Promising Drugs For Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma May Change European Market Dynamics

Main Category: Lymphoma / Leukemia / Myeloma
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 30 Jan 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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The European non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) therapeutics market has been monopolised by MabThera for a number of years. Although CHOP chemotherapy is the major treatment for all forms of NHL, it is highly genericised with limited prospects for revenue growth. However, market dynamics are poised to change in the near future due to the anticipated launch of many promising pipeline drugs currently in phase 3 of their development.

New analysis from growth consulting company Frost & Sullivan (http://www.pharma.frost.com), European Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Therapeutics Markets, finds that the market earned revenues of USD 2.2 billion in 2006 and estimates this to reach USD 7.2 billion in 2013.

"The relapsing nature of NHL is creating the need for new therapeutic options," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Ranjith Gopinathan. "Though MabThera is very popular and has gained widespread acceptance, there still exists a high unmet need among NHL patients."

About 1.75 million people worldwide are living with NHL. As the risk of developing the disease increases with age, the rising life expectancy across Europe is leading to a growing demand for treatments.

MabThera is projected to retain its market leadership position over the next 5-6 years. Most drugs in the pipeline are being positioned as add-on combination therapies with MabThera or CHOP. The market is poised to accelerate from 2012 onwards, pushed by several promising drugs, currently in their phase 3 development stage.

"Add-on drugs, in combination with MabThera or chemotherapy, are a prospective market driver," states Gopinathan. "For instance, Favrille expects Favid to be a blockbuster when approved for commercialisation."

Most research-based biotechnology firms are however currently facing considerable losses. Moreover, stringent clinical and regulatory hurdles could curb potential returns from biotechnology products. For such companies, difficulties in securing resources to fund clinical trials will delay the development process and extend the time to market.

Companies such as Favrille and Genitope are facing mounting operating expenses due to high investments in research. Any regulatory setback could jeopardise their business sustainability.

Additionally, most oncologists are satisfied with MabThera and may not feel the need to replace it entirely with new drugs. Hence, combination drugs with MabThera or CHOP would gain easier acceptance among oncologists and patients.

"Big pharma should look for strategic alliances or acquisition of promising pipeline drugs," advises Gopinathan. "Small-sized biotechnology companies should focus on research and finding a suitable marketing partner."

European Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Therapeutics Markets is part of the Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Growth Partnership Service Programme, which also includes research in the following markets: European Urinary Incontinence Therapeutics Markets, European Endometriosis Therapeutics Markets, Blockbusters Going Off-patent: Opportunities for Generics Manufacturers in Europe, European Osteoarthritis Market, European Head and Neck Cancer Therapeutics Markets and European Breast Cancer Therapeutics Markets. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.

Frost & Sullivan, the Global Growth Consulting Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth. The company's Growth Partnership Services, Growth Consulting and Career Best Practices empower clients to create a growth focused culture that generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30 offices on six continents.

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