Global Crohn’s Disease Market Growth to Be Fuelled by Promising Drug Launches

The global Crohn’s disease (CD) market value is forecast to show modest growth, climbing from $3.2 billion in 2012 to $4.2 billion by 2022, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.8%, according to a new report from research and consulting firm GlobalData.

The company’s latest report* states that out of the 10 major markets (10MM: the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan, Canada, China and India), the US will continue to hold the largest CD market share by 2022, with 68%, followed by Canada and Japan with 8% and 7%, respectively.

One of the main drivers behind the global CD treatment market is the anticipated launch of the first non-anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) biologics, such as Takeda’s Entyvio (vedolizumab) and Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J’s) Stelara (ustekinumab).

Tina Healy, GlobalData's Director for Immunology, says: “Of all the current CD market players, J&J appears to be best positioned to remain a key contender over the forecast period. Although patent expiry looms for its leading CD brand Remicade (infliximab), its new therapy Stelara is anticipated to launch in 2015 and is expected to help J&J retain some of its current CD market share, albeit not at the same level as that gained with Remicade.”

Another drug with an upcoming patent expiry is AbbVie’s Humira (adalimumab), which is expected to lose almost half of its 2012 market value by 2022, according to GlobalData.

Although the CD late-stage pipeline looks promising, there are still a few current unmet needs in the treatment market, including the necessity of reliable diagnostic tools, such as biomarkers.

Healy says: “The main benefit of biomarkers is that they can aid physicians in predicting the disease course in patients. This would in turn allow them to effectively tailor their treatment approach to each individual.

“In addition, a solution is required for the management of patients with moderate to severe CD. As these patients eventually lose their response to anti-TNF therapy, a serious challenge is presented to gastroenterologists, thanks to a lack of treatment options in the CD arena,” Healy concludes.

*PharmaPoint: Crohn’s Disease — Global Drug Forecast and Market Analysis to 2022