UAE Alzheimer’s Therapeutics Market Analysis

UAE Alzheimer’s Therapeutics Market Executive Summary

UAE alzheimer’s therapeutics market valued at $24 Mn in 2022, projected to reach $52 Mn by 2030 with a 10.1% CAGR.

Alzheimer's is a neurological condition that impairs behavior, memory, and mental functions. It usually starts slowly, gets worse with time, and makes it harder for the person to perform daily tasks. Nerve cells in Alzheimer's disease die as a result of abnormal brain alterations such as plaque and tangle buildup. Alzheimer's disease does not currently have a cure. On the other side, some drugs can increase the quality of life and assist manage symptoms. By controlling certain chemicals in the brain, these medications including donepezil, rivastigmine, and memantine alleviate memory and cognitive issues. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, engaging in social and cognitive activities, and fostering a supportive environment are examples of non-pharmacological techniques that may improve overall illness management.

In the United Arab Emirates, the prevalence of dementia in those 65 years of age and older is 4.2%, meaning that 85,000 people were affected by the disease. The aging population will be the cause of the expected surge in cases by 2050, with a stunning 1,795% increase over current levels. Medications like acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as Aricept (donepezil), Exelon (rivastigmine), and Reminyl (galantamine) as well as the NMDA receptor antagonist Memantine (Namenda) are available for Alzheimer's patients in the United Arab Emirates. The recently licensed medication Aduhelm (aducanumab) is a noteworthy addition to the toolbox because it is particularly made to target amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Outside of medication-based therapies, non-pharmaceutical methods are also very important. One such method is cognitive stimulation therapy, which involves the brain in tasks that improve thinking, memory, and everyday functioning. Nonpharmacological treatments also include social support, physical activity, and a focus on lifestyle.

The celebration of National Alzheimer's Awareness Month and initiatives like the Alzheimer's Support Group UAE are essential for raising awareness and encouraging early diagnosis. A collaborative environment for knowledge exchange is made possible by the synergy between pharmaceutical corporations, healthcare providers, and patient advocacy groups, which ultimately improves the quality of care.

To further research and development efforts related to Alzheimer's disease, the UAE government continues to collaborate with organizations such as Emirates Health Services and Sheikh Khalifa Medical City.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Entry of New Disease-Modifying Therapies: With the recent approval of Biogen's Aduhelm and Eisai's Leqembi, along with promising new medications like Eli Lilly's Donanemab and Genentech's Gantenerumab, there is hope for slowing the course of the disease and maybe modifying the underlying pathology. These new medicines, in contrast to existing symptomatic therapies, target a more comprehensive unmet requirement. Because of these advancements in treatment, the industry is still expanding. Treatment innovations like this help to sustain the market's continuous growth. Improvements in treatment such as these support the market's ongoing expansion.

Increasing Aging Population: The aging population increases the vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease, increasing the number of people who are at risk. The market for drugs used to treat Alzheimer's disease is gradually expanded by this demographic shift.

Increased Awareness and Early Diagnosis: More people are seeking therapy for Alzheimer's because of increased public knowledge of the illness and advancements in testing technology, which facilitates early diagnosis. The window of opportunity for potential improvement is extended when actions involving prospective disease-modifying medications are started early.

Market Restraints

Lack of Awareness and Stigma: The enduring societal stigma attached to dementia and Alzheimer's disease prevents many people from obtaining a diagnosis and treatment, even despite the increasing number of awareness initiatives. This stigma is a major obstacle that limits the market's ability to reach a broader demographic.

High Drug Costs and Affordability Concerns: For many patients, access to Alzheimer's medications is severely hampered by the treatments' outrageous cost. This problem is especially significant in the UAE since the insurance industry's coverage of these medications is currently developing. Co-payments, even in the case of insurance, can place a significant financial strain on patients and their families.

Limited Efficacy and Uncertain Long-Term Benefits: The effectiveness of current drugs, including Leqembi and Aduhelm, in slowing down cognitive deterioration is questionable, and their long-term sustainability is also questionable. Hesitancy is caused by several factors, including the lack of a clear remedy or solid proof that the disease has improved.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) is in charge of regulatory authorities and healthcare policies for medications used to treat Alzheimer's disease in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The MOHAP is in charge of overseeing and controlling all aspects of healthcare, including the national approval and monitoring of pharmaceuticals. The MOHAP Drug Control Department conducts a comprehensive assessment procedure before approving and registering medications for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. For regulatory review, pharmaceutical businesses must provide detailed information about the quality, safety, and effectiveness of their products. In the UAE, these medications are sold and supplied after receiving approval.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Pfizer
• Eisai
• Janssen
• Biogen
• Roche
• Novartis
• Lundbeck
• Otsuka Pharmaceutical
• Teva Pharmaceutical
• Sun Pharmaceutical