Skip to main content

Malignant Melanoma

Oncology
41
Pipeline Programs
30
Companies
46
Clinical Trials
2 recruiting
1
Approved Products

Pipeline by Development Stage

Preclinical
Phase 1
Phase 1/2
Phase 2
Phase 2/3
Phase 3
On Market
0
11
6
18
0
5
1
Early DiscoveryClinical DevelopmentMarket

Drug Modality Breakdown

Monoclonal Antibody
1357%
Small Molecule
626%
Vaccine
417%
+ 49 programs with unclassified modality

Oncology is a $53.9B market in consolidation, dominated by a handful of megacap players with blockbuster franchises approaching patent expiration.

$53.9B marketConsolidating→ Stable30 products15 companies

Key Trends

  • Heavy patent cliff exposure (REVLIMID $3.9B LOE 2028, JAKAFI $1.9B LOE 2028)
  • Kinase inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents dominate spend; limited diversification in top 10
  • Clinical trial volume remains exceptionally high (29,145 trials) but concentration in Phase 1-2 signals early-stage pipeline challenges

Career Verdict

Strong near-term opportunity for R&D and medical affairs roles, but competitive landscape and patent cliff urgency favor specialists over generalists.

AI-generated market analysis based on FDA, CMS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and hiring data

Market Leaders

#1ELIQUISStable
$18.3B
Bristol Myers Squibb·Launch15.0yr
#2FARXIGAStable
$4.3B
AstraZeneca·Peak15.4yr
#3REVLIMIDDeclining
$3.9B
Bristol Myers Squibb·LOE Approaching1.8yr
#4XTANDIStable
$2.6B
Astellas·Peak10.7yr
#5IMBRUVICAStable
$2.4B
AbbVie·Peak8.9yr

Drug Class Breakdown

FXa Inhibitors
$18.3B(34%)

concentrated in single product

SGLT2 Inhibitors
$4.3B(8%)

single dominant product

Kinase Inhibitors
$4.0B(7%)

multi-product class, competitive

Immunomodulatory Agents (Cereblon)
$3.9B(7%)

facing near-term patent cliff

Androgen Receptor Antagonists
$2.6B(5%)

prostate cancer specialty

Protein Kinase Inhibitors
$2.4B(4%)

niche hematologic oncology

JAK Inhibitors
$1.9B(4%)

near-term LOE exposure

Career Outlook

Stable

Oncology remains a premium therapeutic area but faces structural headwinds: top 10 products account for >80% of spend, patent cliffs loom (REVLIMID 2028), and late-stage pipeline thinness suggests slower near-term growth. However, high trial volume and consolidation create demand for specialized expertise in regulatory, clinical operations, and lifecycle management. Pharma professionals with kinase inhibitor, immunomodulatory, or ADC experience are in highest demand.

Breaking In

Entry-level candidates should target CROs (Thermo Fisher, IQVIA), emerging biotech (BeiGene, BeOne), or contract manufacturing; oncology specialization requires demonstrated domain knowledge.

For Experienced Professionals

Experienced professionals should focus on lifecycle/patent strategy roles (high salary, low headcount) or pivot to emerging modalities (ADCs, bispecifics) to avoid commoditization in crowded kinase inhibitor space.

In-Demand Skills

Regulatory strategy & PDUFA navigationKinase inhibitor development (small molecule)Clinical trial operations & site managementLifecycle management & patent strategyMedical affairs (oncology-specific science)Manufacturing scale-up (small molecule & biotech)

Best For

Regulatory Affairs ManagerClinical Operations ManagerMedical Science Liaison (MSL) — OncologyLifecycle ManagerR&D Scientist (medicinal chemistry, ADME)Manufacturing Engineer

Hiring Landscape

$102K–$266K

Oncology hiring is actively concentrated at Thermo Fisher Scientific (CRO/CDMO services, 559 jobs), AstraZeneca (208 jobs), and emerging biotech players like BeiGene (185 jobs). Commercial roles dominate (412 jobs, $136K avg) but R&D positions offer the highest salary premium ($199K avg, 347 roles). Patent cliff urgency is creating acute demand for regulatory, CMC, and lifecycle management expertise.

1,946
Open Roles
5
Companies Hiring
5
Departments

Top Hiring Companies

208Stable
185Growing
167Growing
147Growing

By Department

Commercial(21%)
$136K
Research & Development(18%)
$199K
Clinical Operations(5%)
$181K
Medical Affairs(4%)
$266K
Manufacturing(5%)
$102K

Strong near-term hiring momentum, especially in CRO/CDMO and emerging biotech; Medical Affairs offers highest compensation but limited headcount.

On Market (1)

Approved therapies currently available

Novartis
TAFINLARApproved
dabrafenib
Novartis
oral2023
147M Part D

Competitive Landscape

33 companies ranked by most advanced pipeline stage

Novartis
NovartisBASEL, Switzerland
1 program
1
dabrafenib + trametinibN/ASmall Molecule
Sharp Therapeutics
Sharp TherapeuticsPA - Pittsburgh
7 programs
1
4
2
PembrolizumabPhase 3Monoclonal Antibody
PembrolizumabPhase 3Monoclonal Antibody
PembrolizumabPhase 2Monoclonal Antibody
PembrolizumabPhase 2Monoclonal Antibody
Stereotaxic radiosurgeryPhase 2
+2 more programs
MSD
MSDIreland - Ballydine
7 programs
1
4
2
PembrolizumabPhase 3Monoclonal Antibody
PembrolizumabPhase 3Monoclonal Antibody
PembrolizumabPhase 2Monoclonal Antibody1 trial
PembrolizumabPhase 2Monoclonal Antibody1 trial
Stereotaxic radiosurgeryPhase 21 trial
+2 more programs
Active Trials
NCT01636960Terminated9Est. Nov 2015
NCT01704287Completed540Est. Jan 2019
NCT03448666Withdrawn0Est. Dec 2023
+2 more trials
Sandoz
SandozAustria - Kundl
2 programs
1
DabrafenibPhase 3Small Molecule1 trial
dabrafenib + trametinibN/ASmall Molecule1 trial
Active Trials
NCT04547946Completed3Est. Jun 2022
NCT03551626Completed552Est. Sep 2021
Genentech
9 programs
4
2
RO5185426Phase 21 trial
RO5185426Phase 21 trial
Drug cocktailPhase 11 trial
RO5185426Phase 11 trial
RO5185426Phase 11 trial
+4 more programs
Active Trials
NCT01744860Completed420Est. Apr 2013
NCT01656642Completed67Est. Mar 2020
NCT01522664Completed53Est. Jun 2015
+6 more trials
Bayer
BayerLEVERKUSEN, Germany
3 programs
3
GM-CSFPhase 21 trial
Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating FactorPhase 21 trial
SorafenibPhase 2Small Molecule
Active Trials
NCT00616564Completed36Est. Sep 2009
NCT00350597Completed50Est. Jul 2010
Scancell
ScancellUK - Oxford
2 programs
1
1
SCIB1 or iSCIB1+ DNA vaccinePhase 2Vaccine1 trial
SCIB1Phase 1/21 trial
Active Trials
NCT01138410Terminated35Est. Jul 2017
NCT04079166Active Not Recruiting173Est. Jan 2027
Astellas
AstellasChina - Shenyang
1 program
1
CP-461Phase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT00060710Terminated35Est. Dec 2004
AstraZeneca
AstraZenecaCAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom
1 program
1
CP-675,206Phase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT00086489Completed118Est. May 2009
Biocorp
1 program
1
HF10 plus IpilimumabPhase 2Monoclonal Antibody1 trial
Active Trials
NCT02272855Completed46Est. Aug 2018
Takara Bio
Takara BioJapan - Shiga
1 program
1
HF10 plus IpilimumabPhase 2Monoclonal Antibody
Colorado Therapeutics
Colorado TherapeuticsCO - Louisville
2 programs
1
Oral Decitabine/CedazuridinePhase 1/21 trial
FilgrastimN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT02331134Completed9Est. Mar 2025
NCT05089370Active Not Recruiting8Est. Oct 2026
Multitude Therapeutics
Multitude TherapeuticsCA - Redwood City
1 program
1
AMT-253 for injectionPhase 1/21 trial
Active Trials
NCT06209580Recruiting96Est. Dec 2026
Lumos Pharma
Lumos PharmaTX - Austin
1 program
1
HyperAcute-Melanoma VaccinePhase 1/2Vaccine1 trial
Active Trials
NCT00300612Completed6Est. Sep 2007
Taiho Pharma
1 program
1
Oral Decitabine/CedazuridinePhase 1/2
Lokon Pharma
Lokon PharmaSweden - Uppsala
1 program
1
delolimogene mupadenorepvecPhase 1/2
Prevail Therapeutics
2 programs
2
IMC-20D7SPhase 11 trial
gp75 DNA vaccinePhase 1Vaccine1 trial
Active Trials
NCT01137006Completed27Est. Aug 2012
NCT00034554Completed31Est. Sep 2004
Pfizer
PfizerNEW YORK, NY
2 programs
2
PF-07284890Phase 11 trial
PF-08046031Phase 11 trial
Active Trials
NCT04543188Terminated65Est. Mar 2024
NCT06799533Terminated11Est. Feb 2026
Syneos Health
Syneos HealthNC - Morrisville
1 program
1
ACY-241Phase 11 trial
Active Trials
NCT02935790Completed1Est. Apr 2017
Roche
RocheSTAVANGER NORWAY, Norway
6 programs
Comparison of In-House Methods and Cobas BRAF V600 Mutation Assay in Melanoma Tumor SamplesN/A
Drug cocktailPHASE_1
RO5185426PHASE_1
vemurafenibPHASE_1Small Molecule
bevacizumab [Avastin]PHASE_2
+1 more programs
Active Trials
NCT02583516Completed70Est. Sep 2019
Immunocore
ImmunocoreOXFORDSHIRE, United Kingdom
3 programs
IMCgp100PHASE_11 trial
TebentafuspPHASE_1_2
IMCgp100PHASE_21 trial
Active Trials
NCT01211262Completed84Est. Feb 2017
NCT02889861Terminated3Est. Apr 2019
Eisai
EisaiChina - Liaoning
3 programs
DecitabinePHASE_1_21 trial
PembrolizumabPHASE_3Monoclonal Antibody1 trial
PembrolizumabPHASE_3Monoclonal Antibody1 trial
Active Trials
NCT00715793Completed39Est. Aug 2015
NCT03820986Completed674Est. Nov 2024
NCT04889118Completed131Est. Nov 2024
Eli Lilly and Company
Eli Lilly and CompanyINDIANAPOLIS, IN
2 programs
IMC-20D7SPHASE_1
gp75 DNA vaccinePHASE_1Vaccine
Philogen
PhilogenItaly - Monteriggioni
2 programs
Intratumoral injections of L19IL2PHASE_21 trial
L19IL2 + L19TNFPHASE_31 trial
Active Trials
NCT01253096Completed25Est. Sep 2013
NCT02938299Active Not Recruiting214Est. Dec 2028
Bristol Myers Squibb
2 programs
Ipilimumab+ PlaceboPHASE_21 trial
ABI-007PHASE_31 trial
Active Trials
NCT00135408Completed115Est. Jul 2007
NCT00864253Completed529Est. Feb 2014
GSK
GSKLONDON, United Kingdom
1 program
[18F] CFAN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT03409419Completed4Est. Nov 2020
ViiV Healthcare
ViiV HealthcareNC - Durham
1 program
[18F] CFAN/A
Regeneron
RegeneronTARRYTOWN, NY
1 program
CMP-001PHASE_11 trial
Active Trials
NCT03084640Completed30Est. Sep 2021
Merck & Co.
Merck & Co.RAHWAY, NJ
1 program
PegIFN alfa-2bPHASE_1
Taiho Oncology
Taiho OncologyNJ - Princeton
1 program
Oral Decitabine/CedazuridinePHASE_1_2

+3 more companies

Trial Timeline

Clinical trial activity over time

2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
Baxter InternationalFibrin Sealant
EisaiPembrolizumab
EisaiPembrolizumab
SandozDabrafenib
PhilogenL19IL2 + L19TNF
Bristol Myers SquibbABI-007
MSDV940
MSDStereotaxic radiosurgery
MSDPembrolizumab
ScancellSCIB1 or iSCIB1+ DNA vaccine
ImmunocoreIMCgp100
RocheVemurafenib
BiocorpHF10 plus Ipilimumab
MSDPembrolizumab
GenentechRO5185426

Showing 15 of 46 trials with date data

Clinical Trials (46)

Total enrollment: 5,075 patients across 46 trials

Post-Operative Drainage Following Lymph Node Dissection

Start: Jan 2003Est. completion: Jun 201074 patients
Phase 4Completed
NCT04889118EisaiPembrolizumab

Safety and Efficacy Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) Combined With Lenvatinib (MK-7902/E7080) as First-line Intervention in Adults With Advanced Melanoma (MK-7902-003/E7080-G000-312/LEAP-003)-China Extension Study

Start: Jul 2020Est. completion: Nov 2024131 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT03820986EisaiPembrolizumab

Safety and Efficacy Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) Combined With Lenvatinib (MK-7902/E7080) as First-line Intervention in Adults With Advance Melanoma (MK-7902-003/E7080-G000-312/LEAP-003)

Start: Mar 2019Est. completion: Nov 2024674 patients
Phase 3Completed

Study of Dabrafenib+Trametinib in the Adjuvant Treatment of Stage III BRAF V600+ Melanoma After Complete Resection to Evaluate the Impact on Pyrexia Related Outcomes

Start: Aug 2018Est. completion: Sep 2021552 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT02938299PhilogenL19IL2 + L19TNF

Neoadjuvant L19IL2/L19TNF- Pivotal Study

Start: Jul 2016Est. completion: Dec 2028214 patients
Phase 3Active Not Recruiting

A Trial of ABI-007 Versus Dacarbazine in Previously Untreated Patients With Metastatic Malignant Melanoma

Start: Apr 2009Est. completion: Feb 2014529 patients
Phase 3Completed

A Clinical Study of Intismeran Autogene (V940) and Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in People With Melanoma (V940-012/INTerpath-012)

Start: May 2025Est. completion: Sep 2031160 patients
Phase 2Recruiting
NCT04074096MSDStereotaxic radiosurgery

Binimetinib Encorafenib Pembrolizumab +/- Stereotactic Radiosurgery in BRAFV600 Melanoma With Brain Metastasis

Start: Sep 2022Est. completion: Mar 202610 patients
Phase 2Active Not Recruiting
NCT03448666MSDPembrolizumab

ECT-Pembrolizumab in Patients With Unresectable Melanoma With Superficial or Superficial and Visceral Metastases

Start: Mar 2021Est. completion: Dec 20230
Phase 2Withdrawn
NCT04079166ScancellSCIB1 or iSCIB1+ DNA vaccine

SCIB1 and iSCIB1+ in Melanoma Patients Receiving Nivolumab With Ipilimumab or SCIB1 With Pembrolizumab (The SCOPE Study)

Start: Aug 2019Est. completion: Jan 2027173 patients
Phase 2Active Not Recruiting

IMCgp100-401 Rollover Study

Start: Jan 2017Est. completion: Apr 20193 patients
Phase 2Terminated
NCT02583516RocheVemurafenib

Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Vemurafenib in Combination With Cobimetinib (Continuous and Intermittent) in BRAFV600-mutation Positive Patients With Unresectable Locally Advanced or Metastatic Melanoma

Start: Jun 2015Est. completion: Sep 201970 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT02272855BiocorpHF10 plus Ipilimumab

A Study of Combination Treatment With HF10 and Ipilimumab in Patients With Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma

Start: Apr 2014Est. completion: Aug 201846 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT01704287MSDPembrolizumab

Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) Versus Chemotherapy in Participants With Advanced Melanoma (MK-3475-002/P08719/KEYNOTE-002)

Start: Nov 2012Est. completion: Jan 2019540 patients
Phase 2Completed

A Study of RO5185426 in Patients With Metastatic Melanoma

Start: Dec 2010Est. completion: Oct 2011374 patients
Phase 2Completed

A Study of RO5185426 in Previously Treated Melanoma Patients With Brain Metastases

Start: Nov 2010Est. completion: Mar 201224 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT01253096PhilogenIntratumoral injections of L19IL2

Intratumoral Application of L19IL2 in Patients With Malignant Melanoma

Start: Apr 2010Est. completion: Sep 201325 patients
Phase 2Completed

Phase II Trial of (IL-2) With Priming and (GM-CSF) in Patients With Advanced Melanoma

Start: Feb 2006Est. completion: Sep 200936 patients
Phase 2Completed

A Study of MDX-010 (BMS-734016) Administered With or Without Prophylactic Oral Budesonide

Start: Dec 2005Est. completion: Jul 2007115 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT00350597BayerGranulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor

GM-CSF as Adjuvant Therapy of Melanoma

Start: Sep 2004Est. completion: Jul 201050 patients
Phase 2Completed

CP-675,206 In Patients With Advanced Melanoma

Start: Aug 2003Est. completion: May 2009118 patients
Phase 2Completed

CP-461 in the Treatment of Patients With Advanced Melanoma

Start: Jan 2003Est. completion: Dec 200435 patients
Phase 2Terminated

AMT-253 in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumours

Start: Jan 2024Est. completion: Dec 202696 patients
Phase 1/2Recruiting
NCT05089370Colorado TherapeuticsOral Decitabine/Cedazuridine

Oral Decitabine/Cedazuridine (DEC-C) in Combination With Nivolumab for Patients With Mucosal Melanoma

Start: Jun 2022Est. completion: Oct 20268 patients
Phase 1/2Active Not Recruiting
NCT04123470Precision BioSciencesdelolimogene mupadenorepvec

A Phase I/II Trial Investigating LOAd703 in Combination With Atezolizumab in Malignant Melanoma

Start: Jan 2020Est. completion: Jul 202324 patients
Phase 1/2Completed

Study of a DNA Immunotherapy to Treat Melanoma

Start: May 2010Est. completion: Jul 201735 patients
Phase 1/2Terminated

Combination of Decitabine and Temozolomide in the Treatment of Patients With Metastatic Melanoma

Start: Jun 2008Est. completion: Aug 201539 patients
Phase 1/2Completed
NCT00300612Lumos PharmaHyperAcute-Melanoma Vaccine

Vaccine Treatment for Advanced Malignant Melanoma

Start: Mar 2006Est. completion: Sep 20076 patients
Phase 1/2Completed

A Study to Learn About the Study Medicine Called PF-08046031 in Advanced Melanoma and Other Solid Tumors

Start: May 2025Est. completion: Feb 202611 patients
Phase 1Terminated

A FIH Study of PF-07284890 in Participants With BRAF V600 Mutant Solid Tumors With and Without Brain Involvement

Start: Jan 2021Est. completion: Mar 202465 patients
Phase 1Terminated

Phase 1B Study Evaluating Alternative Routes of Administration of CMP-001 in Combination With Pembrolizumab in Participants With Advanced Melanoma

Start: May 2017Est. completion: Sep 202130 patients
Phase 1Completed

Selective HDAC6 Inhibitor ACY-241 in Combination With Ipilimumab and Nivolumab

Start: Sep 2016Est. completion: Apr 20171 patients
Phase 1Completed
NCT01636960MSDPegIFN alfa-2b

A Study of Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2b (MK-4031) as an Adjuvant Treatment in Japanese Patients With Malignant Melanoma (MK-4031-370)

Start: Dec 2012Est. completion: Nov 20159 patients
Phase 1Terminated

A Phase 1b Study of Atezolizumab in Combination With Vemurafenib or Vemurafenib Plus Cobimetinib in Participants With BRAFV600-Mutation Positive Metastatic Melanoma

Start: Aug 2012Est. completion: Mar 202067 patients
Phase 1Completed

A Study of DEDN6526A in Patients With Metastatic or Unresectable Melanoma

Start: Mar 2012Est. completion: Jun 201553 patients
Phase 1Completed

A Study of the Effect of Food on the Pharmacokinetics of Single Dose RO5185426 And the Safety And Efficacy of Continuous Administration in Patients With BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Metastatic Melanoma

Start: Jan 2011Est. completion: May 201316 patients
Phase 1Completed

Study to Assess the Tolerability of a Bispecific Targeted Biologic IMCgp100 in Malignant Melanoma

Start: Sep 2010Est. completion: Feb 201784 patients
Phase 1Completed

A Pharmacokinetic and Metabolism Study of 14C-labeled RO5185426 on Patients With Metastatic Melanoma

Start: Jul 2010Est. completion: Dec 20127 patients
Phase 1Completed

An Open-Label, Dose-Escalation Study of IMC-20D7S In Participants With Malignant Melanoma

Start: Jun 2010Est. completion: Aug 201227 patients
Phase 1Completed

A Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Study of RO5185426 in Previously Treated Patients With Metastatic Melanoma

Start: May 2010Est. completion: Feb 201352 patients
Phase 1Completed

A Pharmacokinetic Study of RO5185426 in Combination With a Drug Cocktail in Patients With Metastatic Melanoma

Start: Nov 2009Est. completion: Feb 201225 patients
Phase 1Completed

Study of gp75 Vaccine in Patients With Stage III and IV Melanoma

Start: Mar 2002Est. completion: Sep 200431 patients
Phase 1Completed
NCT04547946Sandozdabrafenib + trametinib

Observational Study for Melanoma Adjuvant Treatment With Tafinlar® + Mekinist® (Dabrafenib + Trametinib)

Start: Oct 2021Est. completion: Jun 20223 patients
N/ACompleted

PET Imaging of the Immune System Using Analog Probes

Start: Apr 2018Est. completion: Nov 20204 patients
N/ACompleted

Tissue and Hematopoietic/Mesenchymal Stem Cell for Humanized Xenograft Studies in Melanoma and Squamous Head and Neck Cancer

Start: May 2015Est. completion: Mar 20259 patients
N/ACompleted
NCT01744860GenentechComparison of In-House Methods and Cobas BRAF V600 Mutation Assay in Melanoma Tumor Samples

Comparison of In-House Methods and Cobas BRAF V600 Mutation Assay in Melanoma Tumor Samples

Start: Dec 2012Est. completion: Apr 2013420 patients
N/ACompleted

Related Jobs in Oncology

Phase Legend

PreclinicalLab & animal studies
Phase 1Safety & dosing
Phase 2Efficacy testing
Phase 3Large-scale trials
On MarketApproved & available

Key Insights

5 late-stage (Phase 3) programs, potential near-term approvals
2 actively recruiting trials targeting 5,075 patients
30 companies competing in this space

The information on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from FDA, DailyMed, and other government databases. Adverse event data from FAERS does not establish causation. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical decisions.