Global Refractory Epilepsy Treatment Market - 2024-2031

Overview

The global refractory epilepsy treatment market reached US$ 3.97 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 5.78 billion by 2031 growing with a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Refractory epilepsy, often referred to as drug-resistant or intractable epilepsy, is a type of epilepsy characterized by the persistence of seizures that do not respond to treatment with at least two appropriately selected and tolerated antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). This condition impacts around 30-40% of people with epilepsy, resulting in considerable difficulties in treatment and a diminished quality of life.

People with epilepsy experience seizures due to abnormal communication between nerve cells in the brain, which leads to altered electrical activity. These seizures can vary in duration, lasting from just a few seconds to several minutes. Approximately one-third of individuals with epilepsy will eventually develop refractory epilepsy, a condition where standard medications fail to control their seizures effectively. Despite trying at least two different antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) that have been appropriately chosen and tolerated, the seizures persist.

Market Dynamics: Drivers

Rising incidence of epilepsy and increase in accidents and brain injuries

The demand for the global refractory epilepsy treatment market is driven by multiple factors. One of the key factors is the rising incidence of epilepsy and the increase in accidents and brain injuries. The global prevalence of epilepsy is on the rise, driven by a combination of factors such as an aging population, enhanced diagnostic technologies, and a greater occurrence of brain injuries. This increase in the number of people diagnosed with epilepsy, especially those with refractory epilepsy, highlights the critical demand for more effective treatment solutions for refractory epilepsy treatment.

The increase in accidents and brain injuries has led to a higher prevalence of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) and post-traumatic seizures (PTS). These conditions often result in refractory epilepsy, which is characterized by seizures that do not respond to standard anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). As per The University of Chicago Medical Center data in December 2022, an estimated 65 million people globally have epilepsy, with 30% to 40% experiencing drug-resistant or medically refractory epilepsy, meaning they do not respond to standard anti-seizure medications.

The emergence of minimally invasive surgical techniques and advanced neuromodulation therapies marks a significant transformation in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. These innovative approaches offer renewed hope for enhancing the quality of life and improving seizure management for many patients who previously had few effective options.

Restraints

Factors such as adverse effects associated with antiepileptic drugs, limited availability of treatment options, and complexity of drug-resistant epilepsy are expected to hamper the refractory epilepsy treatment market.

Segment Analysis

The global refractory epilepsy treatment market is segmented based on seizure type, treatment type, end-user, and region.

The drug type segment accounted for approximately 74.3% of the global refractory epilepsy treatment market share

The drug type segment is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period. The drug type segment in the global refractory epilepsy treatment market includes various medications specifically designed to manage drug-resistant epilepsy. Each of these drugs has unique mechanisms of action and indications, making them suitable for different patient needs.

As per NCBI research publication in January 2023, Vigabatrin is a medication utilized in the treatment and management of infantile spasms and refractory complex partial seizures. Classified as an anti-epileptic drug, it works by irreversibly inhibiting the enzyme responsible for breaking down gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), thereby increasing GABA levels in the brain.

According to the Neurological Research and Practice in February 2024, a research study stated that Four cases of refractory status epilepticus (SE) were successfully treated with fenfluramine. The refractory SE resolved within 4 to 7 days after initiating treatment with fenfluramine. The rapid up-titration of fenfluramine during the treatment was well tolerated by the patients.

Moreover, key player's product launches and approvals would drive this refractory epilepsy treatment market growth. For instance, in March 2022, UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company, announced that the FDA has approved FINTEPLA (fenfluramine) oral solution for treating seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in patients aged two years and older. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy characterized by multiple types of seizures, often resistant to treatment. Patients typically experience drug-refractory seizures, leading to significant morbidity and serious impairments in neurodevelopment, cognitive abilities, and motor functions.

Geographical Analysis

North America accounted for approximately 44.3% of the global refractory epilepsy treatment market share

North America region is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period owing to the prevalence of epilepsy rising in North America, with around 3.4 million individuals affected in the U.S. This increase can be attributed to several factors, including an aging population, enhanced diagnostic capabilities, and a greater incidence of brain injuries. As more people are diagnosed with epilepsy, particularly those with drug-resistant forms, there is an escalating demand for effective treatment options.

Recent advancements in treatment approaches, including minimally invasive surgeries and neuromodulation therapies such as Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) and Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS), are improving the management of refractory epilepsy. These innovative methods offer alternatives for patients who do not respond to conventional anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs).

Moreover, in this region, a major number of key players' presence, well-advanced healthcare infrastructure, government initiatives & regulatory support, and awareness programs, & funding and product approvals would propel this refractory epilepsy treatment market growth. For instance, in June 2024, in San Francisco, Neurona Therapeutics has recently announced that the FDA has granted its lead product candidate, NRTX-1001, the Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation for treating drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE).

NRTX-1001 signifies a potential transformative advancement in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly in cases where the conventional approach involves the surgical removal or ablation of the affected brain area.

Market Segmentation

By Seizure Type

• Primary/Generalized Seizures
• Partial/Focal Seizures

By Treatment Type

• Drug Type
  • Vigabatrin
  • Fenfluramine
  • Rufinamide
  • Ganaxolone
  • Stiripentol
  • Everolimus
  • Others
• Electrical Stimulation/Neuromodulation Therapies)
  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
  • Others
• Others

By End-User

• Hospitals & Specialty Clinics
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • The rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the refractory epilepsy treatment market include Sanofi, UCB S.A., GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS LTD., Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Biocodex, Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., Novartis AG, Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC, Lupin, and Amneal Pharmaceuticals among others.

Key Developments

• In June 2024, EpilepsyGTx, a biotechnology firm dedicated to developing innovative gene therapies for focal refractory epilepsy, announced that it secured $10 million in seed funding. This financing round was led by the UCL Technology Fund, with additional participation from Health Technology Holding.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global refractory epilepsy treatment market segmentation based on seizure type, treatment type, end-user, and region and understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the refractory epilepsy treatment market with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping is available in excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global refractory epilepsy treatment market report would provide approximately 62 tables, 51 figures, and 183 pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies