Epigenetics Therapeutics to 2017 – High Market Potential for Epigenetics Drugs in Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma and Cutaneous T-Cell Lympho

30 Sep 2010 • by Natalie Aster

GBI Research, a leading business intelligence provider, has released its latest research, “Epigenetics Therapeutics to 2017 – High Market Potential for Epigenetics Drugs in Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma and Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma.” The report provides insights on segments where epigenetic therapies may prove to be useful. The report also details the market potential for the epigenetic therapies, Furthermore, it provides insights into the epigenetic therapeutics R&D pipeline. The report also contains comprehensive profiles of the epigenetic therapies in late-stage clinical development. The report offers insights into the US, the top five markets in Europe and Japan. The report also elucidates the current competitive landscape of the epigenetic therapeutics market.

The report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research and in-house analysis by GBI Research’s team of industry experts.

Epigenetic drugs are the chemical compounds or biologics that cause epigenetic changes resulting in modified molecular protein expressions. These drugs have the potential to trigger or suppress a protein expression process.

Currently, there are four epigenetic drugs in the market, namely Vidaza, Zolinza, Dacogen and Istodax. The sales of these drugs will account for all of the revenues of the epigenetic therapeutics market. The global epigenetic therapeutics market measured in this report comprises the sales of VIdaza, Zolinza, and Dacogen in the top seven markets of the world.

Four Epigenetics Drugs Generated Revenues of $517m in 2009

Vidaza, Dacogen, Zolinza and Istodax are the four currently approved epigenetic drugs in the market. The sales of these drugs amounted to $517m in 2009. Vidaza and Dacogen are approved for the indication Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Zolinza and Istodax are approved for the indication Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Of all the drugs, Vidaza had the largest market share in 2009, followed by Dacogen.

Vidaza and Dacogen Belong to a Class of Drugs called DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors that Dominate the Epigenetics Market

Vidaza and Dacogen belong to a new class of drugs called DNA Methyltransferase inhibitors. These drugs cause the removal of the methyl group from the cytosine residue in the DNA and cause the repression of tumor genes. Of all the drugs, Vidaza and Dacogen are the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of MDS. They are currently employed by physicians as a second or third line of therapy.

The Epigenetic Therapies are Currently Only Approved for Blood Cancer

Epigenetic drugs are currently approved to treat MDS and CTCL, which are cancers of the blood cells. MDS is a type of blood cancer that affects the stem cells secreted in the bone marrow. CTCL affects the lymphocytes that secrete T-cells. The accumulation of the proliferated T-lymphocytes in the subcutaneous regions causes a rash-like appearance and progresses to become metastasis.

Vidaza’s Uptake is Projected to Grow. The Drug is Forecast to Reach $600m by 2017

Vidaza by Celgene is one of the therapies commonly employed to treat MDS. Vidaza’s uptake in the top seven markets will be driven by epidemiological factors and the escalation in Vidaza price. The annual cost of therapy ranges from $45,135 to $49,886. Thus, it is estimated to reach revenues of $604m by the year 2017.

Vidaza is in Phase III Clinical Trails for AML Treatment and it is Estimated to Have High Market Potential

Vidaza is in the late stage of clinical trials for the treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). AML is a rare disease that affects the blood cells. As Vidaza is approved for MDS, which is a precursor to AML, it is expected to be widely accepted after being approved for AML. Vidaza is estimated to achieve peak sales of $312m for AML by the year 2012 in the top seven markets.

Dacogen, Indicated for the Treatment of MDS, is Forecast to Reach $283m in Sales by 2017

Dacogen by Eisai is similar to Vidaza in terms of its mechanism of action and is indicated for the treatment of MDS. The annual cost of Dacogen treatment for MDS is $61,938, which is higher than Vidaza’s cost. Dacogen is employed as an alternative to Vidaza therapy in many cases, which leads to lower uptake. Thus, Dacogen is forecast to reach revenues of $283m by 2017, which is much lower than the estimates for Vidaza.

Zolinza, Indicated for the Treatment of CTCL, Will Reach $42m By 2017

Zolinza is indicated for the treatment CTCL which is a rare disease. The market for Zolinza as a CTCL therapy is expected to be steady throughout the forecast period. The annual cost of treatment ranges from $25,743 to $31,464 depending on the treatment period. The increase in the incidence and prevalence of the disease will drive the market from $21m in 2009 to $42m in 2017 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.7%.

Zolinza is Being Studied in More Than 61 Clinical Trails and is in Phase III for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma

Zolinza is in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of Multiple Myeloma (MM). The study is being conducted by Merck & Co. MM is a type of blood. The acceptance and uptake of Zolinza is expected to remain low as the growth in the acceptance and uptake of the drug is expected to be slow over the forecast period. Thus, the drug will achieve peak sales of $197m by 2017 for the MM market.

Istodax is Indicated for the Treatment of CTCL and is Estimated to Achieve Sales of $108m by 2017

Istodax by Celgene is indicated for the treatment of CTCL. The drug was approved in 2009. The average annual cost of therapy for the treatment of CTCL ranges from $36,777 to $44,950 depending on the treatment period. The drug is estimated to reach sales of $108m by 2017 at a CAGR of 16% for the period from 2010 to 2017. Certain epidemiological factors will support the growth of this market

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