significantly higher levels of R&D expenditure. Furthermore, only five of The Fastest Growing Biotechnology Companies have revenues exceeding the R&D expenditure. In order to support the funding of R&D the biopharmaceutical industry has actively sought the support of the major pharmaceutical companies through a variety of synergistic approaches.

Overall, the biopharmaceutical industry has emerged as one of the most important sectors in the Healthcare industry as the drug discovery process becomes more science intensive and biotechnology companies increasingly focus and invest in R&D activities to drive growth. The rising R&D costs and growing commercial pressures have prompted many biotech companies to seek financial support from global Big Pharma corporations through licensing and collaborative R&D deals.

Some Key Issues Examined in the Report

* Biotech losses. Only eleven of the world's top twenty biotechnology companies currently attain a positive net income. This trend is a key industry-wide issue, with companies now attempting to stabilize financial performance.

* Developmental uncertainty. Biotherapeutic developments continue to face a high level of uncertainty. A wide array of factors can contribute to the delay or late-stage failure of promising products.

* External investment. Time-consuming, risky and expensive biopharma product developments require high levels of investment and investor patience, as market-generated revenues are often late in materializing. Investors often pursue milestone payments, joint ventures, out-licensing deals, or M&A as alternative exit strategies.

* Partnership trends. The majority of dedicated biotech companies have attempted to establish strategic alliances, joint ventures and even mergers between themselves and major pharma companies.

Published Date: 01/03/2008

Number of Pages: 280

The report provides a highly detailed and comprehensive 280 pages of analysis covering the competitor trends of the fastest growing biotechnology companies.