Overview of the Overactive Bladder (OAB) Market
The overactive bladder market, which includes drugs like GEMTESA, is projected to experience moderate growth over the next decade. In 2020, the global OAB market was valued at $2.2 billion across the eight major markets (the US, 5EU, Japan, and China)[1][2][4].
Market Growth Drivers
Several factors are driving the growth of the OAB market, including:
- Increasing Prevalence: The prevalence of OAB is expected to rise due to aging populations and increasing obesity rates. These demographic trends will expand the treatment pool for OAB drugs[1][2][4].
- Novel Therapies: The potential launch of new therapies, such as Gemtesa (vibegron), in key markets like the US, Japan, and potentially China, is a significant driver. Gemtesa, a beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist, has shown promising results and is expected to contribute to market growth[1][2][4].
Market Challenges
Despite the growth drivers, the OAB market faces several challenges:
- Generic Sales Erosion: Recent and upcoming patent expirations for key products like VESIcare, Myrbetriq, and Toviaz will lead to revenue losses due to generic sales erosion. This will particularly impact the early-to-mid forecast period (2020-2025)[1][2][4].
- Late-Stage Pipeline Scarcity: The lack of drugs in Phase III development or the pre-registration stages will restrict market growth in the early-to-mid forecast period[1][2].
- Low Diagnosis and Treatment Rates: Stigma and misinformation surrounding OAB, as well as poor persistence and adherence to drug therapy, continue to deter patients from seeking medical help and adhering to treatment plans[1][2][4].
GEMTESA Market Position
GEMTESA, marketed by Urovant Sciences, is a beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist that has been approved for the treatment of OAB.
- Current Sales: As of 2020, Myrbetriq, another beta-3 agonist, held a significant market share, but GEMTESA is expected to gain traction as it expands its market presence[1][4].
- Price and Cost Considerations: The retail price of GEMTESA can vary, but it is generally around $486 for a standard supply. Costs can be managed through strategies like obtaining a 90-day supply, using coupon programs, and considering insurance coverage[5].
Price Projections
The overall OAB market is projected to grow from $2.2 billion in 2020 to $2.8 billion by 2030, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.7%[2][4].
- Early-to-Mid Forecast Period: Despite the overall market growth, the early-to-mid forecast period (2020-2025) is expected to see a decline in market value due to patent expirations and generic sales erosion. However, GEMTESA's continued uptake, especially in Japan and the US, will help mitigate some of these losses[1][2][4].
- Mid-to-Late Forecast Period: A strong recovery is anticipated in the mid-to-late forecast period (2025-2030), driven by the launch of new pipeline products, including GEMTESA. Sales are forecast to increase from $2.1 billion in 2025 to $2.8 billion in 2030, at a CAGR of 6.7% during this period[2].
Pipeline and Future Outlook
GEMTESA is part of a pipeline that includes several novel therapies under development. Other notable pipeline agents include:
- Eliapixant: Bayer’s P2X purinoceptor 3 (P2RX3) antagonist, currently in Phase II development.
- URO-902: Urovant Sciences’ gene therapy, also in Phase II development for the US market.
- TAC 302: Taiho Pharmaceuticals’ neurite outgrowth enhancer, in Phase II development for the Japanese market[1][4].
These emerging therapies, along with GEMTESA, are expected to drive market growth and provide new treatment options for OAB patients.
Key Takeaways
- The OAB market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% from 2020 to 2030.
- GEMTESA, a beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist, is expected to play a significant role in this growth.
- Market challenges include generic sales erosion and low diagnosis and treatment rates.
- The mid-to-late forecast period is expected to see a strong recovery driven by new pipeline products.
- GEMTESA's price can be managed through various strategies, including obtaining a 90-day supply and using coupon programs.
FAQs
Q: What is the current market size of the OAB drug market?
A: The global OAB market was valued at $2.2 billion in 2020[1][2][4].
Q: What is the projected growth rate of the OAB market?
A: The OAB market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% from 2020 to 2030[2][4].
Q: What are the major drivers of the OAB market growth?
A: Key drivers include the continued uptake of novel therapies like GEMTESA, increasing prevalence due to aging populations and rising obesity, and the potential launch of new pipeline products[1][2][4].
Q: How does the cost of GEMTESA compare to other OAB drugs?
A: The cost of GEMTESA can vary but is generally around $486. It may be more expensive than generic versions of other drugs like Myrbetriq, but costs can be managed through various strategies[5].
Q: What are the challenges facing the OAB market?
A: Challenges include generic sales erosion, scarcity of late-stage pipeline drugs, and low rates of diagnosis and treatment due to stigma and poor adherence to therapy[1][2][4].
Sources
- GlobalData, "Overactive Bladder: Global Drug Forecast and Market Analysis to 2030"
- Pharmaceutical Technology, "Overactive bladder market to undergo moderate growth, reaching $2.8bn by 2030"
- Sumitomo Pharma, "Presentation - Sumitomo Pharma"
- Business Wire, "Global Overactive Bladder Drug Forecast and Market Analysis Report 2021-2030"
- Healthline, "Gemtesa Cost 2024: Coupons and More"
