UK Age-Related Macular Degeneration Therapeutics Market Analysis

UK Age-Related Macular Degeneration Therapeutics Market Analysis: Executive Summary

The UK Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Therapeutics Market is at around US $281 Mn in 2022 and is projected to reach US $479 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.90% during the forecast period.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition that primarily affects older individuals, potentially resulting in significant vision loss. It specifically targets the macula, responsible for central vision, which can make tasks such as reading challenging. The condition is associated with risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, and other lifestyle factors. AMD manifests in two primary forms: dry AMD and wet AMD. Symptoms include distorted vision, difficulty seeing clearly, and a gradual decline in eyesight. Treatment options comprise anti-VEGF therapy, utilizing medications like Lucentis, Vabysmo, Avastin (developed by Genentech), and Eylea (produced by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals). Additionally, preventive measures encompass laser therapy and the intake of nutritional supplements like zinc and copper.

It is estimated that the prevalence of AMD is around 17% in the age group of 65 years and older in the UK, where approximately 663 new cases per million per year of AMD occur. Thus, the prevalence is directly proportional to age. The market is primarily influenced by key factors such as the growth of the aging population and the consequent rise in prevalence, advancements in treatment, and increased government initiatives expanding the therapeutics industry. However, shortage of human resources and the high cost of treatments like gene therapy and laser surgery, which are implemented in response to demand, limit the market's potential.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Increased aging population: The estimated proportion of the elderly population aged 65 and above in the UK is about 17%. The reported prevalence of AMD is around 2.9% in the age group of 65–69 years, approximately 15% between 85 and 90 years, and more than 21% for people above 90 years of age. The UK witnesses about 663 new cases of AMD per million per year, accounting to around 39,800 people. These estimates suggest a growing demographic shift in the UK, resulting in a larger pool of patients and increased market demand.

Advancements in treatment: The UK government is fostering numerous collaborations and research initiatives between pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions, promoting clinical trials and projects such as the London Project to Cure Blindness. Continuous research introduces innovative medications such as Vuity and delivery systems like nanotechnology featuring extended dosing intervals. This broadens the range of treatment choices, accommodating individual patient preferences and demand in the market.

Supportive government initiatives: The UK National Health Service (NHS) is currently providing universal healthcare coverage that provides anti-VEGF medications for most citizens. The NHS also aims to include advanced therapies such as gene therapy in its coverage to increase outreach and market penetration.

Market Restraints

Limited accessibility: Disparities in access to specialists and healthcare facilities beyond major cities are evident, particularly in scarcely populated areas. Limited availability of specialized ophthalmologists, optometrists, and advanced care options contributes to geographical inequalities in healthcare, leading to delayed diagnoses that restrict market growth.

Economic constraints: The conventional method for managing wet AMD, which includes administering anti-VEGF injections, comes with a substantial cost and requires frequent treatments. The price per dose of Lucentis solution is expensive, posing a significant financial burden on both the NHS and individual patients, consequently limiting market penetration. Although the NHS provides coverage for essential medical care, their high-cost novel therapies, such as gene therapy, prove be challenging to afford for the population

Notable Updates

May 2022, The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) released preliminary guidelines for the NHS, suggesting the use of Roche's Faricimab as a treatment for both wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular oedema (DMO).

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

The healthcare policy and regulatory framework in the United Kingdom are governed by various significant authorities and agencies. Key entities responsible for healthcare regulations and licensing in the UK include the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The MHRA oversees the regulation of medicines, medical devices, and related services, while the CQC is responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of care provided by healthcare providers in England.

Obtaining a license for healthcare products in the UK necessitates compliance with the regulations set forth by these authorities. Companies seeking registration and marketing authorization for pharmaceuticals and medical devices must receive approval from the MHRA. This entails submitting technical and scientific data to validate the product's safety, quality, and effectiveness.

The healthcare policy and regulatory framework in the United Kingdom involve a multitude of authorities and agencies, with the MHRA and CQC playing pivotal roles in overseeing healthcare product regulations. Opportunities for companies in the healthcare industry are diverse in both the public and private healthcare sectors in the country.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• F. Hoffman-La-Roche Ltd
• Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
• Novartis AG
• Apellis Pharmaceuticals
• Neurotech Pharmaceuticals
• Bayer
• Pfizer Inc
• Genetech
• Kanghong Pharma
• Bausch Health Companies, Inc