NSCLC drug market to exceed $6bn in 2021

Decision Resources has predicted growth in the non-small-cell lung cancer drug market.

The drug market for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is set to enjoy growth over the coming years, despite the pressures exerted by large numbers of people giving up smoking.

That is according to the latest report from pharmaceutical advisory firm Decision Resources.

The report notes that smoking cessation will limit market growth, as fewer people will be diagnosed with NSCLC as this major risk factor for the disease is reduced.

Despite this, the market will be boosted by new entrants, including Boehringer Ingelheim's Tomtovok, Pfizer's dacomitinib, Genentech/Roche/Chugai's MetMAb and Bristol-Myers Squibb/Ono Pharmaceutical's nivolumab, and increased use of Pfizer's Xalkori.

As a result, the drug market for NSCLC is likely to increase from $4.6 billion in 2011 to more than $6 billion in 2021.

Decision Resources' analyst Dr Orestis Mavroudis-Chocholis also observed the increasing personalisation of treatment for NSCLC, with drugs and companion diagnostics being developed alongside each other.
He said: "The potential success of such an approach is exemplified by Xalkori and by Abbott Molecular's Vysis ALK Break Apart FISH Probe Kit.

"The high response rates seen in patients selected using the companion diagnostic underlie the premium-pricing and potential reimbursement hurdles will turn a seemingly small and unprofitable patient subset into a lucrative and well-served market segment."