Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Therapeutics Market is Forecast to Show High Growth Until 2018

Monday 17 October 2011, Amsterdam

This study estimated the global (the US, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Japan) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) therapeutics market to be worth $256m in 2010 and projects it to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.7% to reach $1.6 billion in 2018. Benlysta (belimumab) was approved on March 9, 2011 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and on July 14, 2011 by the European Medicine Evaluation Agency (EMEA) in Europe for treating adult patients with active, autoantibody-positive SLE. It the drug for SLE to be approved in 50 years and is expected to drive the SLE market in the near future. Furthermore, the entry of four first-in-class (FIC) biologics, Orencia (abatacept), atacicept, epratuzumab, LY2127399 is expected to play a major role in the expansion of the SLE market by 2018.


Strong Pipeline Candidates with Novel Mechanisms are Expected to Intensify Future Competition

The study's analysis shows that the SLE development pipeline is strong, with 36 molecules in various stages of clinical development. The late stage pipeline consists of four FIC biologics: Orencia (abatacept), atacicept, epratuzumab and LY2127399 which are expected to hit the market in the forecast period. These molecules promise a substantial advantage over existing treatment options in terms of efficacy and safety profile. They also have ability to suppress disease activity and reduce its signs and symptoms.


Current Competition in the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Market is Weak

Analysis shows that current competition in the SLE market is weak as the targeted therapy Benlysta (belimumab) has only recently been approved for active, autoantibody-positive SLE. Benlysta is considered to be an efficacious and safe drug offering new treatment options for SLE patients. Its impact is expected to be seen from the third quarter of 2011. Prior to Benlysta, the market was completely dominated by generics such as Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), methotrexate, NSAIDs, corticosteroid (methyl prednisolone) and immunosuppresants such as cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine. These drugs have shown low efficacy and safety profiles. Newer drugs which could offer better efficacy and safety than Benlysta could potentially capture a significant market share.


Significant Unmet Need Exists in the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Market

Analysis shows that majority of the drugs currently used for the treatment of SLE are generics except for Benlysta. Generic drugs provide only symptomatic relief. Benlysta is able to control flare-ups and has also been shown to reduce disease activity. Its use for the treatment of SLE has reduced the dosage of corticosteroids as well as their resultant side effects. However, the use of Benlysta is not recommended for severe SLE patients, leaving a significant unmet need. Therefore, the SLE market is awaiting new treatment options with better levels of efficacy and safety to address the current unmet need.


About this new research:
This report is an essential source of information and analysis on the global SLE market. The report identifies the key trends shaping and driving the global SLE market. It also provides insights on the prevalent competitive landscape and the emerging players expected to significantly alter the positioning of current market leaders. Most importantly, the report provides valuable insights on the pipeline products within the global SLE sector. This report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research and in-house analysis by GlobalData’s team of industry experts.