What does the term “blockbuster drug” commonly refer to?

The term “blockbuster drug” commonly refers to a drug that generates significant revenues, typically exceeding one billion dollars in sales annually. This classification highlights the commercial success and widespread use of the drug in the healthcare market, often due to its effectiveness in treating common or serious conditions affecting a large patient population.

Blockbuster drugs are usually associated with well-known pharmaceutical brands that invest heavily in marketing and distribution, ensuring broad accessibility to healthcare providers and patients. The successful sales figures of blockbuster drugs often facilitate further research, development, and innovation within the pharmaceutical industry.

In contrast, drugs approved for orphan diseases generally target rare conditions and, consequently, may not achieve the same level of revenue due to their limited patient populations. Drugs with limited market presence or those that meet only niche needs do not align with the blockbuster classification, as they do not generate substantial sales or broad application within the healthcare system.