Italy Cancer Immunotherapy Market Analysis

Italy Cancer Immunotherapy Market Executive Analysis

Italy's cancer immunotherapy market is expected to witness growth from $2.7 Bn in 2022 to $4.5 Bn in 2030 with a CAGR of 6.6% for the forecasted year 2022-30. The Italian government has allocated $137 Bn to the national health system due to staff shortages and lengthy treatment wait lists. In Italy, state healthcare spending peaked during the pandemic at 7.5% of GDP, whereas private healthcare spending peaked at 2.3% of GDP in 2021. Healthcare costs are projected to increase by 6.4% in 2024.

According to estimates, 205.000 men and 185.700 women will be diagnosed with cancer in Italy in 2022, up from 376.600 in 2020. 14.100 more instances were added throughout two years. Breast cancer was the most frequently diagnosed cancer in 2022 (55.700 cases, +0,5% compared to 2020), followed by colorectal cancer (48.100, +1,5% in men and +1,6% in women), lung cancer (43.900, +1,6% in men and +3,6% in women), prostate cancer (40.500, +1,5%), and bladder cancer (29.200, +1,7% in women). The pandemic caused a decline in new diagnoses in 2020, which was partially attributed to the cessation of cancer screening programs and the slowdown in diagnostic activities.

In recent years, cancer immunotherapy has grown in importance as a therapeutic option for cancer patients in Italy. Immunotherapy encourages the body's immune system to identify and combat cancer cells. Immunotherapy comes in a variety of forms, some of which are currently employed in Italy including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, and cancer vaccines. In Italy, checkpoint inhibitors including pembrolizumab and nivolumab have been authorized for the treatment of melanoma, lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. These medications function by obstructing the signals that cancer cells employ to avoid detection by the immune system. Italy has also approved CAR-T cell treatment for a few types of blood malignancies, which involves reprogramming a patient's own immune cells to seek out and eradicate cancer cells. Clinical trials of this treatment have yielded encouraging results, and it offers certain patients with previously incurable cancers a chance at recovery.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

The growth of Italy's cancer immunotherapy market is a result of Italy's ageing population. Older persons have a higher risk of getting cancer and can need more aggressive therapies. The regulatory environment for the research and marketing of cancer immunotherapies has been made more hospitable by the Italian government. As a result, the industry has seen an increase in investment, which has fuelled innovation. Collaboration between academic institutions and business has a long history in Italy, which has aided in the creation and dissemination of cancer immunotherapies. Italy is now recognized as a pioneer in the field of cancer immunotherapy because of this collaboration.

Market Restraints

The high cost of cancer immunotherapy therapies may prevent some patients from receiving them. Cost factors may influence the uptake of these medicines in Italy since healthcare is substantially subsidized by the government. Cancer immunotherapies have demonstrated favourable outcomes in some cancer types, but they may be less successful in others. This reduces their market potential and could delay adoption. Although immunotherapy therapies are typically well tolerated, some individuals may experience substantial side effects. This could restrict their use in specific patient categories and influence the Italy cancer immunotherapy market's overall growth.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Philogen (ITA)
• Agrovin Italia (ITA)
• Liofilchem (ITA)
• Biolitec Italia (ITA)
• Euroclone (ITA)
• Bristol-Myers Squibb
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche
• Pfizer
• Eli Lily
• Novartis
• Johnson & Johnson
• Merck

Notable Deals

June 2022- In order to finance the phase III development of cancer immunotherapies that deliver immune cell-stimulating chemicals directly to the tumour site, the Swiss-Italian biotech company Philogen has received private financing of $68 Mn. The money will push Philogen’s two lead cancer programs, currently in phase III, to the market. The funds will also help to expand the production of the company’s antibody manufacturing facilities. Like a guided missile, the medications locate the tumour and activate the local immune system to target the cancerous cells. This increases the medications' efficacy and lessens the possibility of negative effects.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

The National Health Service (also known as the SSN or Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) in Italy offers comprehensive coverage to all residents and citizens. This implies that cancer patients in Italy, regardless of their ability to pay, have access to a variety of healthcare services, including cancer treatment. For patients who satisfy specific eligibility requirements, the SSN will cover the cost of cancer treatments, including immunotherapy. To be eligible for coverage, patients must have a current prescription from their doctor and be registered with the SSN. Additionally, because the SSN is managed by various Italian regions, there may be geographical disparities in access to cancer care. Patients may have easier access to particular treatments in some areas than others. The Italian government has put in place a number of initiatives targeted at enhancing access to cancer treatment, including immunotherapy, to address these problems. These policies include programs to boost funding for cancer research, enhance the effectiveness and quality of cancer care, and broaden access to cutting-edge therapies.