Report: Next generation type 2 diabetes drugs create vast opportunities in Europe

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most significant global health concerns of modern times. According to the International Diabetes Federation, more than 55 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes in Europe in 2012, and this number is expected to rise to 64 million by 2030.

A recent research by Frost & Sullivan, titled Global Type 2 Diabetes Therapeutics Market, covers the European region in detail, as well as other key markets worldwide. The European market earned revenues for 9.50 billion euros ($12.94 billion) in 2009 and is estimated to reach 15.46 billion euros in 2017, increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8%.

Due to the chronic nature of the disease and the numerous co-morbidities that make patients particularly sensitive to long-term drug safety, the clinical and regulatory hurdles are considerable. However, the immense size of the potential market has stimulated a vast and growing pipeline of prospected new therapies aimed at addressing the unmet needs of tighter glucose control, improved safety profiles, and greater convenience to patients.

More than half of sector accounted for by insulins, boosted by modern insulins

Overall, the growth rate of the insulin segment was estimated to be about 52% of the total European type 2 diabetes therapeutics market in 2012, exceeding that of the non-insulin segment.

“The insulin segment of this market is boosted by the improvements seen with modern insulins, including improved pharmacokinetic profiles and reduced risk of hypoglycaemia - the main drawback to insulin therapy,” notes Aiswariya Chidambaram, health care senior research analyst at Frost & Sullivan, adding: “Several insulin analogues in development have the potential to offer better overall outcomes resulting from their liver-targeted action.”