Japan's anti-rheumatic drug market expected to grow 39% between 2006 and 2007

The Japanese market for joint and bone diseases will see a 9.8% rise from 336.0 billion yen in 2006 to an estimated 369.0 billion yen ($2.89 billion) in 2007, according to a survey, entitled Data-book on Prescription Drugs, from Tokyo-based market research firm Fuji-Keizai.

Among such agents, including anti-rheumatics, treatments for osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, and topical anti-inflammatory and analgesics, sales will increase 39% to an estimated 79.2 billion yen this year due to the expanding use of biological preparations such as Remicade (infliximab) and Enbrel (etanercept), which account for about 60% in this market.

Other biologicals including Humira (adalimumab) and Actemra (tocilizumab), which will be introduced about 2008, will contribute to the expansion of the market.