UK Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD) Therapeutics Market Analysis

UK Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD) Therapeutics Market Executive Summary

The UK GvHD Therapeutics Market was valued at $65 Mn in 2023 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2023 to 2030, to $98.38 Mn by 2030.

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a serious condition that can occur after a transplant when the donor's immune cells attack the recipient's body. The immune system's blood cells are crucial in defending the body against infections by targeting and eliminating foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, that are recognized as threats due to their non-host origin. This recognition process is facilitated by Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLAs), proteins that help differentiate self from non-self-cells. When there is a significant mismatch in HLAs between the donor and recipient, the donor's blood cells may perceive the recipient's cells as foreign and launch an attack, resulting in GvHD. This disease can present in acute or chronic forms, with symptoms such as nausea, rash, jaundice, abdominal cramping, hair loss, and dry mouth. Treatment for GvHD often involves immunosuppressive medications, chemotherapy, and antifungal and antiviral drugs, among other therapeutic approaches.

The treatments can get expensive due to a high medical inflation rate of around 10%, which is still expected to rise. When it comes to the UK, the market growth exhibits a CAGR of around 6.1%. According to the search results, there were an estimated 1,506 allogeneic transplants in England in 2019. Between 2016 and 2020, 713 people were diagnosed with extensive chronic GVHD in England. But along with such growth drivers, there are also some restraints to it. High treatment costs, limited donor availability, regulatory hurdles, and side effects of treatment, are all such factors that restrain growth.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Adoption of Advanced Technology: The UK has been very advanced when it comes to the adoption and implementation of state-of-the-art technology. Biomarkers and imaging modalities allow timely intervention. Treatment options like biologics and immunosuppressants have provided the professionals with some additional options. It is estimated that about 66 people would be eligible to receive the new treatment belumosudil mesylate for chronic GVHD in England. NHS England hopes the introduction of belumosudil will help 75% of the 200 patients a year who do not respond to existing treatments for GvHD. Such initiatives drive market growth.

Growing GvHD Prevalence: Between 2016 and 2020, 713 individuals in England were diagnosed with extensive chronic GVHD, and this number has steadily increased over time. Consequently, there has been significant growth in the market for GVHD treatments, reflecting the rising demand for effective therapies to manage this condition.

Increasing Awareness: The increasing awareness about GvHD, coupled with heightened research focus and improved treatment delivery, is driving market growth by expanding patient outreach and fostering early diagnosis, thereby increasing demand for GvHD therapies and enhancing overall market potential.

Market Restraints

High Treatment Costs: The treatment costs for this disease are very high. The technology used is advanced, effective, and delivered by skilled professionals. But this ultimately adds to the costs of the patient. The inflation rate in the health sector of the UK was 6.6 percent in March 2024, compared with 6.5 percent in the previous month. The UK inflation rate surged to 11.1 percent in October 2022, with the country in the grip of a serious cost of living crisis. This restricts the market's growth because people need to prioritize basic needs over advanced treatments.

Side Effects of Treatment: Despite significant financial investment in treatments, the lack of guarantee for a cure in GvHD cases can act as a deterrent to market growth, as patients may be hesitant to pursue expensive therapies without assurance of success, potentially reducing demand for related treatments and impeding market expansion.

Limited Availability of Donors: The HLAs must match between donors and recipients. Sometimes, even family members have varied HLAs. The donor is then found in the registry. Even then, if HLAs don’t match, other treatments are to be followed. This restricts the market due to demand-supply disparities.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

The National Health Service (NHS) sets guidelines and standards for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of GvHD. These guidelines help ensure uniformity and quality of care across the UK. NHS is about to introduce a new drug. NHS England hopes the introduction of belumosudil will help 75% of the 200 patients a year who do not respond to existing treatments for GvHD. Clinical trials have suggested the drug is most effective when the disease affects the mouth, intestine, or joints, and up to 75% of patients will respond to the treatment.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides evidence-based guidance and recommendations on GvHD treatments. NICE evaluates the clinical and cost-effectiveness of therapies to ensure that patients receive high-quality care within the NHS budget.

If approved by NICE, treatments are generally covered under NHS. Sometimes, for innovative or new promising treatments, CDF (Cancer Drugs Fund) also covers costs. The cost of private insurance is much higher in the UK.

British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (BSBMTCT) provides guidelines and recommendations specific to bone marrow and stem cell transplantation, which are directly relevant to GvHD management.

Various healthcare policies govern the funding of research activities.

Competitive Landscape

Here are some of the major key players in the UK GvHD Therapeutics Market

• Novartis
• Amgen
• Pfizer
• Sanofi
• Cadmon
• Osiris
• Shire
• Allergan
• Merck
• Abbott
• Incyte
• Alkem