South Africa Alzheimer’s Therapeutics Market Analysis

South Africa Alzheimer’s Therapeutics Market Executive Summary

South Africa alzheimer’s therapeutics market valued at $31 Mn in 2022, projected to reach $69 Mn by 2030 with a 10.33% CAGR.

Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder that negatively impacts mental health, behavior, and memory. This illness usually starts slowly, worsens with time, and makes it harder for the affected person to carry out daily duties. The disorder is characterized by aberrant alterations in the brain, including the development of plaques and tangles, which ultimately result in the loss of nerve cells. As of right now, there is no proven treatment for Alzheimer's disease; but some drugs can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The medications, which include memantine, rivastigmine, and donepezil, alter particular neurotransmitters in the brain to treat memory and cognitive issues. Non-pharmacological methods that may aid in the overall management of a condition include creating a supportive atmosphere, taking part in social and cognitive activities, and leading a healthy lifestyle.

Alzheimer's disease prevalence in persons 65 years of age and older in South Africa ranges from 3.8% to 11.0%; a notable 6% prevalence has been found in an urban black population. 8.6% of people who identify as mixed-race have been documented to have dementia. The total effect is significant, impacting over 187,000 dementia patients nationwide. Despite praiseworthy governmental efforts and heightened awareness regarding the ailment, obstacles endure, especially concerning fair and impartial access to medical attention. Cost is still a major obstacle, and cultural norms make matters more difficult, making it more difficult to provide appropriate and easily accessible care for people with Alzheimer's and their families.

Clinical trials for Alzheimer's medications are being conducted in South Africa by several international pharmaceutical companies. Notably, Eli Lilly is presently conducting a Phase 3 trial at several trial sites across the US for a medication called donanemab. This reflects a concerted effort by international pharmaceutical entities to advance the understanding and treatment of Alzheimer's disease within South Africa.

In 2019, the South African government unveiled the National Dementia Strategy in response to the increased recognition of the significance of tackling dementia-related issues. This national strategy outlines detailed objectives for improving dementia diagnosis, care, and research, including Alzheimer's disease. It also indicates a dedication to developing a stronger national framework for cognitive health.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Increased Awareness and Diagnosis: Growing public awareness of Alzheimer's disease and improved diagnostic tools are crucial for early diagnosis and timely treatment start, which increases the number of patients actively looking for effective drugs. Government initiatives to improve accessibility to diagnostic services and raise public awareness also act as catalysts for industry expansion. Together, these calculated moves create an atmosphere that supports early intervention and increases the market's need for efficacious pharmaceutical solutions, which contributes to the market's growth.

Rising Burden of Alzheimer's Disease: By 2050, the number of South Africans over 65 is predicted to double, thereby expanding the risk pool. This shift in the population is correlated with an increased prevalence of age-related illnesses, like Alzheimer's disease. As more and more older people are developing Alzheimer's disease, there is a growing need for effective interventions. This demographic trend is a strong driver of market expansion.

Emerging Treatment Options: Late-stage clinical research on Alzheimer's therapy has yielded exciting advances that address many aspects of the illness and offer promise for improved treatments. The Tau protein aggregation-focused Etermis clinical study for EMERG-01 is an illustration of how local initiatives can improve global healthcare and eventually support the expansion of the Alzheimer's medication market.

Market Restraints

Low Public Awareness: Alzheimer's disease is stigmatized, and there is a lack of understanding about the disease's symptoms and potential treatments, which can lead to a delayed diagnosis and missed possibilities for prompt intervention. The importance of public education campaigns and awareness efforts in reducing these issues must be emphasized. Moreover, the prevalent deficiency in knowledge and comprehension leads to a significant market constraint that impedes the implementation of efficacious interventions and demands heightened efforts to educate the public and medical professionals.

Complex regulatory processes: Pharmaceutical companies face a challenging task in navigating the medication approval process, which could impede the nation's efforts to develop Alzheimer's disease medicines. Encouraging new participants with support systems and simplifying regulations may serve as stimulants and foster an environment that is conducive to innovation. Notably, one major market limitation that may deter pharmaceutical companies from actively researching and developing Alzheimer's medications is the complex and demanding regulatory environment.

High Drug Costs: The high cost of the current generation of Alzheimer's medications places a significant financial strain on both patients and their families. Due to the financial burden, getting treatment is more difficult for the general population, particularly for those with low incomes or inadequate insurance. This creates a considerable barrier to the market.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

Healthcare policies and regulatory agencies collaborate to manage the governance of therapeutic pharmaceuticals within the South African healthcare system. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) is the regulatory body mandated to approve, monitor, and manage medicines, including therapeutic drugs. Before pharmaceuticals are approved for sale, SAHPRA independently monitors their compliance with strict safety, effectiveness, and quality criteria. Ensuring public health requires the authority to evaluate clinical trial data, examine manufacturing facilities, and oversee post-market surveillance.

The goal of South Africa's healthcare policy is to strike a compromise between the necessity of guaranteeing the safety and efficacy of treatment medications and the requirement for access to them. The National Department of Health is crucial in developing and enforcing laws that govern the healthcare system, especially those about the accessibility and cost of prescription medications. Initiatives to address health disparities, advance research and development, and improve healthcare infrastructure demonstrate the South African government's commitment to improving public health.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Pfizer
• Eisai
• Biogen
• Merck & Co.
• Novartis
• Roche
• Johnson & Johnson
• Eli Lilly
• AstraZeneca
• GlaxoSmithKline