Doxorubicin is an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug. It is an intravenous injection through a central or peripheral venous line. No pill form of this drug is available in the market. Doxorubicin market is expected to witness a significant growth in the developed regions due to the multiple incidences of cancer occurrence in these regions. According to World Health Organization (WHO) , in 2012, 14.1 million new cancer cases were detected worldwide.
Doxorubicin is an anthracycline chemotherapy drug that slows down the growth of cancer cells which is one of the primary reasons of its demand globally.. Four most common cancers worldwide are lung cancer, prostate cancer, female breast and bowel. Doxorubicin drug provides chemotherapy treatment for all four cancers which is anticipated to drive the industry in next eight years. Early diagnosis led to the longer duration of treatment which in turn increases the demand for doxorubicin drug. Increasing effectiveness of drug therapies are contributing to the higher spending on drugs for cancer care. Moreover, various government initiatives for controlling cancer and increasing its awareness through governmental organizations such as Cancer Prevention And Control Research Network (CPCRN )and National Cancer Institute is creating to have a positive impact on the anti-cancer drug. Increased alcohol consumption, usage of tobacco coupled with lack of physical activity and unhealthy diet are considered to be main risk factors of cancer worldwide. According to WHO estimates, the mortality rate worldwide was 8.2 billion in 2012 and is expected to rise by about 70% in the near future. Due to aforementioned reasons, anti-cancer drug market revenues are anticipated to increase in the near future.
Media is also playing an important role in spreading awareness about various diseases and related drugs. Consumer awareness of these drugs is expected to have a positive impact on the doxorubicin market. Support from non-profit organizations and regional government in UK on approval of drugs is anticipated to drive the market during the forecast period.
However, Doxorubicin therapy can cause a risk of developing leukemia and tumor lysis syndrome which can further lead to kidney failure is expected to act as a roadblock for the growth of doxorubicin market. This drug also has adverse effects and can cause skin rashes, itchy sensation, can lead patient feel short of breath, swelling of face, feeling dizzy and stomach ache. Moreover, it can cause extensive tissue damage and can develop dizziness among consumer. High treatment cost poses a challenge to this market. Also, pharmaceutical industries significantly rely on the R&D initiatives. Pharmaceutical agencies are focusing on new medicines in order to cater to the customer needs which may poses as a threat to this market in the long run.
The market can be segmented on the basis of cancer type. Doxorubicin treats number of cancers such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloblastic leukemia, bone sarcoma, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, gastric cancer, head and neck cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, ovarion cancer, small cell lung cancer, thyroid cancer and transitional cell bladder cancer. Drug used for treating thyroid cancer dominated the market in the recent past on account of growing incidences of thyroid cancer especially in UK.
The U.S. dominated the market in the near past on account approval of doxorubicin products by FDA and increasing number of cancer incidences. Europe is one of the major markets owing to increasing number of deaths due to cancer. Emerging nations such as India and China are anticipated to show a substantial growth rate based on the growing population, cancer incidences and tobacco consumption. Africa is expected to observe a lower growth rate owing to lack of consumer awareness and healthcare infrastructure, and expensive medication.
Key players in this market include Pfizer Inc., Dabur Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd., German Remedies Ltd., Biological E Ltd., Elder Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Cipla Ltd., Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd., Natco Pharma Ltd., Biochem Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Pharmacia India Ltd., VHB Life Science Inc., Chandra Bhagat Pharma Pvt. Ltd., GLS Pharma Ltd., and Intas Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. Mergers and acquisitions in this industry is helping acquirer in building technical expertise and hold a library of patents.
In March 2015, Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. acquired Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. to increase its presence in the global and domestic markets by filling therapeutic gaps in the U.S.
In February 2013, Sun Pharma’s Lipodox (doxorubicin hydrochloride liposome injection) was approved by FDA for the treatment of ovarian cancer in the patients.
