PUBLISHER: DelveInsight | PRODUCT CODE: 1553394
PUBLISHER: DelveInsight | PRODUCT CODE: 1553394
DelveInsight's "Systemic Sclerosis - Market Insight, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034" report delivers an in-depth understanding of systemic sclerosis, historical and forecasted epidemiology as well as the systemic sclerosis market trends in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan.
The systemic sclerosis market report provides current treatment practices, emerging drugs, systemic sclerosis share of individual therapies, and current and forecasted systemic sclerosis market size from 2020 to 2034, segmented by seven major markets. The report also covers current systemic sclerosis treatment practices/algorithms and unmet medical needs to curate the best of the opportunities and assess the underlying potential of the market.
Study Period: 2020-2034
Systemic Sclerosis Overview
Systemic sclerosis is a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin. Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune-related disease that causes abnormal growth of connective tissue. In systemic sclerosis, the tissue gets hard or thick and can cause swelling or pain in the muscles and joints. Systemic sclerosis is associated with involvement of the internal organs, which may cause calcium bumps on the fingers or other bony areas such as elbows and knees, sores on fingertips and knuckles, a grating noise moving the inflamed joints and tissues, problems of the esophagus, etc. The specific symptoms and the way systemic sclerosis appears depend on the type of systemic sclerosis.
Systemic Sclerosis Diagnosis
Diagnosing systemic sclerosis becomes a little easier if some of the primary physical symptoms or signs are present, such as Raynaud's phenomenon or skin that appears to become puffy, swollen, or thick suddenly. There is no single test for systemic sclerosis. It is a clinical diagnosis that requires a thorough exam and history by the doctor. The doctor will do a physical exam and may order a biopsy to look at a small sample of the affected skin under a microscope and may also order urine, blood, and other tests to see if any internal organs have been affected. Physical examination is one of the most important tests. A rheumatologist will be able to assess the skin for skin tightening or swelling, which is typically seen in patients with systemic sclerosis. The doctor may also order an antibody nuclear (ANA) test, which will let them know if any autoantibodies (blood proteins) are in the blood.
Further details related to diagnosis will be provided in the report...
Systemic Sclerosis Treatment
Treatment options for patients with systemic sclerosis are limited to managing organ disease manifestations. Patients usually require long-term regular follow-up with numerous medical specialists. As systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, medications that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants) are used, especially in severe cases with diffuse skin involvement, interstitial lung disease, inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), and severe muscle or joint inflammation. Immunosuppressants in systemic sclerosis include methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and azathioprine. Glucocorticoids such as prednisone are also occasionally used in some patients, but their use is generally avoided if possible due to the risk of side effects. While vasoactive therapies comprised endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) bosentan, ambrisentan, and macitentan, the 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE5) sildenafil, the synthetic analog of prostacyclin iloprost, and calcium channel blockers (CCB) are also used.
Boehringer Ingelheim's OFEV (nintedanib) has been approved by the US FDA, EMA, and the Japanese MHLW to slow the rate of decline in pulmonary function in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. The US FDA has also approved Roche's (Genentech) ACTEMRA (tocilizumab) for a similar indication. Zenyaku and Chugai obtained approval from the Japanese MHLW for an antiCD20 monoclonal antibody, RITUXAN (rituximab), for systemic sclerosis.
Further details related to treatment will be provided in the report...
The systemic sclerosis epidemiology chapter in the report provides historical as well as forecasted epidemiology segmented by the total diagnosed prevalent cases of systemic sclerosis, systemic sclerosis cases by disease subset, age-specific cases of systemic sclerosis, systemic sclerosis cases with organ involvement, systemic sclerosis severity by organ damage cases, and systemic sclerosis by severity by skin thickness cases in the 7MM market covering the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan from 2020 to 2034.
The drug chapter segment of the systemic sclerosis report encloses a detailed analysis of the late-stage (Phase III and Phase II) and early-stage (Phase I/II) pipeline drugs. The current key players for emerging drugs and their respective drug candidates include Kyowa Kirin [LUMICEF (brodalumab/KHK-4827)], GSK [BENLYSTA (belimumab)], AstraZeneca [SAPHNELO (anifrolumab)], Amgen (Horizon Therapeutics)/Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma [UPLIZNA [inebilizumab/MT-0551)], aTyr Pharma/Kyorin Pharmaceutical (efzofitimod), Roche (Genentech)/Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals [vixarelimab (RG6536)], and others. The drug chapter also helps understand the systemic sclerosis clinical trial details, expressive pharmacological action, agreements and collaborations, approval, and patent details, and the latest news and press releases.
Marketed Drugs
OFEV (nintedanib): Boehringer Ingelheim
Nintedanib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors and works by blocking the action of enzymes involved in causing fibrosis. It is used to slow the rate of decline in lung function in people with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease, a disease in which there is scarring of the lungs that is often fatal. In September 2019, the US FDA approved OFEV capsules to slow the rate of decline in pulmonary function in adults with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. The company holds Orphan drug exclusivity of OFEV until 2026.
ACTEMRA (tocilizumab): Roche
ACTEMRA is an anti-IL-6 receptor biologic and is available in both intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) formulations. ACTEMRA SC is approved in the US to slow the rate of pulmonary function decline in adult patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. The drug is part of a co-development agreement with Chugai Pharmaceutical. In March 2021, the US FDA approved ACTEMRA SC injection for slowing the rate of decline in pulmonary function in adult patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. In September 2023, Roche withdrew its application to use ROACTEMRA in Europe for the same.
Emerging Drugs
LUMICEF (brodalumab/KHK-4827): Kyowa Kirin
LUMICEF is a recombinant, human IgG monoclonal antibody to the interleukin (IL)-17A receptor, the engagement of which results in the release of pro-inflammatory mediators. The binding of the monoclonal antibody blocks the interaction of IL-17A with its receptor and thus decreases inflammatory pathways that are involved in immune-mediated cell injury. In December 2019, LUMICEF was designated as an Orphan Drug by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for systemic sclerosis and is subject to Priority Review.
The application of LUMICEF is under review in Japan for systemic sclerosis. In December 2021, Kyowa Kirin announced that the company filed an application to the MHLW for a partial change of approved indication of LUMICEF for systemic sclerosis in Japan.
BENLYSTA (belimumab): GSK
BENLYSTA is a recombinant, fully human monoclonal antibody that is approved by the US FDA for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. It binds to soluble human BLyS and inhibits its biological activity, leading to apoptosis of B lymphocytes and decreased autoantibody production. In February 2023, GSK announced that the US FDA granted an Orphan Drug Designation to BENLYSTA for the potential treatment of systemic sclerosis.
As per GSK's first quarter 2024 clinical trial appendix, for the BLISSc-ILD Phase III trial, the data is anticipated in 2026+.
SAPHNELO (anifrolumab): AstraZeneca
SAPHNELO is a first-in-class, fully human monoclonal antibody. It disrupts the Type I interferon auto-amplification loop that can trigger the loss of immune tolerance and autoimmunity. In addition, it partially inhibits the upregulation of costimulatory molecules and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). SAPHNELO was granted Orphan Drug Designation by the US FDA for the treatment of systemic sclerosis in 2013.
As per AstraZeneca's first quarter report of 2024, the first patient commenced dosing in the fourth quarter of 2023, the first estimated filing acceptance and the data is anticipated >2025 in the Phase III DAISY clinical trial.
Drug Class Insight
Immunosuppressants, biologics, corticosteroids, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are currently used for the management of systemic sclerosis. Immunosuppressants in systemic sclerosis include methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and azathioprine. Glucocorticoids such as prednisone are also occasionally used in some patients, but their use is generally avoided if possible due to the risk of side effects. While vasoactive therapies comprise endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) bosentan, ambrisentan, and macitentan, the 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE5) sildenafil, the synthetic analog of prostacyclin iloprost, and calcium channel blockers (CCB) are also used. Apart from immunosuppressive therapies, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor nintedanib, an anti-fibrotic agent is an FDA-approved treatment.
Enhanced understanding of the mechanisms and mediators involved in systemic sclerosis has spurred drug trials targeting IL-17A, type I IFN receptor, anti-CD19, OSMRB, sGC activator, MC1R agonist, NRP2, lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPAR1), TxA2, and PGH2, among others.
Treatment options for patients with systemic sclerosis are limited to managing organ disease manifestations. Typically, immunosuppressants are used. A breakthrough came in September 2019 when the US FDA approved Boehringer Ingelheim's OFEV as the first and only medicine to slow the rate of decline in pulmonary function in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. Boehringer Ingelheim's 2023 annual report reported that OFEV showed an increasingly recorded strong growth in systemic sclerosis with interstitial lung disease. In March 2021, the US FDA approved Roche's (Genentech) ACTEMRA, also for slowing the rate of decline in pulmonary function in adult patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. ACTEMRA was the first biologic therapy approved by the FDA to treat the disease. Then, in September 2021, Zenyaku obtained approval from the Japanese MHLW for an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, RITUXAN. The biosimilar versions of RITUXAN have already been launched in Japan for various indications. The emergence of nintedanib, tocilizumab, and rituximab has significantly expanded treatment options for skin sclerosis and systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease, heralding a new era in the management of systemic sclerosis. The emerging pipeline of systemic sclerosis therapies includes promising candidates such as SAPHNELO (anifrolumab), dersimelagon (MT-7117), fipaxalparant (AMG 670/HZN 825), avenciguat (BI 685509), BENLYSTA (belimumab), and others.
Further details will be provided in the report....
This section focuses on the rate of uptake of the potential drugs expected to be launched in the market during the study period. The analysis covers systemic sclerosis market uptake by drugs; patient uptake by therapies; and sales of each drug. The probability of success in the case of emerging drugs in the case of systemic sclerosis is low considering the lack of data on proof of concept studies.
Rituximab has not been licensed for systemic sclerosis in the US or Europe. Only Japanese patients were involved in the DESIRES research, and rituximab is the only medication that has shown statistically significant improvements in mRSS when compared to the placebo group. Rituximab may be more attractive than other medications as it can improve SSc-ILD, as seen by the fact that both the nintedanib and tocilizumab studies demonstrated a drop in FVC from baseline in the real drug group.
While MMF and MTX, which are widely used worldwide, are not approved in Japan for the treatment of systemic sclerosis or SSc-ILD, CYC and AZA are, nevertheless, approved for the treatment of systemic sclerosis. Relative to US and EU-disclosed statistics, a smaller number of patients in Japan are prescribed immunomodulatory medicines.
Systemic Sclerosis Pipeline Development Activities
The report provides insights into different therapeutic candidates in Phase III, Phase II, and Phase I/II stage. It also analyzes key players involved in developing targeted therapeutics.
Pipeline Development Activities
The report covers detailed information on collaborations, acquisitions and mergers, licensing, and patent details for systemic sclerosis emerging therapies.
KOL- Views
To keep up with current market trends, we take KOLs and SMEs' opinions working in the domain through primary research to fill the data gaps and validate our secondary research. Some of the leaders like MD, Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Rheumatology and Director, PhD, and others. Their opinion helps to understand and validate current and emerging therapies and treatment patterns or systemic sclerosis market trends. This will support the clients in potential upcoming novel treatments by identifying the overall scenario of the market and the unmet needs.
Delveinsight's analysts connected with 30+ KOLs to gather insights; however, interviews were conducted with 10+ KOLs in the 7MM. Centers such as the Department of Rheumatology - Descartes University, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, University of California, Northwestern University, etc., were contacted. Their opinion helps understand and validate systemic sclerosis epidemiology and market trends.
Qualitative Analysis
We perform qualitative and market intelligence analysis using various approaches, such as SWOT and conjoint analysis. In the SWOT analysis, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in terms of disease diagnosis, patient awareness, patient burden, competitive landscape, cost-effectiveness, and geographical accessibility of therapies are provided. These pointers are based on the Analyst's discretion and assessment of the patient burden, cost analysis, and existing and evolving treatment landscape.
The analyst analyzes multiple emerging therapies based on relevant attributes such as safety, efficacy, frequency of administration, route of administration, and order of entry.
In efficacy, the trial's primary and secondary outcome measures are evaluated.
Further, the therapies' safety is evaluated wherein the acceptability, tolerability, and adverse events are majorly observed, and it sets a clear understanding of the side effects posed by the drug in the trials.
Market Access and Reimbursement
Patients taking OFEV cannot afford to go without it, but many also cannot afford to pay the full retail price, which can be as high as USD 15,000 per month without insurance. Even those with prescription coverage can find their out-of-pocket costs for OFEV beyond their reach. The resulting financial stress takes a toll on patients and family members already coping with the stress of a serious illness that can be treated but not cured. There are patient assistance programs that can greatly reduce the cost of expensive but essential medications. Unfortunately, many who need such help do not know these programs exist. If patients have commercial insurance, they will have the opportunity to enroll in the OFEV Copay Program. The Specialty Pharmacy will enroll them in the program and provide a status on their eligibility. The OFEV Bridge Program can help close the gap and temporarily provide OFEV free of charge to eligible patients.
ACTEMRA which is prescribed for systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease patients, has assistance programs to make the drug easily available to the patients. ACTEMRA Access Solutions works closely with practice managers, patient advocates, and other healthcare professionals to help patients get their ACTEMRA.
Further detailed analysis will be provided in the report....