- Global Dry Eye Syndrome therapeutic sales to grow from $1.6 billion in 2012 to $5.5 billion in 2022.
- Several companies to extent their product offerings to different regions, increasing potential revenues.
- US to lose significant market share to the EU in future years, due to Restasis patent changes in both regions.
Pharma companies are going global with their Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) therapeutics, as the condition’s increasing prevalence is predicted to fuel a tripling in the market’s global revenue over the next decade, according to new analysis by research and consulting firm GlobalData.
New analysis* states that the DES market will benefit from the launch of novel pipeline drugs and the regional expansion of already-launched products, as manufacturers battle it out to win over market share.
Allergan’s Restasis is already the top selling ophthalmic product in the US with sales of almost $1 billion in 2012, and Phase III trials aim to expand the drug’s reach into Europe by 2014. Allergan is also developing improved higher-concentration formulation Restasis X, now in Phase II clinical trials.
Similarly, Santen Pharmaceuticals’ Diquas, currently available in Japan and Korea, is expected to launch in China later this year, and despite trials in the US being halted, the drug is thought to hold potential in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
In addition, Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Mucosta, which was launched in Japan in 2012, is being co-developed by Acucela and Otsuka in the US, where it is currently in Phase III trials with launch expected in 2014.
Current DES treatments require impractical eye drop application multiple times daily, but the DES development pipeline contains various novel delivery technologies and innovative mechanisms of action, which are hoped to improve drug efficacy and patient treatment adherence in the future .
DES drug sales in the US accounted for a 63% share of the global market in 2012, and the US is anticipated to remain the most lucrative DES market in the near future. However, the key patent expiration of Restasis in the US and its concomitant approval in the EU will be key drivers in the US DES sales dropping to a 47% global market share in 2022, while the EU’s market shares will grow from 19% in 2012 to 41% in 2022.
DES is caused by ocular dryness, and leads to discomfort and irritation to the eyes, fatigue, and visual disturbances. Aging increases disease risk, and external stimuli such as laser eye surgery and computer screen overuse are also boosting disease prevalence.
GlobalData predicts DES therapeutic sales across the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Japan, China, and India to grow from around $1.6 billion in 2012 to $5.5 billion in 2022 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.8%.
*PharmaPoint: Dry Eye Syndrome – Global Drug Forecast and Market Analysis to 2022
