Myelodysplastic Syndrome Drugs Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis By Therapeutic Class (Hypomethylating Agents, Immunomodulatory Drugs, Anti-anemics), And Segment Forecasts, 2016 - 2022

Report Overview

The global myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) drugs market size was valued at USD 1.3 billion in 2016 and is expected to register a CAGR of 9.7% over the forecast period. The market is primarily driven by emergence of novel therapeutics. Rising geriatric population, increasing incidence of niche indications, and improving healthcare services are some of the key factors expected to drive the market.

Myelodysplastic syndrome is caused by mutation of one or more genes that control development of blood cells. It is one of the most common malignant hematological diseases that affects five out of every 100,000 people in the U.S. annually. An estimated 60,000 people in the U.S. live with MDS, and approximately 10,000-15,000 new cases are reported each year. Patients may present with clinical manifestations such as thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and anemia. Exposure to chemicals (such as pesticides, tobacco, and benzene) and heavy metals (such as mercury and lead) may trigger disease onset.

In recent years, demand for hypomethylating agents has been at a high due to approval and adoption of Vidaza and Dacogen. A strong pipeline including Aranesp is expected to boost market growth in the near future. Easy availability and access to novel treatments in major countries provides strong commercial opportunities to the market.

Aging population and growing awareness about the disease are key drivers of this market. Government initiatives to provide target-specific treatments and favorable reimbursement policies are also expected to fuel market growth. The MDS International Foundation is a nonprofit health organization that provides psychological support as well as funding to patients for treatment of the condition.

High cost of therapeutics remains an impediment to the growth of the market for myelodysplastic syndrome drugs. However, affordable healthcare measures are being implemented across all major markets, affecting companies’ pricing strategies and reimbursement scenario. In addition, rising cost-consciousness is projected to hinder premium pricing strategies of companies in the market.

Developing novel treatment options is a major challenge due to complexity and heterogeneity of MDS as a disease. Available treatment options can be efficacious but generally provide symptomatic relief. Currently, the only cure for myelodysplastic syndrome is stem cell transplant; however, it involves higher risk and patients having other medical complications may not be eligible.

Therapeutic Class Insights

MDS drugs are divided into the following therapeutic classes: hypomethylating agents, immunomodulatory drugs, and anti-anemics. Immunomodulatory drugs held the largest market share in 2016 and is anticipated to retain its dominance through 2022 due to rising adoption of therapeutics and lack of generic competition. Currently, Revlimid (lenalidomide) is the only one approved for treatment of low-risk MDS and myelodysplastic syndrome with isolated del(5q).

Hypomethylating agents such as Celgene’s Vidaza and Otsuka’s Dacogen are used as first-line treatment for patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. This segment is forecast to witness a steep fall in market share due to patent expirations of both the aforementioned drugs, which has led to the launch of several generics in the market.

The anticipated launch of Celgene’s luspatercept and Amgen’s Aranesp in 2019 are projected to significantly fuel the anti-anemics drug segment. Both are under investigation in late-stage clinical trials for treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome. Recent study outcomes have demonstrated that they successfully increased RBC count in the blood, thus reducing need for frequent blood transfusions.

Country Insights

The U.S. dominated the global myelodysplastic syndrome treatment drugs market with a share of more than 48.0% in 2016, followed by Japan and Germany. Although Japan is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR of nearly 13.0% among the seven major markets, the U.S. is expected to retain its dominant position throughout the forecast period.

Multiple product launches during the forecast period, increased adoption of novel therapies, presence of a large cohort, and high cost of treatment in the U.S. are some of the factors responsible for its dominance. The seven major markets are estimated to collectively expand at a CAGR of 9.4%, while the Rest of the World is projected to register a CAGR of 12.1% during the forecast period.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) Drugs Market Share Insights

Some of the key players operating in the market are Celgene, Amgen, Otsuka, and Takeda. Celgene led the MDS market in 2016, driven by strong sales of Revlimid and Vidaza, and is expected to maintain its lead through 2022.

Revenue generation from Amgen’s Aranesp, Celgene’s luspatercept, Jazz’s Vyxeos, Otsuka’s guadecitabine, and Takeda’s pevonedistat is expected to be significant during the forecast period. Key market players are expected to address unmet needs, identify novel targets, and consequently develop stronger pipeline candidates.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) Drugs Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis on latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2016 to 2022. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research, Inc. has segmented the global myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) Drugs/Therapeutics market report based on therapeutic class and country:

• Therapeutic Class Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2022)

  • Hypomethylating Agents

  • Immunomodulatory Drugs

  • Anti-anemics

• Country Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2022)

  • The U.S.

  • The U.K.

  • Germany

  • Spain

  • Italy

  • France

  • Japan