Sarcoma Drugs Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Treatment Type (Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy), By Major Markets (U.S., U.K., Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Japan), And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2023

Industry Insights

The global sarcoma drugs market size was valued at $703 million in 2017. It is expected to register a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period. Soaring adoption of novel drugs, the presence of strong developmental pipeline, rising incidence of soft tissue sarcomas (STS), and increasing R&D activities are some of the key trends stoking market growth.

Sarcomas are rare tumors of connective tissue affecting any part of the body such as nerves, tendons, bones, muscle, fat, and skin. Though sarcomas represent a heterogeneous group of over 50 different histological subtypes, STS accounts for approximately 87.0% of all sarcoma cases, while malignant bone sarcomas represent close 13.0% of all cases. Globally, the annual incidence rate of STS is 2-3 per 100,000 people. Risk factors include genetic mutation such as inherited defects in the APC gene, TP53 gene, and RB1 gene, damaged lymph system, chemical exposure, and radiation.

In 2017, 12,715 new diagnoses and 5,070 deaths due to STS were reported in the U.S. Bone sarcomas accounted for 3,373 new cases and 1,649 deaths in 2017. The lifetime risk of developing sarcoma is 0.4%. Approximately 45.0% of bone sarcomas and 21.0% of STS are diagnosed in people in the age group of 0-35 years.

Currently, chemotherapy and targeted therapy are the only approved treatments for sarcoma. Several immuno-oncology agents are also under investigation. Recent approvals of chemotherapy drugs such as Eisai’s Halaven and Johnson & Johnson’s Yondelis are based on superior efficacy compared to previously available anthracycline-based treatment regimens. Targeted therapy is anticipated to command the majority shares in the market by 2023, owing to the surging adoption of novel therapeutics and superior efficacy.

Treatment Type Insights

Sarcoma treatment landscape has changed dramatically in the last few years with the introduction of targeted therapies. As one of the first molecular targeted drugs approved for solid tumors, Gleevec’s approval as the first-line therapy for GIST, a major sarcoma sub-type in 2002, changed the treatment paradigm for GIST. Following Gleevec, other tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been approved for GISTs such as Sutent and Stivarga, and Votrient for non-GIST soft tissue sarcomas. In addition to TKIs, Lartruvo, the monoclonal antibody that targets platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), was shown to extend overall survival of STS patients and was approved in 2016 in the U.S. as a breakthrough therapy. For bone sarcomas, new drugs are limited to Xgeva, a receptor activator of nuclear factor B ligand (RANKL) inhibitor.

Current research in sarcoma focuses on using novel treatments such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and combination regimens. Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Opdivo + Yervoy combination is being investigated in a Phase II trial for patients with previously treated metastatic sarcoma. Development of immuno-oncology agents for sarcoma treatment is estimated to target major unmet needs, including disease recurrence, improving progression-free survival, overcoming tumor resistance, and maintaining the quality of life.

Pipeline Insights

Role of checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1/PD-L1) in STS is under evaluation in multiple Phase I/II trials. These treatments in conjunction with standard therapies are poised to provide patients with safer and effective treatment options. Merck is investigating its PD-1 inhibitor Keytruda as monotherapy and in combination with Incyte’s IDO1 inhibitor Epacadostat in patients with advanced STS and bone sarcomas.

Currently, out of 45 drugs in the clinical pipeline, 12 molecular targeted drugs are in development for the treatment of STS and bone sarcoma. Cancer vaccines and gene therapy are also generating interest as a potential treatment for STS. Several other small molecules and monoclonal antibodies are in active development in Phase I and II trials.

Country Insights

The U.S. dominated the sarcoma drugs market with more than 35.0% share in 2017 and is projected to maintain the leading position in 2023. Multiple product launches during the forecast period, increased adoption of novel therapeutics, and the presence of key manufacturers in the U.S. are some of the factors responsible for its dominance.

EU5 holds a key share in the market and is likely to show significant growth during the forecast period. A greater understanding of tumor microenvironment is expected to occur which will further encourage the development of new patient-specific therapies in the upcoming years.

Sarcoma Drugs Market Share Insights

The key players in the industry include Novartis, Eli Lilly, Amgen, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Eisai, and Bayer. Late-stage pipeline products of companies such as CytRx, Tracon Pharma, Blueprint Medicines, Arog Pharmaceuticals, Advenchen Laboratories, and Karyopharm Therapeutics have also been reviewed.

Novartis led the market in 2017, capturing more than 30.0% of the market. However, the market share of Novartis is expected to decline through the forecast period due to the arrival of Gleevec generics. Companies are focusing on collaborations for conducting clinical trials, development, and broader product portfolios to increase their market share. There were 15 licensing and acquisition deals involving sarcoma drugs during 2013-18.

Blueprint Medicines’ BLU-285 has received breakthrough therapy designation for the treatment of GIST in patients with metastatic or unresectable Gleevec resistant disease (KIT exon 17 D842V mutation). Blueprint initiated a Phase III trial in March 2018, which would support the use of the drug in a broad patient population. Several other clinical-stage biopharmaceutical companies are focusing on the development of novel sarcoma treatments in areas of unmet therapeutic needs.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global & country levels and provides an analysis of the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2023. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global sarcoma drugs market report based on treatment type and region:

• Treatment Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2023)

  • Chemotherapy

  • Targeted Therapy

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2023)

  • The U.S.

  • The U.K.

  • Germany

  • France

  • Italy

  • Spain

  • Japan