UAE Lipid Disorder Therapeutics Market Analysis

UAE Lipid Disorder Therapeutics Market Executive Summary

UAE Lipid Disorder Therapeutics Market is at around $183.7 Mn in 2023 and is projected to reach $507.6 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 15.63% during the forecast period.

A Lipid disorder is a health condition wherein the body contains high blood levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is also called as “bad cholesterol”. It can also be characterized as the body having high levels of triglycerides, fats, or both. High quantities of these elements increase the body’s risk of having heart disease. There are several treatments for Lipid Disorders which include statins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, Bile Acid Sequestrants, Fibrates, Supplements, and Lifestyle Changes. Statins are medications that block the secretion of a chemical which is responsible for producing cholesterol. The Liver then removes the already existing cholesterol from our blood. Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Fluvastatin (Lescol), Rosuvastatin (Crestor), Simvastatin (Zocor) and Pravastatin. Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors, which are sometimes used in combination with statins, reduce our body’s intake of dietary cholesterol. Bile Acid sequestrants inhibit and trap an element called bile resins, and its reabsorption in our small intestine. Fibrates help in lowering the levels of triglycerides in our blood, whereas supplements such as Omega 3 Fatty Acids are available over the counter and are used to lower the levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides in our blood.

In the UAE dyslipidemia affects 62.7% of the population; the percentage of males with the condition is higher than the number of women (54.2%). This high prevalence is linked to lifestyle factors such as high rates of obesity (27.2%) and smoking. Demographic factors, including a young population with changing lifestyles and dietary habits, contribute to this trend. The UAE's healthcare expenditure is substantial, with significant investments aimed at addressing non-communicable diseases like lipid disorders through improved healthcare infrastructure and public health initiatives. The market is driven by significant factors like the growing geriatric population, advancements in therapeutics, government initiatives, and healthcare investments. However, regulatory barriers, high treatment costs, and safety concerns restrict the growth and potential of the market.

Pfizer holds the largest market share, probably as a result of its well-known brand and well-liked cholesterol-lowering drugs. Another significant player is AstraZeneca, which has a substantial market share because of well-known drugs like Crestor and Brilinta.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Growing Geriatric Population: The UAE has a rapidly aging population, which is more susceptible to lipid disorders. This is due to factors such as decreased physical activity, changes in metabolism, and an increased prevalence of comorbidities like diabetes and obesity. Currently, about 12% of the UAE's population is over the age of 60. As the geriatric population grows, the demand for lipid disorder therapeutics is expected to rise.

Advancements in Therapeutics: Recent advancements in lipid-lowering therapeutics, including the development of highly potent statins like Rosuvastatin and novel agents like PCSK9 inhibitors, have significantly improved treatment outcomes. These medications offer better efficacy and safety profiles, making them attractive options for managing lipid disorders. Ongoing research and development in this field continue to introduce new and improved treatments, enhancing the ability of healthcare providers to tailor therapies to individual patient needs, thus driving market growth​

Government Initiatives and Healthcare Investments: UAE government is heavily investing in healthcare infrastructure and initiatives aimed at improving public health. Vision 2021 and the National Health Agenda 2021 focus on reducing lifestyle-related diseases and enhancing healthcare services, driving demand for lipid disorder therapeutics. According to the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, healthcare spending in the UAE is projected to reach $19.5 Bn by 2024, further underscoring the government's commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.

Market Restraints

Regulatory barriers: Although UAE's strict medication approval regulations guarantee patient safety, they also make market entry difficult. The market dynamics may be impacted by the protracted and intricate approval procedure, which may postpone the launch of new lipid-lowering treatments. Post-approval surveillance regulations also increase the expenses and complexity of doing business for pharmaceutical businesses.​

High Treatment Costs: Advanced lipid-lowering medications, particularly new therapies such as PCSK9 inhibitors, can be prohibitively expensive. For instance, the average annual cost of PCSK9 inhibitors can exceed $14,000 per patient. These high costs can limit accessibility for a significant portion of the population, especially those without comprehensive health insurance. The economic burden of these treatments can deter patients from adhering to prescribed therapies, leading to suboptimal management of lipid disorders.

Safety Concerns: Many lipid-lowering medications, including statins and newer agents, come with potential side effects that can affect patient compliance. Common side effects such as muscle pain, liver damage, and gastrointestinal issues may lead some patients to discontinue their treatment. Concerns about these side effects can also make physicians cautious in prescribing these medications, thereby limiting their use​.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

The UAE healthcare system prioritizes patient safety and quality through a multi-layered regulatory framework. The Ministry of Health (MOH) acts as the central authority, setting national healthcare standards and policies. Individual emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have their own regulatory bodies, such as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). These agencies oversee healthcare facilities, license medical professionals, and ensure adherence to national guidelines.

Over the last decade, the UAE has moved toward mandating health insurance for all citizens and residents, greatly expanding the country’s health insurance market. “Saada” is a health insurance program for citizens of Dubai who are not covered by any government health program. “Isahd” is an Insurance System for advanced healthcare in Dubai –a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) initiative to provide healthcare insurance for all nationals and residents in the private sector. The system requires that everyone in the private sector have a minimum level of health insurance in place.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the UAE Lipid Disorder Therapeutics Market:

• Amgen
• Sanofi
• Pfizer, Inc.
• Julphar
• GlaxoSmithKline plc
• Novartis AG
• Merck & Co., Inc.
• Amgen Inc.
• Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• AbbVie, Inc.
• Cadila
• Viatris
• AstraZeneca PLC
• Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.