What are the top-selling drugs of Servier?

Overview of Servier

Company Background
Servier is a global pharmaceutical group that has operated since its founding in 1954. Governed by a non‐profit foundation, it is entirely independent, which enables it to prioritize therapeutic innovation and long‐term patient outcomes over short-term investor pressures. The company’s business model reinvests virtually all profits into research and development (R&D) and maintains a strong emphasis on developing treatments across multiple therapeutic areas. With an annual investment of approximately 25% of its turnover (excluding generics) into R&D, Servier has maintained a long-standing reputation for innovation in drugs addressing cardiovascular, oncological, metabolic, immune-inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Global Presence and Market Influence
Servier’s global influence is underscored by its presence in over 140–150 countries, supported by a strong international sales network. The group employs approximately 22,000 to 22,500 people worldwide and has a significant impact on markets outside France; in fact, more than 88–91% of its products are prescribed internationally. Its unique governance model and reinvestment strategy have allowed the company not only to secure a reliable position in several regional markets but also to drive organic growth through strategic acquisitions—such as the purchase of Agios Pharmaceuticals’ oncology business—and the integration of high-quality generics into its portfolio. With a broad portfolio covering both innovative, brand-name medicines and high-quality generics, Servier has successfully leveraged its strong R&D foundation to become a leading player on the global stage.

Top-Selling Drugs of Servier

Identification of Leading Products
When evaluating the top-selling drugs of Servier, it is important to consider both historical blockbusters that have driven long-term revenue as well as newer, strategically developed products that align with the company’s forward-focused oncology initiative. Over the years, several key products have distinguished themselves as driving forces in Servier’s portfolio:

1. Daflon® – A treatment for venous insufficiency and other venous diseases, Daflon® has consistently been highlighted as a top-selling product. According to recent reports, it remains the Group’s leading medicine for the third consecutive year, with impressive sales figures reaching approximately €594 million in a recent fiscal update. Daflon’s sustained performance underscores Servier’s strength in the venous disease segment and its ability to generate robust revenue from established therapeutic areas.

2. Perindopril – Historically, perindopril has been recognized as a blockbuster in blood pressure control, with Servier once having it designated as its best-selling product. As a widely prescribed anti-hypertensive agent, perindopril has played a central role in Servier’s cardiovascular legacy. However, it is noteworthy that regulatory challenges, including antitrust actions and issues related to pay-for-delay deals in the EU, have impacted its market dynamics over time. Despite these challenges, perindopril’s historical significance in Servier’s portfolio remains a key reference point for understanding its longstanding market impact.

3. Tibsovo® (Ivosidenib tablets) – In the oncology arena, Tibsovo® has emerged as a critical growth driver. Developed as an inhibitor of the mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) enzyme, Tibsovo® is approved for multiple indications, including relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), newly-diagnosed AML (in combination with azacitidine for patients who are elderly or have comorbidities), and even for cholangiocarcinoma in selected cases. The product has gained traction significantly in the United States, particularly following Servier’s strategic acquisition of Agios Pharmaceuticals’ oncology business. This acquisition not only expanded Servier’s foothold in the U.S. market but also effectively integrated Tibsovo® into its oncology portfolio, contributing to strong growth metrics in this therapeutic area.

4. Onivyde® – Although less frequently cited than Daflon® and Tibsovo®, Onivyde®—acquired as part of the Shire oncology business—has demonstrated notable success, especially in markets such as Japan. It is used for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, providing Servier with a distinct product offering in the solid tumor space, and contributing positively to the group’s revenue diversification.

5. Additional Notable Mentions
- Lonsurf (a combination of trifluridine and tipiracil) is another product in Servier’s oncology portfolio. While currently approved as a second-line treatment for colorectal cancer and undergoing further evaluation in Phase III trials for first-line use, it illustrates Servier’s broader commitment to innovating across multiple cancer indications.
- Generic Products Portfolio – Although not “brand-name” top sellers in the traditional sense, Servier’s extensive portfolio of over 1,500 generic drugs—distributed via subsidiaries such as Biogaran in France, EGIS in Eastern Europe, and others in regions including Brazil and Nigeria—has played a substantial role in the group’s overall revenue growth. These generics help maintain a steady revenue stream and support Servier’s overall market position, even if they are not individually celebrated as star products.

Therapeutic Areas and Indications
The top-selling drugs of Servier reflect the diversity and strategic focus of its therapeutic portfolio:

- Cardiovascular Therapeutics:
- Perindopril has been emblematic of Servier’s longstanding commitment to cardiovascular health. Its robust history as a best-selling anti-hypertensive agent reinforces the company’s expertise in developing medicines for heart health.
- Venous Diseases:
- Daflon® dominates this segment, addressing venous insufficiency and related conditions. Its consistent market performance demonstrates Servier’s specialization in venous therapy and its ability to sustain top-selling status even in a competitive market.
- Oncology:
- Tibsovo® stands out as a flagship oncology drug that leverages precision medicine aimed at specific genetic mutations such as mutant IDH1. Similarly, Onivyde® and pipeline candidates like Lonsurf contribute to a potent, targeted approach in treating various forms of cancer, particularly in indications with high unmet medical needs.
- Other Areas:
- Servier also has a strong pipeline in metabolic, neurodegenerative, and immune-inflammatory diseases. While these domains may not yet feature a singular blockbuster on the level of Daflon or Tibsovo, the future holds potential due to ongoing R&D and strategic acquisitions that aim to expand their impact in these fields.

Market Performance Analysis

Sales Data and Trends
Recent financial disclosures have highlighted that Servier’s consolidated revenue numbers continue to grow despite challenging external factors such as regulatory changes and market-specific pressures. For example:

- In the 2020/21 financial year, the group achieved consolidated revenue of approximately €4.725 billion, with the sales of brand-name medicines amounting to around €3.306 billion. Notably, within these figures, there was a 34.9% increase in oncology sales driven predominantly by products such as Tibsovo® and Onivyde®.
- Regarding venous disease treatments, Daflon® has consistently been reported as one of the highest-selling products in the portfolio, with its sales figures in recent reports reaching as high as €594 million. This demonstrates both the product’s enduring market appeal and the effective positioning of Servier in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency.
- While perindopril historically contributed significantly to Servier’s success in the cardiovascular segment, changes in regulatory frameworks and market dynamics (as seen in recent antitrust and legal challenges) have impacted its market share. Despite this, physicians continue to prescribe perindopril widely, ensuring that cardiovascular therapies remain a robust revenue component.
- The surge in oncology revenue—especially from Tibsovo®—has been particularly prominent in key markets such as the United States, where the drug’s adoption has been accelerated by targeted clinical trials, strategic partnerships, and subsequent regulatory approvals. This robust performance has contributed not only to immediate revenue growth but also to the diversification of Servier’s product portfolio.

Competitive Positioning
Servier’s competitive positioning is bolstered by several factors:

- Sustained R&D Investment: With an investment of roughly 25% of its total revenue (excluding generics) in R&D, Servier is able to keep its product pipeline highly innovative and responsive to evolving medical needs. This long-term investment strategy has allowed the company to refresh its portfolio consistently, mitigating the risk of patent cliffs and market saturation in certain therapeutic areas.
- Strategic Acquisitions and Alliances: The acquisition of Agios Pharmaceuticals’ oncology business, which included strategic assets like Tibsovo®, has significantly enhanced Servier’s positioning within the high-growth oncology market. This move not only expanded their portfolio but also increased their footprint in important markets like the U.S.
- Diverse Therapeutic Portfolio: Servier’s range of products—from cardiovascular agents like perindopril to venous treatments like Daflon® and cutting-edge oncology drugs like Tibsovo®—ensures that the company is not overly reliant on a single therapeutic area. This diversification protects it against fluctuations in any one market segment and reinforces its resilience and adaptability in the face of global market disruptions.
- Generics and Brand Synergy: In addition to its branded products, Servier’s vast generics portfolio, managed through subsidiaries like Biogaran, supports stable revenue generation. This offers a competitive edge in emerging markets while also bolstering its global presence through quality, cost-effective medication alternatives.
- Collaborative Innovation Model: The company’s commitment to co-creation and strategic partnerships with academic institutions, biotech companies, and other pharmaceutical peers further strengthens its competitive positioning by keeping its product development pipeline fresh and responsive to emergent scientific discoveries.

Future Outlook and Developments

Pipeline Products
Looking to the future, Servier continues to prioritize the development of pipeline products designed to address unmet medical needs in several key areas:

- Oncology:
- Servier is aggressively pursuing further innovation in oncology, with more than 50% of its R&D budget dedicated to this area. Beyond Tibsovo®, the company is developing additional targeted therapies, including next-generation mutant IDH inhibitors and novel combination therapies that may soon join the portfolio. This strategic focus is expected to transform its oncology segment, with plans to elevate oncology sales from €1 billion in 2025 to €3 billion in 2030.
- Cardiometabolic and Venous Diseases:
- In addition to solid products like Daflon®, Servier is working on refining and expanding its portfolio in cardiometabolic and venous disease treatments. Continuous innovation in improved formulations and derivative treatments remains a priority, ensuring robust future revenue streams even as market dynamics evolve.
- Neuroscience and Immuno-Inflammation:
- Beyond its established areas, Servier is investing in emerging fields such as neuroscience and immuno-inflammatory disorders. Although these areas do not yet feature a signature blockbuster, ongoing research promises to yield new therapeutic candidates that could redefine the group’s market presence in the coming years.
- Next-Generation Therapies and Digital Integration:
- Servier’s strategic initiatives also include leveraging digital transformation through eHealth solutions and partnerships (e.g., Servier BioInnovation in the U.S.). These efforts will likely enable faster and more efficient development cycles for new products, while also enhancing patient monitoring and adherence strategies once therapies are launched.

Strategic Initiatives
Servier’s future outlook is shaped by several strategic initiatives designed to maintain and enhance its market leadership:

- Enhancing Global Market Penetration:
- Servier is actively focused on strengthening its presence in key markets such as the U.S. and Japan. The successful launch and market uptake of drugs like Tibsovo® in these regions testify to effective localization strategies and tailored market approaches. Expanding global partnerships while integrating local market-specific tactics will be vital for sustained growth.
- Aggressive Investment in R&D:
- With over half of its R&D budget now dedicated to oncology and related fields, Servier demonstrates a clear prioritization of high-need areas. This investment not only supports current blockbuster drugs but also catalyzes the development of next-generation therapies. The increased R&D spend indicates that the company is well-positioned to outpace competitors in scientific innovation and translational research.
- Strategic Alliances and Acquisitions:
- The acquisitions of Agios Pharmaceuticals’ and Shire’s oncology businesses have set a strategic blueprint for future growth. Servier is likely to pursue further alliances, licensing deals, and acquisitions that complement and expand its existing portfolio. This proactive approach to growth creates synergistic opportunities that further solidify its competitive edge.
- Digital Transformation and Data Analytics:
- To drive future sales and optimize market penetration, Servier is integrating digital technologies into its operations. This involves using data analytics and eHealth platform solutions to better understand market trends, physician prescribing behavior, and patient adherence patterns. Digital transformation initiatives are essential for maintaining agility and future-proofing the company’s operations in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven market.

Conclusion

In summary, Servier’s top-selling drugs have been pivotal to its longstanding market success and continue to drive innovation across multiple therapeutic areas. Historically, products like perindopril established Servier as a powerhouse in cardiovascular care, while Daflon® has emerged as a consistent leader in treating venous insufficiency, generating sales that underscore its market dominance. The recent strategic emphasis on oncology has brought drugs like Tibsovo® to the forefront, particularly following the integration of Agios Pharmaceuticals’ oncology business. Tibsovo®’s approvals and expanding indications in AML and cholangiocarcinoma are a testament to Servier’s capacity for cutting-edge medicine development and effectively position the company for future growth in high unmet need areas. Additionally, Onivyde® has contributed, especially in markets such as Japan, complementing the group’s oncology portfolio and broadening its revenue base.

From a market performance perspective, Servier’s diverse portfolio—spanning innovative brand-name medicines and a substantial generics segment—has enabled it to achieve steady revenue growth even amidst challenging macroeconomic and regulatory environments. The company’s aggressive R&D strategy, high reinvestment rate, and strategic acquisitions and alliances further reinforce its competitive positioning and future potential. Looking ahead, Servier is poised to leverage its strong existing portfolio and robust pipeline, particularly in oncology, cardiometabolic, and emerging therapeutic areas, to secure a sustainable growth trajectory. Strategic initiatives such as enhanced digital integration, market-specific expansion, and continued investment in next-generation therapies are set to maintain its trajectory as a global innovator.

In conclusion, the top-selling drugs of Servier—namely Daflon®, perindopril, Tibsovo®, and Onivyde®—define its market identity by reflecting its rich heritage in cardiovascular and venous treatments as well as its transformative drive in oncology. Servier’s strategy of combining deep-rooted brand success with forward-looking investments in innovative therapies and digital solutions sets a clear path toward continued market dominance and therapeutic advancement. This multi-angle approach, supported by detailed sales data and strategic acquisitions, underscores the company’s commitment to delivering meaningful progress for patients worldwide while maintaining a resilient and diversified revenue stream.