 Pharmacor --
April 2005
 You Need to Know
Will novel emerging agents
challenge the dominance of corticosteroid/beta2 agonist combination
inhalers in the market for asthma therapies? How will evidence-based treatment
guidelines shape the asthma market over the next decade? What subpopulations of
asthmatics have the greatest unmet need?
Introduction
The recognition of asthma as a
chronic inflammatory disorder provoked a profound shift in the asthma
marketplace: the focus of asthma treatment shifted from rescue bronchodilation
to ongoing, anti-inflammatory maintenance therapy. Our research has revealed
that physicians throughout the major markets are accepting the recommendations
of evidence-based treatment guidelines that encourage the use of inhaled
corticosteroids, corticosteroid/beta2 agonists, and leukotriene
antagonists as daily prophylactic therapy for asthma. As a result, sales of
these drug classes have increased dramatically, and this growth is expected to
continue throughout the forecast period.
Key Findings
 In 2003, the number of diagnosed prevalent asthma cases in the
major markets exceeded 33 million; that population will change little over the
forecast period as asthma prevalence remains steady. However, sales will
increase considerably during our forecast period--from $8.4 billion in 2003--as
popular corticosteroid/beta2 agonist combination agents expand their
dominance of the asthma market.
Physicians believe that most of their patients' needs are
well served by existing therapies, thus presenting a challenge to drug
developers attempting to enter this market. Physicians are reluctant to modify
the treatment of patients whose disease is well-controlled, and they demand
solid evidence of enhanced safety or efficacy from emerging agents.
Corticosteroid/beta2 agonist combination agents
currently lead the asthma market because of their convenience and demonstrated
efficacy. Novel therapies in development, such as phosphodiesterase 4
inhibitors, may not offer efficacy comparable to that of the combination agents,
but they are likely to serve as valuable adjunct therapies for patients whose
disease requires more-intensive drug therapy.
Why Buy This Report?
Identify the factors driving the success of corticosteroid/beta2
agonist combination agents.
Explore the growing influence of evidence-based medicine on the
market for asthma therapies.
Discover how novel biological agents will fare in the clinic and
the marketplace.
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