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Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Oncology
69
Pipeline Programs
30
Companies
50
Clinical Trials
6 recruiting
1
Approved Products

Pipeline by Development Stage

Preclinical
Phase 1
Phase 1/2
Phase 2
Phase 2/3
Phase 3
On Market
0
14
12
25
3
8
7
Early DiscoveryClinical DevelopmentMarket

Drug Modality Breakdown

Small Molecule
1973%
Monoclonal Antibody
623%
Vaccine
14%
+ 87 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

Geron
RYTELOApproved
imetelstat sodium
Geron
intravenous2024

Competitive Landscape

55 companies ranked by most advanced pipeline stage

Sandoz
SandozAustria - Kundl
16 programs
2
3
7
1
3
DeferasiroxPhase 41 trial
ICL670/DeferasiroxPhase 41 trial
deferasiroxPhase 41 trial
SabatolimabPhase 3Monoclonal Antibody1 trial
DeferasiroxPhase 21 trial
+11 more programs
Active Trials
NCT00493571Completed16Est. May 2014
NCT04810611Terminated33Est. Apr 2024
NCT04798339Active Not Recruiting13Est. Jul 2026
+13 more trials
UNION therapeutics
1
2
LenalidomidePhase 41 trial
RoxadustatPhase 4Small Molecule1 trial
Roxadustat in combination with retinoic acidPhase 1/21 trial
Azacitidine InjectionN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT06279338Unknown40Est. Jan 2026
NCT06020833Not Yet Recruiting25Est. Dec 2026
NCT06004765Unknown138Est. Aug 2025
+1 more trials
Geron
3 programs
1
1
1
Imetelstat SodiumPhase 2/31 trial
Imetelstat sodiumPhase 21 trial
ImetelstatN/ASmall Molecule2 trials
Active Trials
NCT05937568Approved For Marketing
NCT07549451Not Yet Recruiting30Est. May 2027
NCT05583552Active Not Recruiting46Est. Jun 2026
+1 more trials
Genentech
2 programs
1
1
Epoetin betaPhase 41 trial
Mycophenolate mofetilPhase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT00551291Completed10Est. Jun 2009
NCT02145026Completed100Est. Apr 2019
MSD
MSDIreland - Ballydine
4 programs
1
1
1
1
LonafarnibPhase 3Small Molecule1 trial
vorinostatPhase 2Small Molecule1 trial
VORINOSTATPhase 1/2Small Molecule1 trial
PembrolizumabPhase 1Monoclonal Antibody1 trial
Active Trials
NCT03286114Terminated16Est. Apr 2021
NCT00776503Completed52Est. Nov 2011
NCT00486720Terminated22Est. Jul 2009
+1 more trials
Sharp Therapeutics
1
1
1
1
LonafarnibPhase 3Small Molecule
vorinostatPhase 2Small Molecule
VORINOSTATPhase 1/2Small Molecule
PembrolizumabPhase 1Monoclonal Antibody
ETS
4 programs
3
1
infusion A: rEPOPhase 31 trial
ATO + Ascorbic acidPhase 21 trial
Clofarabine plus low dose Ara-CPhase 21 trial
DeferasiroxPhase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT00803530Terminated55Est. Aug 2010
NCT01302106Withdrawn0
NCT03920657Terminated11Est. Apr 2022
+1 more trials
Traws Pharma
3 programs
1
2
ON 01910.NaPhase 31 trial
rigosertib sodiumPhase 31 trial
Oral rigosertibPhase 2Small Molecule1 trial
Active Trials
NCT01904682Completed45Est. May 2021
NCT01241500Completed299Est. Oct 2018
NCT01928537Completed67Est. Jun 2017
Otsuka
2 programs
1
1
Subcutaneous azacitidinePhase 31 trial
IV DecitabinePhase 1/21 trial
Active Trials
NCT06091267Active Not Recruiting72Est. Jun 2027
NCT05883956Active Not Recruiting13Est. May 2025
Kite Pharma
1 program
1
MagrolimabPhase 3Monoclonal Antibody1 trial
Active Trials
NCT04313881Terminated539Est. Sep 2023
Taiho Pharma
4 programs
1
2
1
AzacitidinePhase 2/3
ASTX727 LDPhase 1/2
DEC-CPhase 1/2
InqoviPhase 1
Prevail Therapeutics
1
GalunisertibPhase 2/3Small Molecule1 trial
Active Trials
NCT02008318Completed43Est. Sep 2017
Incyte
2 programs
1
1
INCB024360Phase 21 trial
INCB000928Phase 1/21 trial
Active Trials
NCT04582539Terminated22Est. Aug 2024
NCT01822691Completed15Est. Feb 2015
Innovation Pharmaceuticals
2 programs
2
LenalidomidePhase 21 trial
N-Plate / romiplostimPhase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT01081431Completed91Est. May 2018
NCT02335268Completed77Est. Jul 2021
Nordic Pharma
Nordic PharmaFrance - Paris
1 program
1
AzacitidinePhase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT05788679Recruiting200Est. Dec 2026
ViiV Healthcare
1
MomelotinibPhase 2Small Molecule
Helsinn
1 program
1
PracinostatPhase 2Small Molecule1 trial
Active Trials
NCT03151304Terminated64Est. Dec 2020
Sensei Biotherapeutics
1
SNS-301Phase 2
BioTherapeutics Inc
1
SNS-301Phase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT04217720Withdrawn0Est. Jan 2023
Bayer
BayerLEVERKUSEN, Germany
1 program
1
SorafenibPhase 2Small Molecule1 trial
Active Trials
NCT00510289Terminated19Est. Jul 2011
Servier
ServierFrance - Suresnes
1 program
1
VenetoclaxPhase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT05184842Recruiting91Est. Mar 2027
Lixte Biotechnology
Lixte BiotechnologyBOCA RATON, FL
1 program
1
LB-100Phase 1/21 trial
Active Trials
NCT03886662Recruiting47Est. Jul 2021
Rhizen Pharmaceuticals
1
RP7214Phase 1/21 trial
Active Trials
NCT05246384Withdrawn0Est. Nov 2025
Minovia Therapeutics
1
MNV-201Phase 11 trial
Blood testN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT06144515Active Not Recruiting100Est. Mar 2026
NCT06465160Recruiting15Est. Dec 2029
Pfizer
PfizerNEW YORK, NY
1 program
1
ARRY-614, p38/Tie2 inhibitor; oralPhase 12 trials
Active Trials
NCT01496495Completed71Est. Mar 2015
NCT00916227Completed45
Astex Pharmaceuticals
Astex PharmaceuticalsUK - Cambridge
1 program
1
ASTX727 + Day 2 FoodPhase 11 trial
Active Trials
NCT03813186Completed18Est. Dec 2019
Cantex Pharmaceuticals
1
CX-01Phase 11 trial
Active Trials
NCT02995655Completed20Est. Apr 2019
Innovent Biologics
1
IBI188+azacitidinePhase 11 trial
Active Trials
NCT04485065Suspended120Est. Aug 2024
General Oncology
1
InqoviPhase 1
Alliance Pharmaceuticals
1 program
1
K562/GM-CSF cell vaccinePhase 1Vaccine1 trial
Active Trials
NCT00361296Terminated9Est. Jan 2010

+25 more companies

Trial Timeline

Clinical trial activity over time

2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
UNION therapeuticsRoxadustat
UNION therapeuticsLenalidomide
GenentechEpoetin beta
Eisaidecitabine
Sandozdeferasirox
SandozICL670/Deferasirox
SandozDeferasirox
RocheMycophenolate mofetil
OtsukaSubcutaneous azacitidine
Kite PharmaMagrolimab
SandozSabatolimab
Traws Pharmarigosertib sodium
Traws PharmaON 01910.Na
ETSinfusion A: rEPO
MSDLonafarnib

Showing 15 of 49 trials with date data

Clinical Trials (50)

Total enrollment: 4,758 patients across 50 trials

Roxadustat Combined With Luspatercept Versus Luspatercept Monotherapy in the Treatment of Refractory MDS-RS

Start: Aug 2023Est. completion: Aug 202562 patients
Phase 4Unknown

Efficacy and Safety of Lenalidomide Combined With Azacitidine vs Azacitidine in the Treatment of MDS-RS

Start: Aug 2023Est. completion: Aug 2025138 patients
Phase 4Unknown

A Study of Epoetin Beta Treatment in Anemic Participants With Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)

Start: Aug 2014Est. completion: Apr 2019100 patients
Phase 4Completed

To Demonstrate Superiority of Decitabine Over Azacitidine in Subjects With Intermediate- or High-risk MDS.

Start: Nov 200926 patients
Phase 4Terminated

Evaluating the Efficacy of Deferasirox in Transfusion Dependent Chronic Anaemias (Myelodysplastic Syndrome, Beta-thalassaemia Patients) With Chronic Iron Overload

Start: Dec 2007Est. completion: Jul 2011309 patients
Phase 4Completed
NCT00481143SandozICL670/Deferasirox

Efficacy and Safety of Deferasirox in Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Transfusion-dependent Iron Overload

Start: May 200763 patients
Phase 4Completed

Study for the Treatment of Transfusional Iron Overload in Myelodysplastic Patients

Start: Sep 2005Est. completion: Jan 200824 patients
Phase 4Completed
NCT00352092RocheMycophenolate mofetil

Pilot Study for HLA Identical Living Donor Renal Transplant Recipients

Start: Jun 2002Est. completion: Dec 200720 patients
Phase 4Completed
NCT05883956OtsukaSubcutaneous azacitidine

A Study Comparing Treatment Preference Between Oral Decitabine/Cedazuridine and Azacitidine in Myelodysplastic Syndrome, Low-Blast Acute Myeloid Leukemia, or Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia

Start: Dec 2023Est. completion: May 202513 patients
Phase 3Active Not Recruiting

Magrolimab + Azacitidine Versus Azacitidine + Placebo in Untreated Participants With Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)

Start: Sep 2020Est. completion: Sep 2023539 patients
Phase 3Terminated

Study of Efficacy and Safety of MBG453 in Combination With Azacitidine in Subjects With Intermediate, High or Very High Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) as Per IPSS-R, or Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia-2 (CMML-2)

Start: Jun 2020Est. completion: Oct 2024530 patients
Phase 3Terminated
NCT01928537Traws Pharmarigosertib sodium

Efficacy and Safety of IV Rigosertib in MDS Patients With Excess Blasts Progressing After Azacitidine or Decitabine

Start: Aug 2013Est. completion: Jun 201767 patients
Phase 3Completed

Randomized Study of ON 01910.Na in Refractory Myelodysplastic Syndrome Patients With Excess Blasts

Start: Nov 2010Est. completion: Oct 2018299 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00804050ETSinfusion A: rEPO

Multicentric Study Comparison Between Erythropoietin and Erythropoietin Associated to Differentiating Therapy With Acid 13-cis-retinoic and Dihydroxyvitamin D3 in Myelodysplastic Syndromes Without Excess of Blasts

Start: Mar 2007Est. completion: Mar 2010184 patients
Phase 3Terminated
NCT00109538MSDLonafarnib

Study of Lonafarnib Versus Placebo in Subjects With Either Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) or Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML) (Study P02978AM3)(TERMINATED)

Start: May 2005Est. completion: Aug 200847 patients
Phase 3Terminated
NCT01203228Pierre FabreReduced Intensity Conditioning

Dose-reduced Versus Standard Conditioning in MDS/sAML

Start: May 2004Est. completion: Feb 2015129 patients
Phase 3Terminated

A Study to Access the Safety/Efficacy of Thalidomide in the Treatment of Anemia in Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Start: Aug 2001Est. completion: Feb 2004220 patients
Phase 3Completed

A Multi-phase Study of ASTX030 (Azacitidine and Cedazuridine) in Myeloid Neoplasm Alone or in Combination With Venetoclax in AML (AZTOUND Study)

Start: May 2020Est. completion: Nov 2028316 patients
Phase 2/3Recruiting
NCT02598661GeronImetelstat Sodium

Study to Evaluate Imetelstat (GRN163L) in Participants With International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) Low or Intermediate-1 Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)

Start: Jan 2016Est. completion: Oct 2026289 patients
Phase 2/3Active Not Recruiting

A Study of Galunisertib in Participants With Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Start: Mar 2014Est. completion: Sep 201743 patients
Phase 2/3Completed
NCT01302106ETSClofarabine plus low dose Ara-C

Study of Clofarabine in Combination With Low Dose Cytarabine to Treat Myelodysplastic Syndromes

0
Phase 2Withdrawn

A Phase 2 Study to Evaluate the Safety and Effectiveness of Once Weekly or Once Every Two Week Dosing of Epoetin Alfa in Anemic Patients With Low- or Intermediate-1 Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)

Est. completion: Aug 20090
Phase 2Withdrawn

Phase 2 Study Of Imetelstat for Patient With Myelodysplastic/Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Start: Oct 2026Est. completion: May 202730 patients
Phase 2Not Yet Recruiting

A Study of TAK-226 for Transfusion-Dependent Anemia in Japanese Patients With Lower-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Start: Feb 2026Est. completion: Jan 203327 patients
Phase 2Not Yet Recruiting

A Phase 2 Study Evaluating Olutasidenib in Patients With IDH1-mutated Clonal Cytopenia of Undetermined Significance and Lower-risk Myelodysplastic/Syndromes/Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia.

Start: Dec 2024Est. completion: Aug 202915 patients
Phase 2Recruiting
NCT05583552GeronImetelstat sodium

Study to Evaluate Imetelstat in Patients With High-Risk MDS or AML Failing HMA-based Therapy

Start: Jun 2023Est. completion: Jun 202646 patients
Phase 2Active Not Recruiting

Roll-over Study for Patients Who Have Completed a Prior Novartis-sponsored Sabatolimab (MBG453) Study and Are Judged by the Investigator to Benefit From Continued Treatment With Sabatolimab.

Start: Feb 2023Est. completion: Feb 202833 patients
Phase 2Active Not Recruiting

A Study Using Subject-specific MRD to Adopt Treatment After HSCT for Subjects With MDS

Start: Nov 2022Est. completion: Dec 2026200 patients
Phase 2Recruiting
NCT05924100One BiosciencesLuspatercept Injection [Reblozyl]

Efficacy and Safety of Luspatercept for the Treatment of Anemia Due to MDS With del5q, Refractory/Resistant/Intolerant to Prior Treatments, RBC-TD

Start: Nov 2022Est. completion: Dec 2029
Phase 2Recruiting

Metabolically Optimized, Non-cytotoxic Low Dose Weekly Decitabine/Venetoclax in MDS and AML

Start: Mar 2022Est. completion: Mar 202791 patients
Phase 2Recruiting

MBG453 in Lower Risk MDS

Start: Jan 2022Est. completion: Nov 202510 patients
Phase 2Terminated

Treatment of Anemia in Patients With Very Low, Low or Intermediate Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes With CA-4948

Start: Jan 2022Est. completion: Jul 202438 patients
Phase 2Terminated

Study of Efficacy and Safety of Eltrombopag in Lower-risk MDS Patients With Platelet Transfusion Dependence

Start: May 2021Est. completion: Dec 202636 patients
Phase 2Active Not Recruiting

A Study of Cusatuzumab in Combination With Azacitidine Compared With Azacitidine Alone in Patients With Higher-risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) or Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML) and Who Are Not Candidates for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT)

Start: May 2021Est. completion: Jan 20250
Phase 2Withdrawn

A Study of Elritercept to Treat Anemia in Adults With Very Low, Low, or Intermediate Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)

Start: Aug 2020Est. completion: Oct 2031160 patients
Phase 2Recruiting

SNS-301 Monotherapy in High Risk MDS and CMML

Start: Apr 2020Est. completion: Jan 20230
Phase 2Withdrawn
NCT03920657ETSDeferasirox

Early and Low Dose Deferasirox (3.5 mg/kg FCT) to Suppress NTBI and LPI as Early Intervention to Prevent Tissue Iron Overload in Lower Risk MDS

Start: Oct 2019Est. completion: Apr 202211 patients
Phase 2Terminated

A Study of MBG453 in Combination With Hypomethylating Agents in Subjects With IPSS-R Intermediate, High or Very High Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).

Start: Jun 2019Est. completion: Jul 2024127 patients
Phase 2Terminated

A Safety and Efficacy Study of Pracinostat and Azacitidine in Patients With High Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Start: Jun 2017Est. completion: Dec 202064 patients
Phase 2Terminated

Tipifarnib in Subjects With Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Start: Jun 2016Est. completion: Aug 201816 patients
Phase 2Terminated

An Efficacy and Safety Study of Pevonedistat Plus Azacitidine Versus Single-Agent Azacitidine in Participants With Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (HR MDS), Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML) and Low-Blast Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

Start: Apr 2016Est. completion: Jul 2021120 patients
Phase 2Completed

Validation of a Predictive Model of Response to Romiplostim in Patients With IPSS Low or Intermediate-1 Risk MDS and Thrombocytopenia

Start: May 2015Est. completion: Jul 202177 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT02928419One BiosciencesEltrombopag/Revolade

Efficacy of Eltrombopag Plus Lenalidomide Combination Therapy in Patients With IPSS Low and Intermediate-risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome With Isolated del5q

Start: May 2015Est. completion: Sep 2018
Phase 2Terminated

Phase I/II Trial to Investigate BI 836858 in Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Start: Jan 2015Est. completion: Nov 201927 patients
Phase 2Terminated

Extension Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Luspatercept in Participants With β-Thalassemia Previously Enrolled in A536-04 (A536-06/MK-6143-004)

Start: Oct 2014Est. completion: Jun 202051 patients
Phase 2Completed

Extension Study to Evaluate Long-Term Effects of Luspatercept in Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) (A536-05/MK-6143-003)

Start: Oct 2014Est. completion: Mar 202075 patients
Phase 2Completed

Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) Selinexor (KPT-330) in Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Start: Aug 2014Est. completion: Apr 202125 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT02038816SandozDeferasirox + Azacitidine

Azacitidine Plus Deferasirox (ICL670) in Higher Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)

Start: Mar 2014Est. completion: Sep 20161 patients
Phase 2Terminated

Phase II INCB024360 Study for Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)

Start: Jul 2013Est. completion: Feb 201515 patients
Phase 2Completed

Oral Rigosertib in Low Risk MDS Patients Refractory to ESAs

Start: Jul 2013Est. completion: May 202145 patients
Phase 2Completed

Related Jobs in Oncology

Phase Legend

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

Key Insights

8 late-stage (Phase 3) programs, potential near-term approvals
6 actively recruiting trials targeting 4,758 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.