Pharmacy

Rising incidences of cancer warrants equal high treatment costs. Continuous research coupled with advances in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, proteomics have led to the identification of novel molecular targets for cancer therapy and prevention. One such major breakthrough is the cancer vaccine. Presently, there are high unmet needs that these vaccines can cater to. An analysis.

At present, the global cancer vaccines market is occupied by cervical and prostate cancer    vaccines.    The vaccines available for cervical cancer are all prophylactic; the brands are Gardasil and Cervarix. The only therapeutic     vaccine     available in the market is Provenge from Dendreon Corporation.

The global cervical cancer vaccine market in 2009 was worth $1.41 billion. GlobalData has estimated that the global cervical cancer market will grow at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5 per cent to reach $2.10 billion in 2017. The cost of three complete dose courses of cervical cancer vaccines ranges from approximately $380 to $390. The   global   prostate   cancer vaccine   market was   $70million in 2010. It is expected to reach $2.3 billion in 2017, growing at a CAGR of 66 per cent.

The present pipeline for cancer vaccines seems to be very promising, with numerous molecules present in the phase II and III stages. From a market perspective, there are going to be multiple vaccine launches between 2011 and 2013- 2015, which is expected to significantly increase   the   market   size  and drive growth.

Weak competition in the global vaccines market

At present, the global cancer vaccines market is occupied by cervical and prostate cancer vaccines> The launch of these vaccines has renewed interest in the development of vaccines for cancer.  Though  the  therapeutic vaccines were in the pipeline for a long period of time, none of them is able to overcome the regulatory barrier except Provenge. Provenge gained Food and Drug Administration (PDA) approval on April 29, 2010 and is indicated in the treatment of metastatic castration- resistant    (hormone    refractory) prostate cancer. Manufacturers have faced trouble proving the efficacy and safety of these vaccines along with demanding manufacturing guidelines. The market is waiting for a paradigm shift in the treatment of cancer through the introduction of new therapeutic vaccines that have a more targeted approach.

High unmet needs

The current cancer vaccine market offers limited options for both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, which presents huge unmet needs. The unmet need is high when it comes to treating the existing condition. With the rising incidence of cancer, there is a huge patient population waiting for a new approach in the management of cancer. There is a need for more therapeutic vaccines to treat the condition. To achieve success and exploit the maximum market potential, the new entrant must be a successful therapeutic option. Therapeutic cancer vaccines have huge market potential as they have the capability to address this unmet need.

They have a targeted approach and also have fewer side effects compared to other chemotherapy options. They will provide or increase the options available for cancer treatment.

Current market

GlobalData's analysis indicates that the available options in the market are very successful in the area of prevention but the market has few options for treating the condition. The only approved cancer vaccine for treatment is Provenge, which is indicated for prostate cancer. Prophylactic vaccines are efficacious in offering protection against cervical cancer. However, for the patient population who are already suffering from the disease, there are a limited number of effective drug treatment options available. There is a moderate unmet need, especially for people who develop metastatic disease. There is immense market potential for any new entrant that can cater to these unmet needs.

There is a huge market potential for any new therapeutic vaccines for cancers than that of the prostate. These vaccines, if successful, will be the first of their kind to enter the market and will surpass the sales of the prophylactic vaccines. Thus,   though   the   prophylactic vaccines are successful in prevention and have the capability to reduce the population needing treatment, there   is   still   a   commercial opportunity in the area of drug treatment for people who develop the disease.  These prophylactic vaccines will continue to primary form of market activity until an    effective   drug   treatment option arrives.