Extensive research in the unexplored areas to drive the demand for drugs

The drugs market is witnessing numerous transformations due to tug-of-war between generic and branded drugs. Secondly, online distribution channels have made buying medicines simpler. So, it could be inferred that the usual system of medication has undergone a 180 degree shift in the last few years and the future is all set to welcome many other alterations on this count.

The ongoing trend speaks of lifestyle drugs. Almost every age group (except kids) is the end-customer to these drugs. Firstly, they help in reducing aging. In other words, they help in safeguarding the personality on the whole. As such, impulses get curbed, the CI (concentration index) and MI (memory index) improve, thereby giving an edge to the intelligence. There are fat burners/anti-obesity drugs fall in this category. Anti-wrinkle agents are expected to witness robust growth going forward.

Generic oncology drugs are being prescribed, looking at cost-effectiveness. By type of molecule, they are categorized as large-molecule drugs and small-molecule drugs. Coming to route of administration, they are parenteral and oral. Distribution channel-wise, they are online pharmacy, retail pharmacy, and hospital pharmacy. As per statistics mentioned by CDC, close to 9.4% of the teenagers in the US contract cancer. This data is enough to gauge that there is no stoppage for growth of generic oncology drugs in future.

Furthermore, the US bacterial conjunctivitis drugs market is showing inclinations towards herbal medication (from the pharmaceutical one). This is encouraging more number of manufacturers to table herbal products to treat bacterial conjunctivitis.

One more ailment needs attention over here – osteoporosis. As per data released by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (2018), close to 10 Mn people suffer from osteoporosis. It also states that around 44 Mn people have low bone density. Nevertheless, the International Osteoporosis Foundation states that 30% of women and 20% of men aged 50 and above go through osteoporosis fractures in their life. Osteoporosis drugs are bisphosphonates, parathyroid hormone therapy, calcitonin, and RANKL inhibitors.

The frequency of gynecological cancer is increasing at an exponential rate. A series of reproductive organs like ovaries, endometrium, uterus, fallopian tubes, peritoneum, vagina, cervix, vulva, and also tissue & muscle extending support to uterus could be subject to cancer. Gynecology cancer drugs, by therapeutic modality, comprise hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy. Indication-wise, they could be vaginal & vulvar cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and uterine cancer.

Peptic ulcer is another ailment witnessing growth. As per data released by the “International Journal of Microbiology”, peptic ulcer affects more than 10% of the global population. Types of peptic ulcer drugs include antibiotics, h2 antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, and various others. Regarding developments, Researchers from Michael E. De-Bakery Veterans Affairs Medical Center, in May 2020, did receive approval from the US FDA for combination of rifabutin, amoxicillin, and omeprazole (3-drug combination) in a single capsule known as “RHB-105” to get away with infection of Helicobacter pylori in the adults.

Anticancer drugs are being researched upon. This could be credited to awareness campaigns being conducted by several central authorities and governments globally. For instance – the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. does run a campaign on a yearly basis by stating that October will be observed as “breast cancer awareness month”. The basic objective is that of encouraging women to go for screening tests.

Psoriasis is another chronic disease, which had been looked upon as “incurable” till the last few years. However, over the period of time, psoriasis drugs have come up. They could be small molecule systemic drugs, tropical therapies, and biologic drugs. By mechanism of action, they are TNF alpha inhibitors (Certolizumab Pegol, Etanercept, Adalimumab, Infiximab, and Golimumab), PDE4 Inhibitors (Apremilast), Interleukin Inhibitors (Secukinumab, Ustekinumab, and others).

Persistence Market Research (PMR), in its market study entitled “Drugs Market”, has profiled the key players as follows:

• Merck & Co. Inc.
• Reddy’s Laboratories
• Zydus Cadila
• Cipla
• Sun Pharmaceuticals
• Alembic
• Novo Nordisk
• Amgen
• Lupin
• GlaxoSmithKline
• NATCO Pharma Ltd.
• Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC
• Celgene Corporation
• Teva Pharmaceuticals
• Actavis Plc
• Valeant Pharmaceuticals Int. Inc.
• Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
• Eli Lily and Company
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
• Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Persistence Market Research (PMR) has captured the region-wise scenario into North America, Europe, LATAM, the Asia-Pacific, and MEA. It has stated further that North America is the flag bearer, followed by Europe. PMR highlights about the Asia-Pacific bound to grow at the fastest rate between 2020 and 2030 due to it providing lucrative opportunities for research (with lower overheads).

Wanda Rich

Editor-in-Chief since 2011.