UK Brain Cancer Therapeutics Market

UK Brain Cancer Therapeutics Market Executive Summary

UK Brain Cancer Therapeutics Market valued at $60 Mn in 2022, projected to reach $116 Mn by 2030 with a 8.6% CAGR.

The abnormal proliferation of brain cells serves as an indication of brain cancer, where these cells exhibit characteristics that can be either malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). While the exact cause of brain cancer remains unclear, identified risk factors include exposure to ionizing radiation and a family history of brain tumors. Common symptoms associated with a brain tumor include headaches, gradual sensory decline, issues with balance, speech impediments, and hearing difficulties. The manifestation of these symptoms varies depending on factors such as the tumor’s size, location, and growth rate. Treatment approaches for brain cancer are determined by the tumor’s type, location, and size, with frequently utilized methods including radiosurgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and the use of carmustine implants.

Brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors present a significant health challenge in the UK, with approximately 12,300 new cases reported annually, ranking it as the 9th most common cancer and accounting for 3% of all new cancer cases. The incidence rates are notably elevated among individuals aged 85 to 89, with nearly a quarter of new cases occurring in those aged 75 and above. Brain tumors are identified as the 7th most prevalent cancer in females and the 11th most common in males in the UK. Alarmingly, they stand as the primary cause of cancer-related mortality in both children and adults under 40, claiming the lives of over 5,300 individuals annually. The 5-year survival rate for adults post-diagnosis is a mere 12%. In 2023 alone, there were 12,288 new diagnoses of brain tumors in the UK, averaging approximately 102 new cases weekly and representing around 2% of all new cancer diagnoses. Notably, 52% of brain tumor cases occur in females, while brain tumors are identified as the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among children and young adults aged 5 to 24 in the UK. Gliomas, the most prevalent type of brain tumor, primarily occur in the cerebral hemispheres. The gravity of the situation surrounding brain tumors in the UK becomes even more apparent when considering that 16,000 individuals are diagnosed with a brain tumor annually, and a mere 12% of patients manage to survive beyond 5 years post-diagnosis. Unfortunately, the current landscape reveals a significant shortfall in funding for brain tumor research, with a limited fund of 1.37% of the national expenditure on cancer being allocated to this critical area. This lack of financial support hampers the progress in discovering innovative treatments and potential cures for brain tumors, emphasizing the pressing requirement for heightened awareness and increased investment in research to address this formidable health challenge.

The GliaPost test is a liquid biopsy that was developed in collaboration with Oxford BioBank and Personalis, Inc. to identify genetic alterations in brain tumors by analyzing circulating tumor DNA in the blood. Simultaneously, Cancer Research UK is conducting a large-scale trial called MATCHBOX, which aims to match patients with specific mutations in their brain tumors to targeted medicines within clinical trials. This novel, the individualized method has great potential to improve the effectiveness of treatment since it matches patients with medications that are precisely matched to the genetic makeup of their brain tumors.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Rising Incidence of Brain Cancer: Like many other developed countries, the UK is witnessing a growth in brain cancer instances, notably among the elderly demographic. In 2023, more than 12,288 new cases were identified, underscoring the escalating need for viable treatment solutions. The rising incidence of brain cancer acts as a market growth driver by prompting increased research and development activities, driving demand for innovative treatments, and fostering economic opportunities within the healthcare sector.

Rising Demand for Personalized Medicine: A growing understanding of cancer genomes and tumor variety is fuelling interest in personalized medicine and providing the way to more specialized treatment approaches. With this strategy, specific mutations or pathways within patients' malignancies can be precisely targeted, potentially improving treatment outcomes. One of the main factors driving market expansion in the UK is the country's aggressive investment in customized medicine research and its application to clinical settings.

Increasing Awareness and Advocacy: Public awareness of brain cancer is on the rise, thanks to media campaigns and advocacy initiatives. This heightened awareness contributes to early detection and a growing demand for diverse treatment options. Advocacy groups are actively striving to enhance treatment accessibility and tackle issues impacting both patients and their families.

Market Restraints

High Development Costs: The research and development costs associated with creating effective brain cancer treatment drugs can be substantial. Companies may face financial constraints in funding extensive clinical trials and obtaining necessary approvals.

Regulatory Hurdles: The rigorous regulatory demands and approval procedures may present obstacles in the development and introduction of novel drugs for brain cancer treatment, potentially causing delays in their market entry.

Limited Efficacy of Current Treatments: The effectiveness of current treatments for brain cancer might be constrained, emphasizing the necessity for groundbreaking innovations to markedly enhance patient outcomes. This constraint could potentially influence the market prospects of presently available drugs.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

In the UK, healthcare policies and regulatory oversight for treatment drugs are predominantly managed by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care. The MHRA plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of medicines through processes such as marketing authorization, approval of clinical trials, and continuous pharmacovigilance. Additionally, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) offers guidance on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of treatments, influencing the pricing and reimbursement of drugs. The dynamic interplay between these regulatory entities shapes the landscape for the development, approval, and accessibility of treatment drugs in the UK.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Roche
• AstraZeneca
• Pfizer
• Merck & Co.
• Eli Lilly
• Novartis
• Gilead Sciences
• Bayer
• Janssen Pharmaceuticals
• Ipsen