Canada Brain Cancer Therapeutics Market Analysis

Canada Brain Cancer Therapeutics Market Executive Summary

Canada Brain Cancer Therapeutics Market valued at $184 Mn in 2022, projected to reach $1412 Mn by 2030 with a 10.6% CAGR.

The abnormal proliferation of brain cells is an indicator of brain cancer. These cells may be malignant (cancerous) or non-cancerous (benign). Although the precise etiology of brain cancer is still unknown, several risk factors have been found, including ionizing radiation exposure and a family history of brain tumors. A brain tumor’s typical symptoms can include headaches, progressive sensory loss, balance problems, speech difficulties, and hearing problems. These can vary depending on the tumor’s size, location, and rate of growth. The type, location, and size of the tumor all influence the treatment options for brain cancer. Treatment options that are frequently used include radiosurgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and the use of carmustine implants.

In 2023, approximately 3,200 Canadians received diagnoses of brain and spinal cord cancer. This equates to an average of 27 new cases reported each day. The gender breakdown reveals that out of these diagnoses, 1,850 will affect men, while 1,350 will impact women. Tragically, the mortality rates associated with brain and spinal cord cancer are significant, with an estimated 2,500 Canadians losing their lives to these conditions in 2023. Daily, this translates to an approximate average of seven deaths, underscoring the profound impact of these diseases on the affected individuals and their families.

The combination of teteraplumib and Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for recurrent glioblastoma is being studied by Merck in a Phase II clinical trial. When preliminary data were released in October 2023, they showed encouraging early signs of effectiveness and tolerable safety profiles. Roche is now conducting a Phase III clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of temozolomide plus Avastin (bevacizumab) in treating newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients instead of temozolomide alone. Participant recruitment for the trial is ongoing. To investigate Gilenya's (fingolimod) potential for treating newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas, Novartis is now organizing Phase IIb clinical research. This trial aims to contribute valuable insights into the efficacy and safety of the treatment.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Brain Cancer: In Canada, the prevalence of brain cancer is rising, especially glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The Brain Tumour Registry of Canada reports an annual diagnosis rate of approximately 4 cases of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) per 100,000 individuals in the country. Several causes, including the aging population, lifestyle decisions like obesity and smoking, and improvements in diagnostic technologies, are driving this increased demand for treatment.

Technological Advancements: Rapid advancements in areas like immunotherapy, targeted treatments, and precision medicine offer more personalized and improved treatment options. Modern diagnostic tools, such as AI-enhanced imaging and liquid biopsies, allow for earlier and more accurate diagnosis, prompting prompt actions and increasing market demand.

Increasing Awareness and Investment: Growing public awareness of the effects of brain cancer has resulted in increased funding for research and development (R&D) initiatives from the public and commercial sectors. This increased funding speeds up the development and release of novel treatments onto the market. An announced allocation of $4 Bn over five years has been earmarked to bolster new scientific initiatives and nurture emerging researchers.

Market Restraints

High Treatment Costs and Limited Reimbursement: The pharmaceuticals used in brain cancer treatment frequently come with substantial costs, often exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Even in cases where insurance covers it, this financial load can provide a significant obstacle for patients and their families. Although Canada's healthcare system covers basic medical costs, severe reimbursement limits from public and commercial insurance providers may limit access to novel or updated medications. Consequently, patients may encounter limitations in accessing potentially beneficial treatments.

Adverse Side Effects and Limited Efficacy: Many drugs, most notably radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, are used to treat brain cancer, however, they can have serious side effects, including exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and cognitive impairment. Patients' adherence to treatment plans and quality of life may be significantly impacted by these adverse effects. Furthermore, the current therapeutic approaches are not very effective, especially when it comes to glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive type of brain cancer, which has a 5-year survival rate of only 6%. Patients may become discouraged and the market may not expand as a result of the limited efficacy and crippling adverse effects.

Regulatory Environment and Drug Approval Procedure: The lengthy and stringent regulatory approval procedure for new pharmaceuticals often takes years, delaying patients' access to potentially life-saving treatments in Canada. Furthermore, navigating the complex healthcare system and obtaining insurance coverage for the use of novel or off-label medications can impede market penetration and complicate access to therapy.

Notable Recent Updates

• April 2022, China approved the precision oncology medication VitrakviTM (larotrectinib) from Bayer for the treatment of advanced or recurring solid tumors in adults and children with NTRK fusion-positive
• April 2022, GSK and PathAI signed a contract to use digital pathology AI in NASH and cancer medication research

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

Treatment medications are regulated and overseen by several essential authorities in Canada. Pre-approval and approval processes for new pharmaceuticals, post-market safety monitoring, and pre-market evaluations are all heavily influenced by Health Canada, primarily through its Pharmaceutical Drugs Directorate (formerly the Therapeutic Products Directorate) and Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB). To guarantee that the costs of patented medications are not exorbitant, the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) independently controls the market. Evidence-based data on medication efficacy and cost-effectiveness is made available by the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH). Furthermore, every province and territory has its drug formulary, with selections made based on cost-effectiveness, safety, and efficacy.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Roche
• Novartis
• Merck
• Pfizer
• BMS
• Bayer
• Celgene
• AbbVie
• Teva Pharmaceuticals
• Spectrum Pharmaceuticals