UK Actinic Keratosis Therapeutic Market Analysis

UK Actinic Keratosis Therapeutic Market Executive Summary

The UK Actinic Keratosis Therapeutic Market is predicted to develop at a CAGR of 2.9%, increasing from $177 Mn in the year 2022 to $222 Mn by the year 2030.

Actinic Keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis, is a skin disorder caused by UV exposure that results in the formation of rough, scaly areas on the skin. Cryotherapy, curettage, electrocoagulation, and topical medicines such as 5-fluorouracil or imiquimod are among the therapeutic possibilities. The UK Actinic Keratosis Therapeutic Market is predicted to expand in the next few years because of the rising frequency of actinic keratosis in the UK population, particularly among people aged 60 and over. The vast majority of actinic keratoses are treatable with basic care, but they must be monitored and treated to limit the risk of malignant development. Cryotherapy, curettage, electrocoagulation, and topical medicines such as 5-fluorouracil or imiquimod are among the therapeutic possibilities. Digital therapies, which provide evidence-based interventions via mobile applications and wearable devices, are rapidly growing in popularity.

Actinic keratosis (AK) is estimated to affect 15–23% of people aged 60 and over in the UK, with males being more affected than females. This disorder is closely associated to fair skin, advanced age, and gender, and it is more frequent in sun-damaged persons. The presence of AK is linked to a 14% increased chance of developing squamous cell carcinoma in the next five years. The UK Actinic Keratosis Therapeutic Market is expected to grow at a faster rate during the forecast period, owing to a large patient population, increased awareness about the prevention and treatment of Actinic Keratosis, and advancements in medical technology leading to the development of innovative and minimally invasive procedures.

Key players in the market include some domestic companies like GlaxoSmithKline and Scancell and other international companies like Sun Pharmaceuticals, Biofrontera, Nestle, Bausch Health, Novartis AG, Almirall, LLC, LEO Pharma, Cipher Pharmaceuticals, Hill Dermaceuticals, Galderma, Mylan N.V., Stanford Chemicals, etc.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Several factors contribute to the expansion of the UK Actinic Keratosis Therapeutic Market. As people desire to spend less time recuperating, there is an increasing demand for less invasive procedures. Cryotherapy, chemical peels, and photodynamic therapy are AK procedures that require trained doctors and surgeons. The rising demand for these treatments is a primary driver of the AK therapeutic market. The industry is also experiencing an expansion in digital treatments, which provide evidence-based interventions via mobile applications and wearable devices. The growth of telemedicine and internet platforms may increase access to diagnosis and treatment, particularly in remote regions.

The UK's aged population is more vulnerable to AK, increasing market potential. As life expectancy rises, so will the number of people reaching the age categories most vulnerable to AK (50+ years). Most AK therapies are now covered by the NHS, making them more accessible to a broader spectrum of patients. This reduces out-of-pocket costs while increasing treatment seeking and market expansion. Expansion of coverage for certain medicines or a greater emphasis on early intervention can greatly improve market growth.

Market Growth Restraints

While the UK market for AK therapies offers strong development prospects, it also confronts a number of hurdles that might limit market expansion. Many current AK therapies, including topical medicines such as Imiquimod, are accessible as generics. As a result, pharmaceutical companies researching novel medications face pricing pressure and diminished profitability. In its reimbursement choices, the NHS stresses cost-effectiveness. This makes it difficult for high-priced novel medicines to obtain widespread acceptance unless they show an actual advantage over existing ones.

Increased waiting periods and treatment delays caused by a large population may result in sluggish growth. The preferences of patients and physicians for various therapy methods might differ greatly. Some people prefer the ease of topical drugs, while others choose less invasive treatments such as photodynamic therapy. Because of this fragmented demand, pharmaceutical companies may find it difficult to focus on a particular therapy and attain maximum market penetration.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

The National Health Service (NHS) of the UK has created a number of rules to safeguard patient rights, privacy, and public engagement. These policies address issues like complaint handling, safeguarding, equity, and patient and public engagement. The NHS Constitution for England defines the rights of patients, the public, and staff, as well as the commitments made by the NHS. It highlights the right to choose healthcare providers, access to information, and the NHS's guiding principles and values. Furthermore, the NHS's website contains policies covering content, privacy, and cookies, demonstrating its dedication to openness and data protection. These rules illustrate the NHS's commitment to providing high-quality treatment while protecting patient’s and the public's rights and privacy. In the UK, the Department of Health and Social Care's executive agency, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is in charge of making sure that medications and medical equipment function and are reasonably safe. The UK Government receives information and recommendations on the regulation of pharmaceuticals and medical devices from the MHRA's numerous independent advisory bodies. Different regulatory paths, each with specific requirements and timeframes, exist in the UK for the approval of drugs. While there are fast-track possibilities for high-priority medications or public health crises, the regular process can take many years.

Notable Recent Updates

January 2023: The MHRA approved Ingenious Med's Ingenious™ TCA (Trichloroacetic acid) for the treatment of AK. This topical solution offers a new option for patients seeking a non-surgical approach.

June 2023: The MHRA granted marketing authorization for Evocutis' Veregen™ (Ingenol mebutate), a hydrogel formulation for the treatment of AK. This approval provides another topical option with a shorter treatment regimen.

July 2023: Oncolytics Biotech announced positive Phase 2b results for their investigational immunotherapy ONCY-202, demonstrating efficacy and safety in treating AK. This could pave the way for a novel treatment approach in the future.

October 2023: Almirall initiated Phase 3 trials for their topical JAK inhibitor ALM8126 for the treatment of AK. This represents a promising development in targeting a different therapeutic pathway for AK.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• GlaxoSmithKline
• Scancell
• Sun Pharmaceuticals
• Biofrontera
• Nestle SA
• Bausch Health
• Novartis AG
• Almirall
• LEO Pharma
• Cipher Pharmaceuticals