Unmet Need Drives Innovation in Neurodegenerative Disorder Therapy Market

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, February 6, 2007 – With a market size of US$14.5 billion in 2005 and an anticipated value of US$16.5 billion in 2006, the neurodegenerative market represents a valuable, fast-growing opportunity in the pharma/biotech industry. An estimated 22 million people worldwide are affected by neurodegenerative disorders.

An increase in the number of aged people, increased life expectancy, unmet clinical needs, together with advances in treatments of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease will continue to contribute to the expansion of the global market.

The overall neurodegenerative market is growing at over 12.0% a year. In 2005, the global neurodegenerative disorders drug market was valued at US$14.5 billion, of which Alzheimer’s disease treatments accounted for US$4 billion, Parkinson’s disease drugs US$2.8 billion and multiple sclerosis drugs US$5.1 billion.

The market for Alzheimer’s therapy is expected to rise to US$6.8 billion by 2010, from US$4 billion in 2005.

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. It has an established market since its treatments have been available for a longer period than those for Alzheimer’s disease. The anti-Parkinson’s drug market generated sales of $2.8 billion in 2005, and is expected to grow to approximately $5.0 billion by 2010.

The challenges that face the growing neurodegenerative market are:

  • Increased cost-cutting measures by governments to meet clinical demands of the growing population. These price cuts and price controls on drug therapies directly affect pharmaceutical industry profit margins, thereby discouraging investments in innovative R&D areas.
  • Domino effects by NICE, U.K. prescription recommendations in October 2005, for Alzheimer’s treatments in the U.K. This review is anticipated to extend to major neurodegenerative markets, such as the U.S. and Japan.
  • Market stabilization, as in the Parkinson’s disease market can extend to other closely related markets, such as Alzheimer’s, due to increasing availability of generics.

The growing focus of most pharmaceutical companies in the CNS market has been in the area of Alzheimer’s disease. As the Alzheimer’s drug sales forecast over 2006-2010 is expected to increase at a CAGR of 11.3%, this segment is anticipating the arrival of new drugs, prior to the expiry of Aricept from Eisai. The introduction of a new class of drugs in the U.S. market, as well as the changing strategies (mergers and acquisitions), regulations, new therapies, and the implementation of successful strategies to protect existing revenues, is expected to develop positive implications for all companies.

Alzheimer’s Disease
The US market is expected to continue to dominate, while the European market is expected to show a contrasting gradual evidence-based growth. This is based on UK’s National Institute of Excellence (NICE) publishing of its final recommendation on the use of the drugs, which will check the widespread prescription of the current AChE inhibitors available.

Parkinson’s Disease
The Parkinson’s disease market is anticipated to grow at a greater rate in the coming years owing to the use of second-generation dopamine agonists in the treatment of early-stage patients. Though currently there is no cure for the disease, several compounds are in advanced stages of development. Dopamine agonist products are expected to continue to drive the market and by 2010, multiple non dopaminergic drug classes are expected to dominate the market.

Multiple Sclerosis
Driving growth in this market will be:

  • the introduction of Tysabri, the first monoclonal antibody indicated for the disease;
  • new approvals for secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis;
  • new drug approvals; and
  • new drug formulations (ease-of-use)

The biologic class will continue to dominate the market during the forecast period, as these drugs have shown the greatest ability so far to slow down the course of the disease

Neuropathies
The neuropathic pain market potential was evident after the success of Pfizer’s Neurontin. The global neuropathic pain market is anticipated to grow to over $5.5 billion by 2010, from approximately $2.5 billion in 2005. Introduction of new anti-neuropathic products is likely to transform the treatment of peripheral neuropathy into a key emerging pharmaceutical market by 2012 in the top 7 pharmaceutical country-markets.

Arrowhead Publishers’ new report: The Global Market and Future Outlook for Neurodegenerative Disorder Therapies 2007 is now available. For sample pages or ordering information, please contact us at 1-612-929-5203, email us at sales@arrowheadpublishers.net or visit our website: www.arrowheadpublishers.com