Immuno-oncology drugs poised for breakthrough in cancer treatment

Nearly 50% of experts expect this to have the most promising innovation pipeline.

Immuno-oncology (IO) drugs are poised to revolutionise cancer treatment in the next five years, according to a recent study by GlobalData.

In its survey "The State of the Biopharmaceutical Industry – 2025," GlobalData found that 41% of surveyed pharmaceutical industry professionals identified IO/cancer therapeutics as the area with the most promising innovation pipeline.

“Advancements in immunotherapy such as checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapies, cancer vaccines, etc., are revolutionising the way cancer is treated, and as these therapies evolve, they may lead to more effective and personalized treatments,” said Urte Jakimaviciute, senior director of Market Research and Strategic Intelligence in the healthcare division at GlobalData.

“Further to this, high unmet needs in cancer with many types of indications lacking effective treatments are driving and will continue to drive the innovation in immuno-oncology/ cancer therapeutics,” the expert added.

Anti-obesity drugs were the second most popular choice (23%).

Citing the GlobalData survey, Jakimaviciute said that anti-obesity medications were projected to have a great impact on the pharmaceutical industry in the next 12 months. The limited availability of effective treatments fuels demand for innovative therapies, making this area a key area of focus for the next five years as well.

GlobalData conducted the survey between 15 November and 4 December 2024, gathering insights from 128 industry professionals.