Germany Atherosclerosis Therapeutics Market Analysis

Germany Atherosclerosis Therapeutics Market Executive Summary

Germany Atherosclerosis Therapeutics Market was valued at $102 Mn in 2022 and is estimated to reach $139 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period.

Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque, which is a sticky substance made of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other materials, inside the walls of arteries. This buildup can lead to the narrowing or obstruction of blood vessels, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. The development of atherosclerosis is influenced by various factors, including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes, obesity, smoking, a family history of heart disease, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet. Several drugs have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing or preventing the progression of atherosclerosis, including beta-blockers, aspirin, and statins.

Coronary Heart disease (CHD) continues to be the leading cause of death in Germany, with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are closely linked to atherosclerosis, being the leading cause of death. 45,181 people died from acute heart attacks in 2021, out of the 121,172 people who lost their lives to coronary heart disease. The mortality rates for heart attacks and coronary heart disease were 48.1 and 129.7 deaths per 100,000 people, respectively, highlighting the serious effects of these illnesses on general health. Germany has a high prevalence of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking, all of which significantly increase the risk of atherosclerosis development. Even though not all cases develop into clinically obvious diseases, this points to a potentially large prevalence of early-stage atherosclerosis. Interestingly, more than 50% of German adults between the ages of 45 and 74 have carotid plaques, a sign of atherosclerosis, and about 20% of adults over 50 have coronary artery calcification, another indication of the condition.

Munich-based Cenix BioScience is leading the way in the development of ANGIOVECT, a gene therapy meant to lessen the harmful effects of atherosclerosis. Using a modified adeno-associated viral vector, this novel technique expresses the angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) protein, which is known to stimulate the growth and stability of blood vessels. ANGIOVECT is a promising treatment for atherosclerosis-related problems that is currently in the preclinical development stage.

CureVac, a Tübingen-based company well-known for its mRNA vaccine projects, is expanding its experience to investigate mRNA therapeutics for the treatment of atherosclerosis. With an emphasis on lipid metabolism and inflammation pathways linked to the illness, CureVac's work in this area represents a significant breakthrough.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

High Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases: In Germany, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death, 45,181 people died from acute heart attacks in 2021, underscoring the pressing need for efficient therapies. Of the several cardiovascular disorders, atherosclerosis is the most common causative agent. A significant and pervasive health issue is suggested by the prevalence of atherosclerosis, given its crucial role in numerous cardiovascular diseases. As treating the underlying element is crucial to reducing the overall burden of cardiovascular diseases in the German population, there is significant market potential for medications intended to treat atherosclerosis.

Aging Population: The aging population in Germany has led to an increase in the prevalence of atherosclerosis-related risk factors, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Germany has one of the aging populations in Europe at the highest rate. The median age is currently 46 years old, and by 2045, it is expected to rise to 49.2 years old. The demographic trend is a contributing element to the increasing market demand for therapies and interventions designed to mitigate these risk factors and treat symptoms associated with atherosclerosis. The demand for atherosclerosis treatment drugs in the market is being driven by the aging population's increased need for healthcare solutions to lessen the negative effects of these risk factors on cardiovascular health.

Lifestyle Trends: The market expansion for medications used to treat atherosclerosis is fuelled by the high prevalence of smoking, poor diets, and sedentary lifestyles in Germany. To address the rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases in the nation, there is a greater need for efficient drugs because these lifestyle variables greatly enhance the chance of developing atherosclerosis.

Market Restraints

High Drug Cost: The high expense of the drugs used to treat atherosclerosis is a significant barrier for many people, especially those with lower incomes or less access to healthcare. High costs for prescription drugs are a barrier since they limit market penetration and impede overall growth.

Lack of Awareness: A lack of knowledge regarding atherosclerosis and its preventive strategies may make it difficult to intervene early and discourage people from getting treatment promptly. A lack of awareness of atherosclerosis and its preventative techniques might make it difficult for people to identify signs or take timely action to avoid it, which can delay the need for medical intervention and impede market expansion.

Regulatory Hurdles: Prolonged clinical studies and stringent regulatory procedures may present challenges and higher expenses for pharmaceutical companies, delaying the release of new medications. Regulations that are unclear lead to ambiguity, which makes it difficult for firms to operate successfully and plan for approval processes. The unclear regulatory landscape makes it difficult for innovators to estimate requirements and review schedules, which could lead to major delays in the discovery of novel drugs. Because of this intricacy, careful planning and coordination are required at many different phases, such as clinical studies, manufacturing, and marketing approval. The unpredictability of regulations prevents business expansion.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

In Germany, the market for therapeutic drugs is regulated by the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (PEI) and the Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (BfArM). To put therapeutic drugs into the German market, pharmaceutical companies need to seek marketing clearance from these regulatory authorities. This requires the submission of extensive data about safety, efficacy, and quality. Before a medicine is approved, clinical trials are performed to verify its safety and effectiveness. The results of these trials are carefully scrutinized by regulatory agencies such as the BfArM. BfArM is in charge of post-marketing monitoring, which monitors a drug's ongoing safety and efficacy after it is made available to the broader public. Pharmacovigilance operations are carried out to identify, assess, and avoid harmful effects, and the Federal Joint Committee (Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss, or G-BA) has an influence on reimbursement policies.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Sanofi
• Novartis
• Pfizer
• Bayer
• AstraZeneca
• Merck Sharp & Dohme
• AbbVie
• Roche
• Johnson & Johnson
• Bristol-Myers Squibb