On January 6, 2026, Clarivate Plc published its latest Drugs to Watch report, spotlighting eleven innovative therapies anticipated to have a significant clinical impact and robust commercial potential over the next year. This annual report serves as a vital resource for identifying transformative treatments across various fields, including metabolic disease, oncology, immunology, rare conditions, and neurological disorders.
The report has gained recognition for its ability to pinpoint therapies that may achieve blockbuster status—defined as reaching over USD 1 billion in annual sales—within five years. Over the years, the analysis has featured more than 110 therapies, making it a cornerstone reference for tracking pharmaceutical innovation.
Innovative Therapies on the Horizon
Drawing on integrated data and advanced analytics, Clarivate’s report outlines therapies setting the stage for a paradigm shift in patient care. Henry Levy, President of Life Sciences & Healthcare at Clarivate, highlighted the dual nature of the pharmaceutical landscape in 2026, marked by extraordinary innovation and heightened complexity. He emphasized the critical need for companies to anticipate emerging drug trends and adapt to shifting patient and market dynamics.
Among the key therapies identified in the Drugs to Watch 2026 report are:
- Orforglipron developed by Eli Lilly and Co targets obesity and type 2 diabetes with a once-daily oral administration.
- Retatrutide, also from Eli Lilly and Co, is a weekly subcutaneous treatment aimed at obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Exdensur (depemokimab) by GSK is a monoclonal antibody for asthma, administered biannually.
- Icotrokinra from Johnson & Johnson treats plaque psoriasis with a daily oral dose.
- VOYXACT® (sibeprenlimab), developed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, targets immunoglobulin A nephropathy.
- Tolebrutinib by Sanofi is a daily oral Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor for multiple sclerosis.
- Gedatolisib developed by Celcuity is a treatment for breast cancer administered weekly via intravenous infusion.
- INLEXZOTM (TAR-200), also from Johnson & Johnson, is an innovative treatment for bladder cancer.
- Relacorilant by Corcept Therapeutics Inc addresses ovarian cancer and Cushing syndrome.
- BGB-16673, developed by BeOne Medicines, targets chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
- Mezigdomide from Bristol Myers Squibb focuses on relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
Trends Shaping the Future of Healthcare
The Drugs to Watch 2026 report emphasizes the evolution of the pharmaceutical landscape, particularly in metabolic diseases where next-generation therapies are making strides in oral delivery and hormonal mechanisms. With projections indicating obesity drug sales could reach USD 150 billion by 2035, pharmaceutical companies are urged to demonstrate real-world effectiveness while addressing payer concerns and ensuring differentiation through safety and clinical value.
Additionally, the development of therapies for rare diseases is expanding beyond oncology to include neurological and hematologic conditions. Success in these niche areas requires early patient identification and a targeted approach while navigating complex regulatory landscapes in regions such as the United States and Europe.
In the realms of precision oncology and immunology, advancements like protein degraders and oral immunology agents are enhancing patient specificity and access. The report also highlights the growing importance of delivery innovations, such as extended-release formulations and oral alternatives to injectables, which can improve patient adherence and outcomes.
Notably, Mainland China is emerging as a significant player in both commercial markets and global innovation, with local developers introducing competitive therapies that could reshape strategies in oncology, metabolic diseases, and immunology.
For more detailed insights, the full Drugs to Watch 2026 report can be accessed through Clarivate’s platform. Throughout the year, updates and analyses related to these promising therapies will be available, allowing stakeholders to engage with the ongoing conversation in life sciences.
Clarivate is a leading provider of transformative intelligence, offering a range of data and analytical services designed to support advancements in drug discovery, development, and delivery. To learn more, visit Clarivate’s official website.
