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

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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