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U.S. Osteoporosis Therapeutics Markets
Frost & Sullivan, Jan 2005
Innovative New Products to Stimulate Market Growth
Despite the popularity of bisphosphonates in treating osteoporosis, there is room for improvement in terms of drug efficacy and shorter dosage regimens. Although weekly courses of Fosamax and Actonel have proven effective in managing osteoporosis, strict posture and fasting guidelines coupled with gastrointestinal side effects limit patient compliance. In addition, the market is still in need of more drugs that not only slow the rate of bone loss but also assist in building bone. Such shortcomings in existing treatments are presenting growth opportunities to new market entrants. The introduction of bisphosphonates with monthly and yearly dosing regimens is expected to improve patient compliance, while new anabolic agents are expected to provide severe sufferers with better treatment options.
This Frost & Sullivan research examines the U.S. market for non-hormonal prescription medications used to treat osteoporosis such as bisphosphonates, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), calcitonins, and parathyroid hormones (PTHs). Each segment provides revenue and patient forecasts by drug, product analysis, and a detailed look at the major issues and factors affecting market growth.
Increased Awareness Essential to Facilitate Diagnosis and Effective Treatment
Low awareness and poor understanding of the disease are a major factor behind the late diagnosis and ineffective treatment for the millions suffering from osteoporosis. The symptoms behind osteoporosis are not easily recognizable until multiple fractures have occurred making it all the more difficult for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. Plain X-rays also fail to reveal bone loss until 20 to 50 percent loss has already occurred, observes the analyst of this research. Consequently, less than 10 percent of the estimated 44 million Americans suffering from osteopenia and osteoporosis are diagnosed and treated. Extensive sales and promotional campaigns should educate patients regarding the importance of receiving treatment at an early stage and equip physicians with the tools necessary to quickly and easily identify the symptoms behind low bone mass.
Anabolic Agents Set to Dramatically Expand Market
Existing antiresorptive therapies are unable to replace lost bone or rebuild new bone mass, and therefore prove ineffective for patients with severe osteoporosis and at a very high risk of developing fractures. Anabolic agents such as parathyroid hormones (PTHs) are capable of increasing bone mineral density (BMD), restoring skeletal structure, and curtailing fracture risk to a greater extent than traditional drugs used for osteoporosis, explains the analyst.
At present, Eli Lilly’s Forteo (teriparatide), which was launched in December 2002, holds the distinction of being the first and only anabolic agent with the ability to build bone mass. As many other companies follow suit in developing anabolic agents, the osteoporosis therapeutics market is expected to see a surge in revenues.
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