The HIV/AIDS Market Outlook to 2015: Market size, Pipeline Analysis and Growth Opportunities
The HIV/AIDS Market Outlook to 2015: Competitive landscape, market size, pipeline analysis and growth opportunities
Over the last three decades, HIV/AIDS has remained the major health priority for many countries across the globe. Although this sector has seen a significant number of developments in recent years, AIDS-related illnesses remain one of the leading causes of death globally and is projected to continue as a significant global cause of premature mortality in the coming decades (World Health Organization, 2008). In 2008 Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia collectively accounted for the majority of all HIV patients. However, the number of HIV patients has also continued to increase in North America, Western Europe and Japan. Approximately 1.4m individuals in the seven major markets have HIV/AIDS, according to UN AIDS it is estimated that a high proportion of these patients are unaware of their HIV status. This represents a considerable untapped patient population, which currently escapes diagnosis and subsequent treatment. HIV is likely to remain one of the most common chronic infectious diseases in the world. As antiretroviral drugs improve in tolerability, safety and long-term efficacy, there will be continued requirement to initiate treatment in larger numbers of infected individuals. HIV has a tendency of developing resistance towards drugs because of its high mutation rate. This has resulted in a standard regimen of care for controlling HIV which involves simultaneous use of a combination of antiviral drugs. The current market for HIV treatment is dominated by once-daily regimens. There is a strong trend towards regimen simplification and reduced pill burden, which has resulted in the rapid penetration of several once daily (OD) treatment options. The global HIV pipeline represents a key development opportunity for drug development companies, with 297 compounds estimated to be in development. The potential for market success is largely attributable to a large patient population, which requires long term treatment, and significant unmet need.
