Osteoarthritis (OA) Therapeutics - Pipeline Assessment and Market Forecasts to 2018

Additional Information

GlobalData, the industry analysis specialist, has released its new report, “Osteoarthritis (OA) Therapeutics - Pipeline Assessment and Market Forecasts to 2018”. The report is an essential source of information and analysis on the global osteoarthritis therapeutics market. The report identifies the key trends shaping and driving the global osteoarthritis therapeutics market. The report also provides insights on the prevalent competitive landscape and the emerging players expected to significantly alter the market positioning of the current market leaders. Most importantly, the report provides valuable insights on the pipeline products within the global osteoarthritis therapeutics 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.

The Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market is Forecast to Show Slow Growth until 2018

GlobalData estimates that the global osteoarthritis (OA) therapeutics market was worth $4.4 billion in 2010 and is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% to reach $5.9 billion by 2018. The current treatment options for OA offer only symptomatic relief and are primarily dominated by generics. There are no disease modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) currently approved in the OA therapeutics market and the late stage pipeline also lacks DMOADs except SMC021. Owing to these factors the OA therapeutics market is expected to show slow growth until 2018.

OA Therapeutics Market, Major Markets, Revenue and Forecast ($bn), 2005-2018



Sources: GlobalData, Reva C. Lawrence et al. Estimates of the prevalence of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in the United States, Arthritis & Rheumatism, Volume 58(1), 2008, 26-35. Pascal Richette et al. Comparison of general practitioners and rheumatologists’ prescription patterns for patients with knee osteoarthritis, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorder, 2011, 12:72. American College of Rheumatology, The European League Against Rheumatism, GlobalData, GlobalData Epidemiology-based Market Forecasting Model, Primary Research Interviews, KOL Interviews

The Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market has Significant Unmet Need

Current treatment options for OA are limited. They include symptomatic treatment with simple analgesics, NSAIDs or intra-articular (IA) injected glucocorticoids and hyaluronic acid preparations. Non selective NSAIDs and selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors are effective in the early to mid stages of OA, but often fail to provide adequate pain relief as the joint deteriorates. In addition, NSAIDs cause gastrointestinal complications in a significant number of patients.

The current market lacks DMOADs and there exists a significant unmet need in OA treatment. There are no DMOADs in the late stage of the pipeline except SMC021. SMC021 however has not shown promising results in Phase III clinical trials and failed to meet the first of its three co-primary endpoints. The significant unmet need is expected to continue during the forecast period. With no disease modifying drugs available for OA patients they are forced to depend on symptomatic relief medications.

Scope for Entrants with Better Efficacy and Safety Profiles

The OA therapeutics market is underserved by the currently marketed drugs as no drug can provide a cure for the disease. The market offers huge potential for new entrants who can develop drugs that halt or reverse the disease progression and simultaneously offer a good efficacy and safety profile. There is also a huge potential for novel therapies which can offer better symptomatic relief. New formulations of approved drugs will also capture a significant market share if they can demonstrate a convenient route of administration and schedule, enhanced long term efficacy and safety profile and cost effectiveness.

Late Stage Pipeline Lacks DMOADs and Does Not Offer Hope for OA Patients

GlobalData’s analysis of the entire pipeline landscape shows that the late pipeline does not offer any immediate hope for OA patients. There are no promisin DMOADs in the late stage of development except SMC021. SMC021 developed by Novartis failed to meet the first of its three co-primary endpoints in its Phase III clinical trails. Given the complexity of the disease and the fact that the prevalent age group is above 65 years, the challenge lies in developing a drug that is safe for the treatment of patients in the aforementioned age group.