The autoimmune hepatitis therapeutics market comprises drugs that are used to treat autoimmune hepatitis. Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the liver caused due to an abnormal response of the body’s immune system against its own liver cells. Some of the key products in the autoimmune hepatitis therapeutics market include corticosteroids such azathioprine and mercaptopurine. Corticosteroids such as prednisone are the first line of treatment for autoimmune hepatitis, while azathioprine and mercaptopurine are used as supplemental immunosuppressants to corticosteroids or as monotherapy for patients unable to tolerate corticosteroids. Autoimmune hepatitis affects people across all age groups but is predominantly seen in females during their middle age. Its prevalence has been rising globally due to sedentary lifestyles and expanding base of geriatric population.
The autoimmune hepatitis market is estimated to be valued at USD 127.3 Mn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 186.9 Mn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% from 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
The key players operating in the autoimmune hepatitis therapeutics are F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Novartis AG, Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer Inc. and Merck & Co. Inc.
The autoimmune hepatitis therapeutics market has been witnessing high demand due to steadily rising prevalence rates of autoimmune disorders globally. According to the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group, autoimmune hepatitis affects 1 in 10,000 individuals worldwide.
Technological advancements are also aiding Autoimmune Hepatitis Market growth. Companies are investing in development of novel therapeutic targets like JAK inhibitors and IL-17 inhibitors to treat autoimmune hepatitis with higher efficacy and reduce side effects of current therapies.
Market Trends
One of the major trends witnessed in the autoimmune hepatitis therapeutics market is increasing adoption of combinational therapies. Earlier, autoimmune hepatitis treatment involved sequential monotherapy with conventional drugs. However, studies have shown that combinational therapies provide enhanced efficacy. For example, a combination of budesonide and azathioprine is more effective as an initial treatment than monotherapy alone. Another key trend is the rising focus on development of novel drug entities. Several pharmaceutical companies are conducting clinical trials for first-in-class molecules to address unmet needs like partial treatment response, limited efficacy, and tolerability issues of existing drugs.
Market Opportunities
The autoimmune hepatitis therapeutics market has high opportunities in the Asia Pacific region owing to rising autoimmune disease prevalence as lifestyles become more westernized. There is potential for generic versions of branded drugs facing patent expiry to penetrate developing Asian markets where cost sensitivity is high. Cell therapy and gene therapy also offer promising opportunities in autoimmune hepatitis treatment. Early research in these areas suggests their potential to induce long-lasting remissions by influencing immune system dysregulation driving the disease. Development of targeted molecules with more specific mechanisms of action holds opportunities to revolutionize autoimmune hepatitis management.
Impact Of Covid-19 On Autoimmune Hepatitis Market
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the autoimmune hepatitis market in several ways. During the initial lockdown phases imposed by various governments globally, many non-emergency medical appointments and procedures were temporarily halted or postponed. This led to disruption in regular monitoring and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis patients. With people focusing more on essentials and economic uncertainties gripping families, some patients experienced difficulties in affording their regular medication costs as well.
As restrictions are now gradually easing, medical facilities have implemented stringent safety protocols like social distancing, use of PPE kits and frequent sanitization to enable resumption of non-COVID related care safely. The demand for autoimmune hepatitis drugs is recovering though some patients with co-morbidities continue exercising extra caution before visiting hospitals. Telemedicine and e-prescriptions have helped enable continuity of checkups and therapy to some extent during the pandemic.
Autoimmune Hepatitis Market In Europe
The autoimmune hepatitis market accounts for a substantial share in Europe region. Countries like Germany, United Kingdom, France and Italy have shown high prevalence of the autoimmune condition. According to recent studies, it is estimated that nearly 1 in every 100,000 individuals in these European countries suffers from autoimmune hepatitis annually.
Owing to universal healthcare systems and provisions for mandatory health insurance in most European nations, patients have widespread access to diagnosis and treatment options. Further, growing collaborative efforts between academics, hospitals and private entities have fostered clinical research activities and new drug development initiatives in the region.
Impact On Asian Autoimmune Hepatitis Market
During the initial lockdown phases, many medical visits and elective surgeries were postponed which led to disruption in regular monitoring of patients suffering from autoimmune hepatitis. This could aggravate the condition in some cases.
Economic uncertainties arising due to job losses made it difficult for a section of patients to afford continued medication and therapy costs without insurance cover. This issue was more predominant in developing Asian nations.
Social stigma associated kept some patients from seeking timely medical help fearing exposure to the virus in hospitals. This compromised their treatment protocol.
However, teleconsultations and e-prescriptions helped enable care continuity to a certain level for patients in major cities and towns.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc.
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