China Actinic Keratosis Therapeutic Market Analysis

China Actinic Keratosis Therapeutic Market Executive Summary

The China actinic keratosis therapeutic market is predicted to develop at a CAGR of 6.4%, increasing from $547 Mn in the year 2022 to $898 Mn by the year 2030.

Actinic Keratosis (AK) is a common, sun-induced, scaly, or hyperkeratotic lesion that can progress to cancer. It is caused by an accumulation of sun-induced skin damage, which results in the creation of scaly or crusty growths on the skin. Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or indoor tanning, living near the equator, a weakened immune system due to a medical condition or medications, fair skin, age over 40, and chronic exposure to UV radiation are all risk factors for developing AK. People with more widespread or severe actinic damage, immunocompromised people, and very young patients with AK are also risk factors.

China boasts a vast population of over 1.4 Bn people, with a rapidly growing elderly demographic. This large and aging population base naturally translates to a potentially significant patient pool for AK, as the condition is more common in individuals over 50. The prevalence of AK in China is increasing every year. Factors driving the market include the increased acceptance of minimally invasive clinical therapies by healthcare providers as well as the population, the availability of suitable medical coverage and the increasing incidence of Actinic Keratosis

Key players in the market include Sun Pharmaceuticals, Biofrontera, Nestle, Bausch Health, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Almirall, LLC, LEO Pharma, and Cipher Pharmaceuticals, among others.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

The growth of the China actinic keratosis therapeutic market is influenced by various factors. The escalating urbanization results in higher outdoor activities and sun exposure, leading to an increase in AK cases in densely populated regions, thereby boosting the demand for effective treatments in the market. Aligning with the global pattern, both patients and healthcare providers in China show a preference for less invasive therapies such as topical medications and photodynamic therapy as opposed to traditional surgical methods, creating substantial market segments for these approaches. The large and aging population in China, combined with the rising levels of sun exposure, contributes to a significant pool of potential AK patients.

Enhanced availability of healthcare facilities and a growing healthcare infrastructure in China supports the early identification and treatment of AK, consequently driving market expansion. The rising disposable income of Chinese residents enables increased healthcare spending, particularly on treatments for non-life-threatening conditions such as AK, contributing to market growth. The Chinese government's emphasis on healthcare reforms and investments in healthcare infrastructure creates a favourable environment for the advancement of the AK therapeutic market.

Both local and global pharmaceutical firms are actively engaged in researching and creating novel therapies for AK that offer enhanced effectiveness, safety, and convenience, driving ongoing market growth. The continuous stream of innovations contributes to the expansion of the market. The cost advantage associated with Chinese pharmaceutical products might result in quicker reimbursement decisions for new drugs, potentially advantageous for the AK therapeutic market in China.

Market Growth Restraints

While the China actinic keratosis therapeutic market has enormous potential, several hurdles and market limitations exist. The China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) maintains rigorous restrictions and lengthy clearance processes for new pharmaceuticals, which considerably delays pharmaceutical companies' market access. This can restrict market expansion and impede the launch of novel medicines. Navigating multiple regional legislation and policies inside China adds additional complications, creating further barriers to market entry. In China, comprehensive statistics on the prevalence and demography of AK are still scarce, particularly in rural regions. Because of the scarcity of reliable data, pharmaceutical businesses struggle to correctly analyse market potential and establish focused strategies.

The Chinese healthcare system places a premium on cost-effectiveness, creating pressure on pharmaceutical companies to develop and commercialize low-cost AK remedies. High-priced novel therapies may fail to achieve public acceptance unless they show significant therapeutic improvements over current, typically generic alternatives. Balancing efficacy and affordability can be difficult, particularly for novel medicines with significant research costs. Existing AK medications, like as Imiquimod, are widely available as generics in China, placing significant downward pressure on the cost and profitability of newer medicines. Generic alternatives with comparable efficacy but cheaper prices can stymie market penetration for innovative medicines.

Despite increased awareness initiatives, access to information and healthcare services in certain rural regions remains restricted. This might result in AK underdiagnosis and delayed treatment, limiting market penetration and negatively compromising patient outcomes. Traditional Chinese medicine practices and cultural views regarding skin diseases may impact patients' treatment preferences and aversion to Western medical procedures. Understanding these cultural characteristics and adapting communication tactics properly might be critical to breaking down market barriers.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

China has a massive public healthcare system that covers over 95% of the population (Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance and the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme). This covers the basics for numerous treatments, including several AK therapies. The government prioritizes primary care facilities and services, as well as promoting accessibility and early detection of illnesses like AK. The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), formerly known as the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) is in charge of drug approval, clinical studies, and market monitoring. While its rules and processes are improving, they can still be long and complicated for international firms. All medication makers, whether domestic and international, are subject to stringent GMP criteria. Long approval processes and difficult application procedures might cause new pharmaceuticals to enter the market late. Navigating China's complex healthcare legislation and regulatory landscape demands careful preparation, smart collaborations, and a dedication to producing cost-effective, innovative solutions tailored to the Chinese market's particular needs.

Notable Recent Updates

July 2023, Shanghai Junsun Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. announced positive Phase 2a results for their investigational topical JAK inhibitor JS048 for the treatment of AK. This opens the door for potential future therapies targeting a different therapeutic pathway.

August 2023, the CFDA granted marketing authorization for InnoPharma Co., Ltd.'s Ingenious™ TCA (Trichloroacetic acid) for the treatment of AK. This topical solution provides another non-surgical option for Chinese patients.

September 2023, the CFDA approved Shanghai Alphamab Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.'s PDL-1 inhibitor ALIBI™ (Staphyloccocus aureus-derived alpha-toxoid protein) for the treatment of advanced AK. This marks a significant development in immunotherapy for AK in China.

October 2023, Guangzhou Akeso Biopharma Co., Ltd. initiated Phase 3 trials for their novel topical TLR7 agonist AK01 for the treatment of AK. This represents another promising development in the pipeline of innovative therapies.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• LEO Pharma
• Galderma
• Evocutis
• Shanghai Alphamab Pharmaceuticals
• Scancell
• Guangzhou Akeso Biopharma
• Biofrontera
• InnoPharma
• Bausch Health
• Shanghai Junsun Pharmaceuticals