Drugs to Watch 2026
2026-01-13 00:23:27
Clarivate Identifies 11 Promising Therapies in Its 2026 Drugs to Watch Report
Clarivate's 2026 Drugs to Watch Report Highlights Promising Innovations
On January 6, 2026, Clarivate, a global leader in transformative intelligence, presented its annual "Drugs to Watch" report, identifying 11 innovative therapies forecasted to significantly impact patient care in the coming year. The report pinpoints emerging treatments that could either become blockbuster drugs or induce meaningful changes in clinical approaches over the next five years.
The Drugs to Watch initiative has previously spotlighted over 110 therapies, consistently identifying those capable of redefining patient care—now serving as a pivotal reference for tracking innovations in the pharmaceutical industry.
Leveraging integrated data assets and AI-driven insights, the report details potential groundbreaking treatments that may revolutionize patient care. This analysis reflects how companies navigate increasingly complex global markets through the interplay of scientific advancement, regulatory shifts, and evolving market dynamics.
Henry Levy, President of Clarivate Life Sciences & Healthcare, remarked, "The pharmaceutical landscape of 2026 will be characterized by unprecedented innovation and increasing complexity. Understanding the shifting trends of patients and markets, from metabolic diseases to rare conditions and precision medicines, will be crucial. This year's Drugs to Watch report not only highlights transformative therapies but also encompasses broader trends shaping the industry. Using integrated intelligence and advanced analytics enables companies to make more informed decisions and prioritize meaningful innovations, ultimately delivering transformative treatments to patients more quickly."
The featured therapies in the 2026 report demonstrate where groundbreaking science meets patient-centered solutions amidst a rapidly evolving healthcare environment. Noteworthy therapies include:
1. Orforglipron (Eli Lilly and Co) - A low molecular weight GLP-1 receptor agonist designed for managing obesity and Type 2 diabetes, with potential applications for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension.
2. Retatrutide (Eli Lilly and Co) - A multi-targeted GLP-1/GIP/glucagon receptor agonist seeking to manage related obesity and diabetes while exploring treatment expansions for various related complications.
3. Exdensur (Depemokimab) (GSK) - An IL-5 targeting monoclonal antibody developed for treating asthma in adolescents and adults, with ongoing studies for broader indications.
4. Icotrokinra (Johnson & Johnson) - An IL-23 receptor antagonist aimed at treating plaque psoriasis, looking to expand indications to include psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
5. VOYXACT® (sibeprenlimab) (Otsuka Pharmaceutical) - Targeting IgA nephropathy, this monoclonal antibody could also indicate expansion for Sjögren's syndrome.
6. Tolebrutinib (Sanofi) - A BTK inhibitor under development for non-relapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
7. Gedatolisib (Celcuity) - A pan-PI3K/mTOR inhibitor aimed at HR-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer, also considered for treatment of other resistant forms.
8. INLEXZO™ (TAR-200) (Johnson & Johnson) - A metabolite analog for treating high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, utilizing an innovative drug delivery system.
9. Relacorilant (Corcept Therapeutics Inc) - A selective glucocorticoid receptor antagonist targeting resistant ovarian cancer and Cushing's syndrome.
10. BGB-16673 (BeOne Medicines) - A CDAC targeting CLL/SLL under development for challenging cases with ongoing research for other malignancies.
11. Mezigdomide (Bristol Myers Squibb) - A second-generation CELMoD therapy for treating relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, showcasing dual effects on myeloma activity and immune stimulation.
The report outlines how the pharmaceutical development environment is evolving across various therapeutic areas. In metabolic diseases, next-generation medicines are enhancing delivery mechanisms and expanding applications. With obesity treatment revenues expected to reach $150 billion by 2035, differentiation in real-world effectiveness is vital for companies to meet payer requirements while ensuring patient safety and clinical value.
Development in rare diseases is also expanding beyond oncology to neurological, psychiatric, and hematological conditions. Success in these ultra-small patient populations demands early patient identification and evidence-based approaches. Moreover, as China rises as a competitive market, therapies developed domestically are influencing global strategies across multiple areas including oncology and immunology.
The full "Drugs to Watch 2026" report is available for review. For continuous updates throughout the year, please visit the dedicated Drugs to Watch page. Follow Clarivate Life Sciences & Healthcare on LinkedIn and X, and engage in discussions using #DrugstoWatch.
Clarivate’s analytical groundwork in isolating transformative therapies stems from its comprehensive datasets and insights trusted by life sciences clients globally. This latest report aims to streamline and illuminate the paths to market and patient care, fostering a more informed and responsive healthcare landscape.