TNF Inhibitors Lay Groundwork for Next-Generation of Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs

The challenges inherent in the pharmacological management of rheumatic diseases have stoked huge demand for drug classes with excellent safety and efficacy profiles. While tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors have greatly enhanced the treatment of these incurable chronic conditions, their unpredictable and inconsistent efficacy as well as their high cost, potential side effects, and uncomfortable mode of delivery (by injection) are driving the need for alternative therapies.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan’s (http://www.healthcare.frost.com/) The United States Rheumatic Diseases Therapeutics Market research finds that rheumatic disease therapeutics prescribed as add-on therapies to background standard therapies earned revenues of approximately $8.99 billion in 2011 and estimates this to reach $14.04 billion by 2017. Frost & Sullivan has also analyzed sub-segments of the US rheumatic diseases therapeutics market, including psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatoid arthritis pharmacotherapeutics.

Although TNF inhibitors have improved the lives of millions of rheumatic disease patients, there is still a vast, underserved patient pool that does not respond to this class of drugs. This huge market potential is driving pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with immunology and inflammatory disease expertise to develop affordable alternatives with better efficacy.

“TNF inhibitors are currently the only add-on treatment option for psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis patients, many of whom do not respond to this class and have no alternatives,” said Frost & Sullivan Senior Industry Analyst Deborah Toscano. “New agents hope to offer patient-friendly alternatives to TNF inhibitors with additional benefits, such as oral administration or better tolerability, with the ultimate goal of improving long-term clinical outcomes.”

While no area of pharmacotherapeutics is without need of improvement, the unmet needs for rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, have significantly decreased with the availability of TNF inhibitors. Thus, the main challenge for new entrants is the entrenchment of TNF inhibitors within the medical and regulatory communities.

“To gain acceptance from regulatory authorities, clinicians, and patients, emerging therapies must demonstrate economic benefits and a higher degree of safety over TNF inhibitors,” noted Ms. Toscano. “Companies must also effectively market the safety and efficacy profiles as well as the robust clinical history of their drugs to raise awareness and gain the confidence of prescribing rheumatologists, patients, and payors.”

The United States Rheumatic Diseases Therapeutics Market is part of the Life Sciences Growth Partnership Services program, which also includes research in the following markets: US Market for Ankylosing Spondylitis Pharmacotherapy, US Market for Psoriatic Arthritis Pharmacotherapy, US Rheumatoid Arthritis Market: Assessment of Biologics and New Treatments, Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapeutics Market in Australia, and Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapeutics Market in India. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

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