Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the sacroiliac joints and spinal joints. The signs and symptoms of axSpA include inflammatory back pain, stiffness in the lower back that improves with exercise, fatigue, and uveitis (an inflammatory eye condition). The disease can cause fusion of the sacroiliac joints and fusion of the vertebrae in the spine.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to detect inflammation in the sacroiliac joints and spinal joints in patients experiencing back pain. Biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) like tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors provide effective treatment for Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) Treatment Market patients.
The axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) treatment market is estimated to be valued at USD 6.02 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 10 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
- Key players operating in the axial spondyloarthritis market are AbbVie, Janssen, UCB, copyright, Novartis, and Eli Lilly.
- Increasing awareness about axSpA and growing geriatric population who are at higher risk of developing axSpA are driving the market growth.
- Advancements in diagnosis through development of new biomarkers and imaging techniques are facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of axial spondyloarthritis.
Market Trends
- Growing popularity of IL-23 and IL-17 inhibitors: Drugs targeting IL-23 and IL-17 pathways like risankizumab, bimekizumab, and mirikizumab are being evaluated for treating axSpA which is expected to drive the market growth.
- Increasing uptake of biosimilars: Approval and launch of biosimilar drugs for reference biologics like infliximab and etanercept is expected to increase the uptake of biologics and reduce treatment costs.
Market Opportunities
- Expanding patient access in emerging markets: With increasing healthcare spending and growing burden of axSpA, there exists potential for major companies to invest in emerging Asian and Latin American countries.
- Combination therapies: Combining biologics with other drugs like NSAIDs holds potential to provide synergistic effects with improved efficacy and tolerability.
Impact of COVID-19 on Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) Market Growth
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the axSpA market. During the peak of the pandemic in 2020-2021, several factors affected the market growth. Patients suffering from axSpA is considered high-risk for COVID-19 infection due to autoimmune conditions. As a result, they were advised to strictly follow social distancing and isolation measures for safety. This reduced their visits to rheumatologists for routine checkups and medication. New disease diagnoses also declined significantly amid the pandemic situation. Constraints in manufacturing and supply chain disruptions disrupted the steady supply of biologics and other drugs used for axSpA treatment. Drug developers faced challenges in conducting ongoing clinical trials for new drugs due to paused enrollment and restricted site visits.
However, with rapid vaccination drives and adaptation to new safety protocols, the axSpA market is recovering gradually post-pandemic. Implementation of telehealth solutions helped patients to continue routine consultation and treatment review with physicians remotely. Drug makers addressed supply issues and ramped up production to meet the demand. New product launches and approvals in 2021 are also supporting the market growth. The pandemic emphasized the need for development of novel oral drugs with improved efficacy and safety for long-term management of axSpA.
Geographical Regions with High axSpA Market Value
North America represents the largest regional market for axSpA treatment globally, dominated by the United States. High disease prevalence, robust healthcare infrastructure, availability of advanced treatment options, and favorable reimbursement policies drive the North American axSpA market.
Western Europe is another lucrative regional market with major countries including Germany, France, and the UK contributing significantly.
Fastest Growing Regional Market for axSpA
Asia Pacific market is poised to showcase fastest growth over the forecast period. Rapidly developing healthcare industry, rising medical expenses, growing patient awareness about axSpA, and increasing focus of global companies on emerging Asian countries offer lucrative opportunities. In particular, China and India are expected to fuel the Asia Pacific axSpA market growth with their huge patient populations and improving access to novel drugs.
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About Author: Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)