Introduction to CREON
CREON, a brand of pancrelipase, is a pivotal medication in the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), a condition characterized by the pancreas's inability to produce sufficient digestive enzymes. This enzyme replacement therapy is crucial for patients with chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and those who have undergone a pancreatectomy.
Current Market Size and Growth
The exocrine pancreatic insufficiency treatment market, in which CREON is a dominant player, was valued at USD 2.7 billion in 2023. This market is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.6% from 2024 to 2032, reaching a value of USD 4.4 billion by 2032[1].
Market Segmentation and CREON's Position
By Drug Type
The CREON segment is anticipated to account for the largest revenue share within the exocrine pancreatic insufficiency treatment market. By 2032, the CREON segment is projected to reach a revenue size of USD 3.6 billion, highlighting its significant market dominance[1].
By Symptom
While the market is also segmented by symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, fatty stools, and weight loss, CREON's efficacy across various symptoms contributes to its strong market position. For instance, the diarrhea segment, which is one of the symptoms treated by CREON, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period[1].
By Distribution Channel
Hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies are the primary distribution channels for CREON. The hospital pharmacies segment, where CREON is frequently prescribed, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period[1].
Regional Market Performance
North America, particularly the United States, is the largest regional market for CREON, accounting for 56.9% of the revenue share in 2023. This region is expected to continue its substantial growth, reaching USD 2.4 billion by 2032[1].
Clinical Efficacy and Safety
CREON has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in patients with EPI due to chronic pancreatitis, pancreatectomy, and cystic fibrosis. Clinical trials have shown that CREON achieves statistically significant improvements in fat and protein absorption compared to placebo. For example, in patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatectomy, CREON resulted in a mean treatment difference in the Coefficient of Fat Absorption (CFA) of 21% compared to placebo[4].
Safety Considerations
While CREON has a well-characterized safety profile, common adverse reactions include hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, abdominal pain, abnormal feces, flatulence, frequent bowel movements, and nasopharyngitis[4].
Market Challenges and Shortages
Despite its strong market position, CREON faces challenges due to global supply shortages. The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has confirmed limited supplies of CREON capsules until 2026, which has had a significant impact on the market. This shortage has led to increased demand for other pancreatic enzyme replacement therapies (PERTs) like Nutrizym 22 and Pancrex V[5].
Impact of Shortages on Market Dynamics
The shortage of CREON has resulted in intermittent shortages of other PERTs, such as Nutrizym 22, due to the significant market share of CREON products. Manufacturers like Essential Pharma, which produces Pancrex V, have seen a significant uptick in demand for their products as a result of the CREON supply disruptions[5].
Future Outlook and Sales Projections
Given the ongoing demand for effective EPI treatments and the anticipated resolution of supply issues by 2026, CREON is expected to maintain its market dominance. The projected growth of the exocrine pancreatic insufficiency treatment market, coupled with CREON's strong clinical efficacy and safety profile, suggests that CREON will continue to be a leading player in this market segment.
Key Statistics
- Market Size in 2023: USD 2.7 billion for the exocrine pancreatic insufficiency treatment market[1].
- Projected Market Size by 2032: USD 4.4 billion[1].
- CREON Segment Projection by 2032: USD 3.6 billion[1].
- CAGR for Hospital Pharmacies Segment: 5.4% during the forecast period[1].
- Regional Revenue Share in 2023: North America accounted for 56.9% of the revenue share[1].
Conclusion
CREON remains a cornerstone in the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, driven by its proven clinical efficacy and widespread use. Despite current supply challenges, the long-term outlook for CREON is positive, with significant growth projected in the coming years.
Key Takeaways
- CREON is the leading drug in the exocrine pancreatic insufficiency treatment market.
- The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2032.
- CREON is projected to reach a revenue size of USD 3.6 billion by 2032.
- North America is the largest regional market for CREON.
- Supply shortages are currently impacting the market but are expected to resolve by 2026.
FAQs
Q: What is the current market size of the exocrine pancreatic insufficiency treatment market?
A: The exocrine pancreatic insufficiency treatment market was valued at USD 2.7 billion in 2023[1].
Q: What is the projected growth rate of the exocrine pancreatic insufficiency treatment market?
A: The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2032[1].
Q: Which segment is expected to dominate the market by 2032?
A: The CREON segment is projected to account for the largest revenue size, reaching USD 3.6 billion by 2032[1].
Q: What are the common adverse reactions associated with CREON?
A: Common adverse reactions include hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, abdominal pain, abnormal feces, flatulence, frequent bowel movements, and nasopharyngitis[4].
Q: How are supply shortages affecting the market for CREON?
A: The global shortage of CREON capsules until 2026 has led to increased demand for other PERTs and intermittent shortages of these alternatives[5].
Sources
- GMI Insights: Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Treatment Market Report, 2032.
- AbbVie: AbbVie Reports Full-Year and Fourth-Quarter 2023 Financial Results.
- Allied Market Research: Pancrelipase Market Size, Trends | Growth Analysis, 2021-2030.
- CREON HCP Site: CREON® (pancrelipase) Clinical Efficacy.
- The Pharmaceutical Journal: Taking its toll: the global pancreatic enzyme shortage.
Last updated: 2024-12-31
