Keywords: HIV/AIDS, drug resistance, Europe, Market

European demand for therapies to treat drug resistant HIV strains is increasing

Article | 29 September 2009

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The HIV/AIDS market in Europe faces a number of hurdles in the form of late diagnosis and low awareness levels. However, the market is projected to exhibit strong growth due to the introduction of novel drug classes and increasing efforts to achieve high diagnosis rates. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan), European HIV/AIDS Therapeutics Markets, finds that the markets earned revenues of $3.88 billion in 2008 and estimates this to reach $6.79 billion in 2015.

"Market growth will be spurred by the new drug classes and combination therapies introduced recently," notes Sylvia M. Findlay, program manager, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, at Frost & Sullivan. "Novel drug classes which treat drug resistant HIV strains are expected to be used in combination with first-line therapy in experienced patients. Combination therapies which minimise side-effects and pill burden are supporting market development," she added.
 
New drug classes are being researched and introduced into the market, especially targeting experienced patients. These drugs are being tested in clinical trials for use in combination with established first-line therapies and also as first-line therapies themselves. Proving the long-term safety and efficacy of these drugs is anticipated to boost their uptake and revenues.

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Disadvantage of DTC ban

Europe is already at a disadvantage because of the ban on direct-to-consumer marketing. Moreover, the launch and subsequent uptake of drugs is slower than in the US market. Social stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, especially in Eastern Europe, is further limiting the growth potential of the market, the report notes.

"Europe is a very diverse market where epidemiology, regulations and awareness levels vary considerably," explains Miss Findlay, noting that "the level of adherence to recommended therapy regimens varies across the region, largely due to the lack of awareness about the safety and efficacy profiles of drugs used."

Moreover, diagnoses rates, which are influenced by awareness and societal pressures, vary across the region. This demands the formulation of region-specific strategies to promote market growth.

Companies need to update their knowledge of epidemiology, promote adherence to recommended therapies and enhance awareness on a continuous basis. They need to devise strategies to address challenges that impede the growth of their product portfolio. Market participants should use prescription trends to assess the market potential for their drugs, both as a first-line and a second-line therapy.

"Physicians are the sole point of contact for patients in Europe, given the absence of direct-to-consumer marketing," says Miss Findlay. "Analysing prescription trends and patients' perception towards new drugs as well as the drugs they are currently using is imperative to maintain patient base."