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Large Untapped Patient Population and Increasing Incidence of Disease Holds Potential for European Asthma Therapeutics Market

08 Aug 2007 - Currently available drugs for the treatment of asthma do not demonstrate the desired outcome and are capable only of managing the symptoms. This situation, together with the increase in disease morbidity and mortality, is underlining the pressing need for improved asthmatic drugs that cure the disease rather than merely reduce its symptoms. Hence, the market is brimming with opportunities for innovative asthma therapies. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, European Asthma Therapeutics Markets, finds that the market earned revenues of $4.90 billion in 2005 and estimates this to reach $9.30 billion in 2013.
 
"Adherence to treatment guidelines prescribed by GINA will determine the prescription volumes for various therapeutic drugs," notes Frost and Sullivan Research Analyst Sriram V. "Biologics will witness a big boom in the autoimmune and inflammatory diseases arena and in other disease areas that have a significant unmet need."
 
At present, nearly 58 per cent of asthmatics continue with emergency visits due to the lack of adherence to these guidelines. The introduction of Xolair has created tremendous opportunity for biologics. Although there is doubt about the potential financial gains from biologics, their presence as therapeutic alternatives will provide the much-needed boost to balance the intensifying dearth of pipeline products.
 
"For instance, inhaled corticosteroids are the most sought after and accepted gold standard for treatment," adds Mr. Sriram. "However, prescription trends among physicians do not reflect this acceptance."
 
Concerted efforts should be made to harmonise varied treatments for asthma. The development of treatment alternatives for severe asthma requires immediate attention, even while pharmaceutical companies and other participants in the value chain need to lobby effectively to reduce the national economic burden caused by asthma.
 
If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users and other industry participants with an overview of the latest analysis of the European Asthma Therapeutics Markets, send an e-mail to Radhika Menon Theodore, Corporate Communications, using the 'Contact' button below.