Global Musculoskeletal Disorders Therapeutics Market to Witnesses Moderate Growth as Generic Share Continues to Rise

Friday 20 January 2012, Amsterdam

The report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research and in-house analysis by GBI Research’s team of industry experts. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the major musculoskeletal disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, low back pain and muscular dystrophy. The report also provides the share of generics in the global musculoskeletal disorders as well as in each indication market. It also provides the treatment flow algorithm for each of the five indications. The report examines the global musculoskeletal disorders treatment usage patterns. In addition, our research details the geographical distribution of musculoskeletal disorders markets across the US, the top five countries of Europe, and Japan.The report also includes insight into the musculoskeletal disorders R&D product pipeline and explores the competitive landscape, including major players in the musculoskeletal disorders therapeutics market. Finally, the report includes analysis of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As) and licensing agreements that took place in the musculoskeletal disorders therapeutics market in recent years.


Global Musculoskeletal Disorders Therapeutics Market to Witnesses Moderate Growth as Generic Share Continues to Rise

In 2010, the global musculoskeletal disorders market was approximately $33.4 billion, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% between 2002 and 2010. By 2017, the global market is estimated to reach $54.8 billion, indicating a CAGR of 7.3% between 2010 and 2017. The major reason behind the growth rate is the approval of Prolia (denosumab) during 2010. Although the market for management is highly competitive, blockbuster sales of Cymbalta (duloxetine HCl) coupled with improved diagnosis is expected to drive the market in the future.
The global musculoskeletal disorders market is expected to witness a series of patent expiries between 2010 and 2017, which includes some top selling drugs such as Cymbalta (duloxetine HCl) and Celebrex (celecoxib). While the current market pipeline has a prospect for growth in the future, these factors will not be able to completely offset the challenge from generic competition. Muscular dystrophy is one of the most commonly recognized musculoskeletal disorders, but there are no approved therapeutic options available for this disease. For this reason, the market’s generic share continues to rise.


The Musculoskeletal Disorders Therapeutics Market is Concentrated with the Top Three Companies contributing approximately 45% of the Market Share

The global musculoskeletal disorders therapeutics market is dominated by three major pharmaceutical companies that account for approximately 43% of the total share of this market. The major market share is occupied by Abbott, followed by Johnson & Johnson and Amgen. The presence of various large as well as small pharmaceutical companies makes this market strong in terms of competition. However, the presence of blockbuster drugs has made these three companies the dominant players in this market. Abbott with Humira, the drug for rheumatoid arthritis, stands first with total revenues of $6.5 billion. Remicade, the drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, has made Johnson & Johnson the second largest player in the market with total revenues of $4.6 billion. Amgen, with rheumatoid arthritis drug, Enbrel occupies the third position in terms of market share with total revenues of $3.5 billion for the musculoskeletal disorder therapeutics market. This shows that the market is highly concentrated, leaving only 55% of the market open for other players to operate.


Unmet Need for Better Management of Musculoskeletal Diseases and Potential for Future Growth is Driving Companies to Invest in Research and Development

The research and development (R&D) pipeline for musculoskeletal disorders diseases is moderately healthy due to the presence of about 468 programs. These programs study drug candidates for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders associated with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, low back pain and muscular dystrophy. However, the products in the pipeline do not look especially promising and may not provide better efficacy or safety levels compared to the drugs currently in the market. The pipeline consists of both first-in-class and ‘me-too’ products. The success of the first-in-class products will determine the future prospects for the industry. The high R&D activity indicates that the musculoskeletal disorders market has good potential for growth.
The musculoskeletal disorders market is marked by the extensive availability of generic drugs. The market will be considerably impacted by the patent expiries of several major drugs such as Cymbalta, Humira and Cerebrex. Another trend shaping the musculoskeletal disorders market worldwide is considerable M&A activity and licensing agreements among drug delivery firms; leading pharmaceutical companies are expected to develop tamper and abuse-resistant novel drug innovations in the forecast period.