Introduction to AROMASIN
AROMASIN, also known as exemestane, is a medication used in the treatment of breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women. It is an aromatase inhibitor, which works by reducing the amount of estrogen produced by the body, thereby slowing the growth of estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer cells.
Clinical Trials and Efficacy
Adjuvant Treatment
AROMASIN is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with estrogen-receptor positive early breast cancer. Clinical trials, such as the Intergroup Exemestane Study (IES) and the Tamoxifen, Exemestane, Adjuvant, Multicenter (TEAM) Study, have demonstrated the benefits of switching from tamoxifen to AROMASIN after 2-3 years of tamoxifen therapy to complete a total of five consecutive years of adjuvant hormonal therapy. These studies showed that AROMASIN significantly reduced the risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to continued tamoxifen therapy[1][3][4].
Advanced Breast Cancer
For postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer whose disease has progressed following tamoxifen therapy, AROMASIN has been shown to be effective. Clinical trials have indicated that AROMASIN can improve outcomes in these patients, although it is associated with certain adverse reactions[1][4].
Adverse Reactions
The clinical trials have also highlighted the common adverse reactions associated with AROMASIN. These include musculoskeletal disorders, nervous system disorders, hot flushes, nausea, fatigue, and increased sweating. In the IES study, AROMASIN was associated with a higher incidence of osteoporosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neuropathy compared to tamoxifen[1].
Market Analysis
Market Dominance in China
Pharmacia & Upjohn's AROMASIN dominates the Chinese market, accounting for more than 90% of the market share in terms of sales value in 2020. Local Chinese companies such as Qilu Pharmaceutical, Hainan Tongyong Tongmeng Pharmaceutical, and Tongfang Pharmaceutical Group also have a significant presence in the market[2][5].
Sales Volume and Value
Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sales value of exemestane in China continued to grow, reaching approximately CNY400 million (USD61.6 million) in 2020 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.2% from 2016 to 2020. The sales volume and value are expected to continue growing from 2021 to 2025, driven by the increasing number of breast cancer cases[2][5].
Regional Growth
The Asia Pacific region, particularly China, is expected to drive the growth of the exemestane market. The increasing incidence of breast cancer, due to factors such as changing lifestyles, delayed childbearing, and rising obesity rates, is a significant driver of this growth[2][5].
Market Projections
Forecasted Growth
From 2021 to 2025, the Chinese exemestane market is expected to continue growing due to the rising number of new breast cancer cases. The global market is also projected to grow, driven by advancements in oncology, the shift towards personalized medicine, and the increasing focus on women's health issues globally[2][5].
Market Size Forecast
The exemestane Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) market is expected to reach USD 2.03 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is influenced by ongoing advancements in oncology and the increasing focus on women's health issues[5].
Key Factors Influencing Market Growth
Increasing Breast Cancer Cases
Breast cancer has become the leading cancer worldwide, and the number of new cases is expected to continue growing. This trend is driven by altering risk factors such as delayed childbearing, decreased number of births, overweight, obesity, and lack of exercise[2].
Impact of COVID-19
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the exemestane market in China continued to grow. The pandemic highlighted the resilience of the healthcare sector and the ongoing demand for cancer treatments[2][5].
Market Drivers and Opportunities
The market is driven by the increasing incidence of breast cancer, advancements in healthcare infrastructure, and the shift towards personalized medicine. Emerging markets, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, present significant opportunities for growth[2][5].
Challenges and Threats
High treatment costs and side effects associated with exemestane are challenges that need to be addressed. However, these can also be seen as opportunities for innovation and improvement in treatment options[5].
Conclusion
AROMASIN has established itself as a crucial medication in the treatment of breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women. The clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy in both adjuvant and advanced settings. The market analysis shows a strong presence of AROMASIN in China and a projected growth in the global market driven by increasing breast cancer cases and advancements in oncology.
Key Takeaways
- Clinical Efficacy: AROMASIN is effective in reducing breast cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women when used as adjuvant therapy and in treating advanced breast cancer.
- Market Dominance: Pharmacia & Upjohn's AROMASIN dominates the Chinese market.
- Growing Demand: The demand for exemestane is driven by the rising incidence of breast cancer.
- Regional Growth: The Asia Pacific region, particularly China, is expected to drive the growth of the exemestane market.
- Market Size Forecast: The exemestane API market is expected to reach USD 2.03 billion by 2032.
FAQs
What is AROMASIN used for?
AROMASIN (exemestane) is used for the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with estrogen-receptor positive early breast cancer and for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women whose disease has progressed following tamoxifen therapy[1][4].
What are the common adverse reactions associated with AROMASIN?
Common adverse reactions include musculoskeletal disorders, nervous system disorders, hot flushes, nausea, fatigue, and increased sweating[1].
Which company dominates the Chinese exemestane market?
Pharmacia & Upjohn's AROMASIN dominates the Chinese market, accounting for more than 90% of the market share in terms of sales value in 2020[2][5].
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the exemestane market?
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the sales value of exemestane in China continued to grow, reaching approximately CNY400 million (USD61.6 million) in 2020[2][5].
What are the projected growth prospects for the exemestane market?
The exemestane API market is expected to reach USD 2.03 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2024 to 2032, driven by the increasing number of breast cancer cases and advancements in oncology[5].
Sources
- Pfizer Medical Information: AROMASIN® (exemestane) Patient information - US.
- Business Wire: China Exemestane Market Research Report 2021: Sales 2016-2020.
- Pfizer: Pfizer Announces Updated Trial Results for AROMASIN® (exemestane tablets) In Switch And Upfront Settings.
- Pfizer Medical Information: AROMASIN® (exemestane) Indications and Usage - US.
- Drug Patent Watch: Pharmaceutical drug prices and trends for exemestane.