Pancreatic Cancer Therapeutics – Market Analysis, Patents, Designations, Collaborations, and Other Developments

Overview

Pancreatic cancer instigates in the tissues of pancreas — an organ in the abdomen that lies horizontally behind the lower part of the stomach. Pancreas releases enzymes and hormones, which help in digestion and maintaining blood sugar level in the body. Pancreatic cancer occurs when malignant cells develop in the part of pancreas, resulting in the formation of a tumor, which can be divided into two main groups: exocrine tumor and endocrine tumor.

Pancreatic cancer typically spreads rapidly to nearby organs. It is rarely detected in its early stages. However, some screening tests including clinical examinations for examining the symptoms, such as jaundice, digestive problems, blood clots, and pancreatitis, are helpful in diagnosing of patients in the early stages. Diabetes is one of the major signs of pancreatic cancer, especially when it occurs with weight loss, jaundice, or pain in the upper abdomen that spreads to the back. Pancreatic cancer can be treated and managed by surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or combination therapy.

As per the current scenario, drug manufacturers are actively acquiring and collaborating with other companies to expand their drug portfolio for the treatment of this disease. For instance, in 2018, Novartis AG successfully completed the acquisition of Advanced Accelerator Applications (AAA), by purchasing all of the outstanding ordinary shares of the company. Novartis gained the worldwide rights for Lutathera through this acquisition. Similarly, Ipsen Pharma, a key player in the pancreatic cancer therapeutics market, gained exclusive commercialization rights for the current and potential future indications for Onivyde in the U.S.

Drivers

Increasing prevalence of pancreatic cancer is playing a pivotal role in the growth of pancreatic cancer therapeutics market. The incident cases of pancreatic cancer in the 7 major markets (7MM) are expected to increase from 151,381 cases in 2016 to 179,629 by 2028. Growing geriatric population is one of the key risk factors for this disease. Changes in ethnicity, obesity, and diabetes are some other key risk factors for this disease.

Restraints

Blockbuster drugs are facing a constant threat due to increasing competition with the generics; as the patent exclusivity of some branded drugs are expiring in the near future. After patent expiry, the sales of the blockbuster drugs are impacted, as the generics are available at a cheaper price, compared to the original molecule. For instance, the patents for Afinitor and Sutent will expire in June 2019, and 2021, respectively, which offer growth opportunities for the generic drug manufacturers in the market.

Market Analysis

The pancreatic cancer market currently comprises nine therapeutic candidates.

Competitive Landscape

Pharmaceutical companies, such as Novartis AG, Ipsen Pharma, Pfizer Inc., Celgene Corporation, Astellas Pharma, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Eli Lilly and Company are involved in the manufacturing of drugs for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Report Insights

Some highlights of the report “Pancreatic Cancer Therapeutics – Market Analysis, Patents, Designations, Collaborations, and Other Developments” have been mentioned below:

• Detailed market analysis of drugs that are marketed for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, and estimates and analyses of the marketed products on the basis of their attributes
• Comprehensive insights into marketed products, with special focus on strategic developments of key players; information on drug licensing, designations, financing, and grants, technological advancements; and upcoming conferences
• Competitive analysis and extensive information on monotherapies, combination therapies, targets and mechanisms of action, and drug origin with relevance to pancreatic cancer
• Detailed regulatory framework for drug approval in the U.S., Europe, and Japan
• Key winning strategies of the companies involved in the commercialization of pancreatic cancer therapeutics