Emerging Immunomodulators

Pharmacor -- May 2008

  Introduction:

In addition to new members of currently launched drug classes (TNF-alpha, B-cell, integrin, and costimulatory molecule inhibitors), agents with novel mechanisms of action (e.g., interleukin inhibitors) are expected to have a significant impact on the market. This report focuses on the market outlook for several classes of emerging immunomodulators in nine diseases of high commercial interest: rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis.

  Questions Answered in This Report:

The interleukin (IL)-6 inhibitor tocilizumab (Roche/Chugai’s Actemra) is expected to launch for rheumatoid arthritis in 2009, offering an alternative mechanism of action to existing therapies. How is this agent going to be positioned in the treatment of RA? Are IL-6 inhibitors likely to achieve the success of anti-TNF-alpha therapies?

Drugs representing at least seven different mechanisms of action are in Phase II development or further for the lucrative rheumatoid arthritis indication. How will these novel agents compete with available biologic therapies? Which are the most promising oral immunomodulators and do they represent a threat to the TNF-alpha inhibitors?

Emerging immunomodulators are targeting numerous components of the immune system. Which drug classes have the highest potential for success across diseases, and which agents are likely to become major players in single indications?

In addition to targeting CD20, emerging B-cell inhibitors antagonize CD22 or B-cell survival factors (BAFF/BLyS). Do novel approaches for inhibiting B cells have advantages over CD20 antagonists, and how are they going to be integrated in medical practice?

  Scope:

Markets covered: United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Japan.

Primary research: 168 country-specific interviews with thought-leading clinical immunologists, immunobiologists, rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, and dermatologists.

Epidemiology: Diagnosed prevalent cases of rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Emerging therapies: Phase II, 33 drugs; Phase III, 7 drugs; preregistration, 3 drugs. Coverage of 18 select preclinical and Phase I products.

Market forecast features: Sales forecast for immunomodulators launching between 2007 and 2017.