Oncologics were the top-selling class of therapeutics last year, with sales of $52.37 billion, followed by lipid regulators and respiratory agents, according to IMS. Autoimmune agents posted the fastest annual growth rate in 2009 among the top 15 therapeutic classes. Sales of autoimmune agents increased 18.0% to $13.75 billion, making them the 11th largest therapeutic class by sales. Also posting double-digit sales growth in 2009 among the top 15 therapeutic classes were HIV antivirals (14.9%), antidiabetics (13.4%), angiotensin II antagonists (11.4%) and respiratory agents (11.0%). Over a five-year period, autoimmune agents were the fastest-growing therapeutics class, with average revenue growth of 17.9%. Oncologics and angiotensin II antagonists were the second and third fastest-growing therapeutic classes over the five-year period, with average revenue growth of 15.8% and 12.1%, respectively.

Source: FiercePharma.com