Pharma & Biotech in 2025: The Top 6 Growth Opportunities Shaping the Future

In response, companies are streamlining production processes, enhancing outsourcing strategies, and adopting advanced manufacturing technologies to meet increasing global demand efficiently. Additionally, digital transformation, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is revolutionizing research and development (R&D), expediting drug discovery, optimizing clinical trials, and personalizing treatment pathways. As technological advancements reshape pharmaceutical development, emerging markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America offer promising opportunities for expansion, requiring companies to navigate unique regulatory and economic landscapes.

How can pharma companies best navigate these emerging markets for sustained growth?

Here are the top six growth opportunities expected to drive the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry in 2025:

1. Radioligand Therapeutics Fueling Precision Oncology
2. Antibody Therapies Revolutionizing Immunology and Inflammation
3. Pharmaceutical Market Leveraging IT Solutions for Greater Price Transparency
4. Medical Co-pilots Empowering Clinical Trial Peripheral Services
5. APAC Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) Scaling Up Amid Manufacturing Shifts
6. Neuroprotective Therapy Advancing Through Strategic Partnerships

Of these six opportunities, we are explaining two in detail below to provide deeper insight into their transformative potential.

Growth Opportunity 1: Radioligand Therapies (RLTs) in Precision Oncology

Radioligand therapies (RLTs) are revolutionizing cancer treatment by delivering targeted radiation to cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Unlike chemotherapy, RLTs use radiopharmaceuticals to enhance precision treatment, improving survival rates and patient quality of life, particularly in prostate cancer and rare tumors.

The market for RLT is set for exponential growth. Between 2017 and 2023, the US RLT market saw over 550% growth in total venture capital deals. By 2030, the RLT market is projected to reach $13.07 billion, with prostate cancer RLTs alone expected to hit $6.30 billion in sales. Leading the charge, Novartis’ Pluvicto has already surpassed blockbuster sales in 2024, highlighting immense investment potential.

Can pharmaceutical companies balance cost-efficiency with innovation in high-value therapies?

Key Growth Opportunities

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations like Sanofi’s licensing deal with RadioMedix and Orano Med demonstrate the potential for RLT expansion into rare cancers.
• Vertical Integration: Major pharma players should internalize supply chain operations, as Novartis has done with its in-house isotope production.
• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Companies should track early-stage startups for acquisitions to expand therapeutic applications of RLTs.

Companies to Action

• Ariceum Therapeutics: Advancing neuroendocrine cancer treatments and bolstering its RLT pipeline through acquisitions.
• AtomVie Global Radiopharma: Partnering with Radiopharm Theranostics and other firms to strengthen RLT manufacturing and logistics.
• Radionetics Oncology: Developing first-in-class small molecule RLTs targeting multiple cancers, backed by $52.5 million in Series A funding.

Growth Opportunity 2: Antibody Therapies Transforming Immunology and Inflammation

Antibody therapies are reshaping the immunology and inflammation (I&I) landscape, addressing a rapidly growing patient population. Autoimmune diseases are now the third most common disease category in the US, affecting 50 million people. Companies are accelerating investments in antibody therapies, as seen in AbbVie’s acquisition of Celsius Therapeutics for inflammatory bowel disease treatments and Biogen’s acquisition of Human Immunology Biosciences, targeting antibody-mediated kidney transplant rejection.

The immunomodulatory monoclonal antibody (mAb) market is projected to reach $57.57 billion by 2030. A key driver is the rise of bispecific monoclonal antibodies (bsAbs), which can target two antigens simultaneously. This dual-targeting capability simplifies treatment, reduces development risks, and enhances commercial potential, making bsAbs an attractive investment.

Are bispecific antibodies the future of immunology, or will traditional monoclonal antibodies remain dominant?

Key Growth Opportunities

• Dual-Indication Antibody Therapies: Companies should acquire early-stage assets that target multiple conditions, as seen in Johnson & Johnson’s acquisition of Proteologix for atopic dermatitis and asthma.
• Next-Generation Multi-Specific Antibodies: Prioritizing conditions with limited treatment options, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis, to expand treatment potential.
• Combination Therapies: Enhancing efficacy by pairing mAbs with existing treatments, such as Tocilizumab with Methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis.

Companies to Action

• Johnson & Johnson: Strengthening its immunology portfolio through strategic acquisitions.
• AltruBio: Developing immune checkpoint enhancers for autoimmune diseases.
• Attovia: Advancing proprietary bispecific antibody candidates, backed by $105 million in Series B funding.