Report forecasts moderate growth in dermatology drug market

The global market for dermatology drugs, which include therapies for atopic dermatitis, urticaria, and psoriasis, will experience modest growth of 8% a year between now and 2008, according to a new report by US healthcare research and advisory firm Decision Resources.

According to the new DR Pipeline Report entitled Dermatology Pipeline Analysis: A Market with Room to Grow, the psoriasis market will experience the most growth, with the atopic dermatitis market seeing more modest expansion. The urticaria market will actually experience a decline.

The overall dermatological disease market constitutes the ninth-largest segment of the global pharmaceutical market.

The report highlights Amgen as a significant emerging player in the dermatological drug market with Enbrel for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. It predicts that by 2008, as a result of its recent FDA approval, Enbrel should gain the third-highest market share in the dermatology indications of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and urticaria.

'Prior to 2004, Amgen did not compete in the dermatology market segment,' said Heather Martin, analyst at Decision Resources. 'However, in April of this year, the FDA approved the company's application for the extended use of its existing blockbuster product, Enbrel for use in the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis, enabling Amgen to enter the dermatology market.'