Vitiligo Emerging Therapies

Vitiligo is a chronic disorder that causes areas of skin to lose color. When skin cells that make color are attacked and destroyed, the skin turns a milky-white color. Various factors such as autoimmune disease, genetic factors, & neurogenic factors lead to the development of Vitiligo. The main symptom associated with vitiligo is the loss of natural color. The patches can show up on any part of your body and can affect the skin, which gets milky-white patches, usually on the hands, feet, arms, and face, hair, which can turn white on the scalp, eyebrow, eyelash, and beard & the inside of your mouth or nose. People with vitiligo can also get problems with the eyes and ears. In addition, people with the disorder may worry about how their skin looks, which can affect general well-being.

Vitiligo is the most common skin depigmentation disorder with an average prevalence estimated to be between 0.5% to 2% of the global population. An estimated 65-95 million people of all ages, sexes, and ethnicities worldwide suffer from vitiligo, including approximately 2.4 million people in the United States. The majority (70–80%) of patients with vitiligo experience disease onset before age 30. Approximately 30% have childhood-onset vitiligo before age 12.

Currently, there are no FDA-approved therapies for vitiligo. Dermatologists typically prescribe topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and/or phototherapy for the treatment of vitiligo. Therefore, pharmaceutical companies such as Incyte Corporation, Dermavant Sciences GmbH, Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. Amgen and other companies are developing novel therapies for the treatment of Vitiligo.

Incyte Corporation (Ruxolitinib/INCB018424)

Ruxolitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK1/JAK2) inhibitor discovered by Incyte scientists. Overactive signaling through the JAK-STAT pathway has been associated with many types of disease, including a group of rare blood cancers called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), as well also used for the treatment of Vitiligo. Ruxolitinib is currently under the clinical trial of Phase III. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib cream in adolescent and adult participants with non-segmental vitiligo for whom total body involved vitiligo area (facial and nonfacial) does not exceed 10% body surface area (BSA).

Dermavant Sciences GmbH (Cerdulatinib 0.37% gel/DMVT-502)

Cerdulatinib is a dual inhibitor of the Janus kinase (JAK) and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) pathways, which Dermavant is evaluating as a differentiated topical treatment option for vitiligo and other inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. The Phase IIa study is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study to assess the safety, tolerability, and systemic exposure of cerdulatinib gel 0.37%, dosed twice daily for six weeks versus vehicle in 30 adult patients aged 18-70 years diagnosed with vitiligo. The primary endpoints of the study are the safety and tolerability of topical administration of cerdulatinib gel 0.37% in adult subjects with vitiligo assessed by frequency, duration, and severity of adverse events (local and systemic), vital signs, laboratory values, and local tolerability scale (LTS) scores.

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (ATI-50002/ATI-502)

ATI-502 (AA-201 Topical), is an investigational topical Janus Kinase (JAK) 1/3 inhibitor, developed by aclaris therapeutics used to treat Vitiligo. Currently, ATI-502 is evaluated under the clinical trial study of Phase II. This is a multicenter, open-label study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of ATI-50002 Topical Solution 0.46% in subjects with non-segmental facial vitiligo. Subjects would be required to have a clinical diagnosis of non-segmental facial vitiligo affecting at least 0.25% of total body surface area (TBSA) (excluding upper and lower eyelids, mucosal lip areas, and forehead and chin areas covered by the stereotactic positioning device for photography) with at least one area of the face with normal pigmentation. Twenty-four eligible subjects would receive ATI-50002 Topical Solution, 0.46%, BID for 24 weeks.

Pfizer (PF-06651600)

PF-06651600 is an oral JAK3 inhibitor used to treat Vitiligo. The JAK pathways are believed to play an important role in inflammatory processes as they are involved in signaling for over 50 cytokines and growth factors, many of which drive immune-mediated conditions. JAK inhibition may offer patients with these conditions a potential new advanced treatment option.   PF-06651600 initiated a Phase II clinical trial study. This is a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, multicenter study with an extension period. The study would have a maximum duration of approximately 60 weeks. This includes an up to 4 weeks Screening Period, a 24-week dose-ranging period, an up to 24 week extension period and an 8 week Follow up Period.

Amgen (AMG 714)

AMG 714 (PRV-015) is a human immunoglobulin monoclonal antibody that binds to IL-15 developed by amgen used to treat Vitiligo. Currently, AMG 714 is evaluated under a clinical trial study. The Phase IIa, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center, proof of concept trial of AMG 714 for the treatment of vitiligo. Participants would be randomized 2:1 to receive AMG 714 or placebo for AMG714. The random assignment would be stratified by active versus stable vitiligo.

Vitiligo Emerging Pipeline Landscape

Company NameProduct NameMechanism of ActionRoute of AdministrationStage of Development
Incyte CorporationRuxolitinib/INCB018424JAK1/JAK2 InhibitorsTopicalPhase III
Dermavant Sciences GmbHCerdulatinib 0.37% gel/DMVT-502JAK/Syk InhibitorsTopicalPhase II
Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.ATI-50002Janus kinase 1 Inhibitors; Janus kinase 3 InhibitorsTopicalPhase II
PfizerPF-06651600JAK3 InhibitorsOralPhase II
AmgenAMG 714Interleukin 15 InhibitorsSubcutaneousPhase II

Myasthenia Gravis: Emerging Therapies

Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic autoimmune, neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles that worsens after periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. These muscles are responsible for functions involving breathing and moving parts of the body, including the arms and legs. It is characterized by muscular fatigue leading to extreme weakness. The fatigue is caused by the loss of ability to convert nerve impulses into muscle contraction. The disease affects muscles controlling voluntary movement including those associated with actions such as swallowing and breathing and usually begins in a mild form. Typical first symptoms are associated with the eyelid, sight, swallowing, and speech. Focal MG usually develops more or less rapidly into generalized MG with symptoms that appear in the arms and abdomen and subsequently in the legs and respiratory muscles.

Various diagnostic tests such as electro-diagnostics, diagnostic imaging, pulmonary function tests, and other tests are used for the diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis. Thymectomy, Monoclonal antibody, Anticholinesterase medications, and Immunosuppressive drugs are recommended for the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Several pharmaceutical companies such as CuraVac, argenx BVBA, Cartesian Therapeutics, Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc., RemeGen, and others are involved in the development of novel therapies for the treatment of Myasthenia Gravis.

CuraVac (CV-MG01)

Myasterix (CV-MG01) is an investigational therapeutic vaccine being developed by Curavac to alleviate the symptoms of myasthenia gravis. Myasterix is likely to have fewer side effects and a simpler method of administration than other therapies. The Myasterix vaccine induces the body to produce a different type of antibody, which binds to autoantibodies and T-cell receptors associated with myasthenia gravis. Obstructing receptors of the anti-AChR T-cells with the Mysterix-produced antibody prevents autoimmune production of anti-AChR antibodies. This is expected to unblock the AChR, restoring neuromuscular communication via acetylcholine successfully binding to its receptor.

Myasterix, is currently investigated under a clinical trial study. The Study CV-0002 is the first clinical trial administering CV-MG01 in humans. This clinical trial is a safety and proof-of-concept study (proof of mechanism of action) intended to assess the safety, tolerability, and immunogenic response following three subcutaneous injections of CV-MG01 as a potential therapeutic vaccine / active immunotherapy in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients.

Argenx BVBA (ARGX-113/ Efgartigimod)

Efgartigimod is designed as a first-in-class investigational antibody fragment to target the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). Efgartigimod is being evaluated for the treatment of patients with severe autoimmune diseases with confirmed presence of pathogenic immunoglobulin G, IgG autoantibodies, where a severe unmet medical need exists.

Cartesian Therapeutics (Descartes-08)

Descartes-08 is a CD8+ CAR-T investigational therapy that targets cells expressing B-cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA), a protein expressed by all plasma cells. Descartes-08 is engineered to have a defined and predictable half-life, enabling repeat dosing to maximize potency while minimizing the risk of toxicity

UCB Biopharma S.P.R.L. (Rozanolixizumab)

Rozanolixizumab is a subcutaneously administered, humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically binds, with high affinity, to human FcRn. It has been designed to block the interaction of FcRn and IgG, inhibiting IgG recycling and inducing the removal of pathogenic IgG autoantibodies. Rozanolixizumab is under clinical development with the aim of improving the lives of people with pathogenic IgG-autoantibody-driven autoimmune diseases, including ITP, myasthenia gravis (MG) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), by driving removal of pathogenic IgG autoantibodies

Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.( M281/ Nipocalimab)

Nipocalimab (M281) is a fully human, anti-FcRn (neonatal Fc receptor), aglycosylated IgG1 monoclonal antibody. Nipocalimab (M281) has the potential of improving the clinical signs and symptoms of MG by blocking FcRn-mediated IgG recycling, thereby reducing pathogenic autoantibodies including the most common autoantibodies, anti-AChR and anti-MuSK. Nipocalimab, is investigated under clinical trial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of M281 administered to participants with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who have an insufficient clinical response to ongoing standard of care therapy.

Immunovant Sciences GmbH (IMVT-1401)

The investigational drug product candidate, IMVT-1401 (formerly known as RVT-1401), is a novel, fully human monoclonal antibody targeting the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). IMVT-1401 has the potential to address a variety of IgG-mediated autoimmune diseases as a subcutaneous injection. The FcRn receptor facilitates IgG recycling. IMVT-1401 enhances the degradation of IgG by targeting FcRn and preventing endogenous IgG from binding. This increased catabolism of IgG may curtail the harmful immune response exhibited by auto-antibodies.

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Amifampridine Phosphate)

Amifampridine, a neuronal potassium channel blocker, is used for the treatment of MuSK-positive myasthenia gravis. Currently, Catalyst is enrolling patients into a phase III trial examining amifampridine  for the treatment of Myasthenia Gravis. The MuSK Trial is a phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study evaluating the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of amifampridine in patients with MuSK-MG and a small sample of patients with AChR-MG. Amifampridine has received the Orphan Drug Designation from the Food and Drug Administration FDA for the treatment of patients with myasthenia gravis.

RemeGen (RC18)

Investigational candidate RC18 is a fusion antibody created by RemeGen scientists to target signaling factors involved in the development and survival of B cells, the cell responsible for generating antibodies. RC18 is a fusion of a TACI (transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactors) protein and the IgG protein.

RC18 binds to BLyS (B lymphocyte stimulator) and APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand), preventing these cell-signaling molecules from binding to TACI proteins on the surface of the B cell. This inhibits the development and survival of mature B cells, preventing the formation of autoantibodies.

Emerging Pipeline Landscape of Myasthenia Gravis

Company NameProduct NameMechanism of ActionRoute of AdministrationStage of development
CuraVacCV-MG01Acetylcholine ModulatorsSubcutaneousPhase I/II
argenx BVBAARGX-113FcRn/ Neonatal Fc receptor AntagonistsIntravenousPhase III
Cartesian TherapeuticsDescartes-08CD8 + CART TherapyIntravenousPhase I/II
UCB Biopharma S.P.R.L.Rozanolixizumab/UCB7665Anti-(FcRn) antibodySubcutaneous Phase III
Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.M281/ NipocalimabAnti-FcRn AntibodyIntravenousPhase II
Immunovant Sciences GmbHIMVT-1401  Neonatal Fc Receptor AntagonistsSubcutaneousPhase II
DAS-MG, IncDAS-001Acetylcholinesterase InhibitorsNAPhase II
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Amifampridine PhosphateNeuronal Potassium Channel BlockerOralPhase III
RemeGenRC18
Fusion protein
BLyS/APRIL
subcutaneousPhase II

Cystic Fibrosis: Emerging Pipeline Landscape

Cystic Fibrosis is an autosomal, recessive inheritable genetic disease that causes severe damage to the respiratory and digestive systems. This damage often results from a buildup of thick, sticky mucus in the organs. It occurs as a result of a defect in what’s called the “cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator” gene, or CFTR gene. This gene controls the movement of water and salt in and out of your body’s cells. A sudden mutation causes the abnormality in CFTR gene and commonly affected the various organs including the lungs, pancreas, liver, and intestines. The symptoms of cystic fibrosis can vary depending on the person and the severity of the condition. The age at which symptoms develop can also differ. Symptoms may appear at infancy, but for other children, symptoms may not begin until after puberty or even later in life. As time passes, the symptoms associated with the disease may get better or worse.

Around 70,000-80,000 people worldwide are suffering from the Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis has the highest incidence and prevalence in Caucasian populations and is less common in other population groups. Every year, around 1,000 people are diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis in the United States.

Several pharmaceutical companies are developing the novel drugs for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis. The pipeline landscape of the cystic fibrosis is robust with the involvement of several drugs such as vancomycin hydrochloride inhalation powder, OligoG, ELX-02 and VX-561 etc. 

The pharmaceutical companies involved in developing emerging drugs against Cystic Fibrosis are as follows:

Savara Pharmaceuticals (AeroVanc)

AeroVanc (vancomycin hydrochloride inhalation powder) is an inhaled dry powder form of vancomycin for the treatment of the persistent (MRSA) lung infection in people living with Cystic Fibrosis. AeroVanc is in Phase III stage of development for the treatment of the Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) lung infection in Cystic Fibrosis. AeroVanc is effective in improving the clinical efficacy, and reducing the adverse effects due to lessor systemic drug exposure in comparison to the intravenous antibiotic treatment.

AlgiPharma (OligoG)

OligoG is a dry powder drug that has been shown to decrease the thickness of mucus in the lungs and may help individuals with cystic fibrosis clear mucus easier. OligoG help in improving the effectiveness of some antibiotics. It is administered using a dry powder inhaler and also developed as a liquid for use with a nebulizer

Currently, Phase IIb trial is currently running in Australia, with another Phase 2b scheduled to start in Europe H1 2020. The drug candidate OligoG for Cystic Fibrosis has Orphan Drug designation from both the European Medicines Agency and the FDA

Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ELX-02)

ELX-02, is a small molecule drug candidate designed to restore production of full-length functional proteins. It is in the early stages of clinical development focusing on cystic fibrosis and nephropathic cystinosis. ELX-02 is an investigational drug that has not been approved by any global regulatory body.

Furthermore, ELX-02, is a eukaryotic ribosomal selective glycoside (ERSG) designed to increase the read-through activity in patients with nonsense mutations and enable the production of sufficient amounts of full-length functional protein to restore activity.

Its Phase II program has been given a score of “high priority” by the European Cystic Fibrosis Society-Clinical Trial Network (ECFS-CTN).

Laurent Pharmaceuticals Inc. (LAU-7b)

LAU-7b is a novel and improved solid dosage form of fenretinide, requiring. once-a-day oral administration. It was recently tested in adult patients with Cystic Fibrosis in a dose-ascending where Phase Ib study, showing a good safety and tolerability, and promising pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic results.

The company is currently recruiting patients for its Phase II safety and efficacy study in adult patients with Cystic Fibrosis. The goal of the Phase II trial is to evaluate LAU-7b’s effect on the preservation of lung function, by reducing persistent unresolved inflammation in the lung and stimulating its return to homeostasis. The study would enroll 136 adults with Cystic Fibrosis for a treatment duration of 6 months and will involve more than 30 clinical sites in the USA and Canada.

Corbus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Lenabasum)

Lenabasum is a rationally-designed, oral, small-molecule that selectively binds as an agonist to the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2). It has a direct effect on fibroblasts to limit the production of fibrogenic growth factors and extracellular connective tissue that lead to tissue fibrosis. Lenabasum treatment has resulted in lowering the and longer time to pulmonary exacerbations in Phase II cystic fibrosis study. The Lenabasum had demonstrated the safety and tolerability profile in clinical studies. It has demonstrated safety and tolerability profile in clinical studies

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VX-561)

VX-561 is a deuterated form of ivacaftor that replaces one or more hydrogen atoms with deuterium. It is designed to keep CFTR proteins at the cell surface open longer to improve the flow of salt and water across the cell membrane, which helps hydrate and clear mucus from the airways.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VX-121 + TEZACAFTOR + VX-561)

VX-121 and tezacaftor act by increasing the amount of mature protein at the cell surface by targeting the processing and trafficking defect of the CFTR protein. VX-561 (deuterated ivacaftor) is designed to keep CFTR proteins at the cell surface open longer to improve the flow of salt and water across the cell membrane, which helps hydrate and clear mucus from the airways.

SolAeroMed Inc (S-1226)

S-1226 is a novel fast-acting bronchodilator, with airway lubricant properties to remove mucus.  It acts as a cough suppressant and is an anti-inflammatory agent. S-1226 is based on amalgation of Perflubron (a synthetic surfactant derivative) and carbon dioxide. When combined in inhalation therapy as S-1226 delivered by nebulization these compounds offer significant promise to treat respiratory diseases where breathing is compromised due to bronchoconstriction, excess mucus production, and/or impaired mucus motility. It has demonstrated the safety and efficacy for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis Emerging Pipeline Landscape

Company NameProduct nameStage of developmentMechanism of ActionRoute of administration
Savara Inc.Vancomycin inhalation powderPhase IIICell wall inhibitorsInhalation
AlgiPharma ASOligoG DPIPhase IIBacterial growth inhibitorsInhalation
Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.ELX-02Phase IIRibosomal protein modulatorsSubcutaneous
Corbus Pharmaceuticals Inc.LenabasumPhase IICannabinoid receptor CB2 agonistsOral
Laurent Pharmaceuticals Inc.LAU-7bPhase IIRetinoic acid receptor agonistsOral
Vertex Pharmaceuticals IncorporatedVX-121 + TEZACAFTOR + VX-561 Phase IIRegulated CFTR geneOral
SolAeroMed Inc.S-1226Phase IICell membrane permeability enhancers    Inhalation
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated VX-561Phase IIRegulated CFTR geneOral

Novel Coronavirus: Recent Updates

Novel Coronavirus: Recent Updates

Sanofi and GSK Collaborate to Develop Vaccine for COVID-19

Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline have signed a letter of intent to develop an adjuvanted vaccine for COVID-19, using innovative technology. Sanofi would contribute its S-protein COVID-19 antigen, which is based on recombinant DNA technology whereas the GSK would contribute its pandemic adjuvant technology. The use of an adjuvant technology would help in reducing the amount of vaccine protein required per dose, allowing more vaccine doses to be produced and therefore help in protecting the more people.

China Approves Two Experimental Coronavirus Vaccines to enter Clinical Trials

China has approved early-stage human tests for two experimental vaccines to combat the new coronavirus. One vaccine is being developed by a Beijing-based unit of Nasdaq-listed Sinovac Biotech, and another vaccine is being developed by the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products.

AstraZeneca to Test the Impact of Cancer Drug Calquence on Coronavirus Patients

AstraZeneca is planning to start a clinical trial of its cancer drug i.e. Calquence to assess its potential to control the exaggerated immune system response associated with COVID-19 infection in severely ill patients.

Calquence (acalabrutinib) belongs to a class of drugs called Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors which can suppress autoimmune diseases. Calquence is currently used to treat certain types of blood cancers, has already been approved for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in the United States and several other countries.

Celltrion Identifies Antibody Candidates against COVID-19

Celltrion has successfully selected the most potent antibody candidates to neutralise SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. Celltrion will begin cell-line development mass production of the selected therapeutic monoclonal antibody. The Company would conduct the efficacy and toxicity testing with Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) of the selected therapeutic monoclonal antibody in mice and non-human primates.

Immunomic collaborates with PharmaJet and EpiVax for COVID-19 Vaccine

Immunomic Therapeutics has entered into a collaboration with PharmaJet and EpiVax to develop a nucleic acid vaccine candidate against COVID-19. This collaboration would help in developing a vaccine that is scalable, heat-stable and easy to administer using PharmaJet’s Tropis needle-free injection system.

Vir selects Samsung Biologics to Produce COVID-19 Antibodies

Vir Biotechnology has selected South Korea-based Samsung Biologics for large-scale production of antibodies to potentially treat Covid-19. Under the terms of the collaboration, Samsung Biologics would provide the manufacturing services for Vir’s monoclonal antibody (mAb) programme targeting the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Vir’s lead mAb candidates, VIR-7831 and VIR-7832, had showed high affinity for the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and ability

Eli Lilly to Begin Testing RA Drug Olumiant and an Anti-Ang2 Drug in COVID-19 Patients

Eli Lilly plans to explore the use of its rheumatoid arthritis drug i.e.,  Olumiant (oral JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor)  as a treatment for hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Olumiant (Baricitinib) is approved in more than 65 countries as a treatment for adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. The clinical trial of  Olumiant for COVID-19 would begin this month and results are expected within the next two months.

Moreover, the company is planning to advance LY3127804, an investigational selective monoclonal antibody against Angiopoietin 2 (Ang2), to Phase II testing in pneumonia patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who are at a higher risk of progressing to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Ang2 is known to be elevated in ARDS patients and Lilly will test whether inhibiting the effects of Ang2 with a monoclonal antibody can reduce the progression to ARDS or the need for mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 patients

Promising Clinical Trial Results of Gilead Sciences’ Antiviral Drug Remdesivir for COVID-19

Gilead Sciences Inc.’s experimental drug i.e. remdesivir has shown the promise results in early analysis. All the patients received remdesivir for up to 10 days on a compassionate use basis. The clinical trial demonstrated the clinical improvement was observed in 36 of 53 patients (68%) over the 18 days with 17 of the 30 patients on mechanical ventilation being able to get off the breathing device. Almost half of the patients studied were ultimately discharged, while 13% died. Mortality was highest among those who were on a ventilator, with 18% of them dying. Measurement of efficacy will require ongoing randomized, placebo-controlled trials of remdesivir therapy

FDA Approves Rutgers’ Saliva Test for COVID-19

The diagnostic saliva test developed by RUCDR Infinite Biologics with Spectrum Solutions and Accurate Diagnostic Labs (ADL) has received the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This test involves the use of the saliva for the diagnosis of the COVID-19.

This test has eliminated the need for collecting the sample through nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal as the current COVID 19 diagnostic test requires a swab from deep in the nasal passages or the back of the throat. It puts the healthcare workers at risk of catching an infection. The diagnostic saliva test uses easy-to-collect saliva samples instead of the more difficult deep nose swabs in comparison to the existing diagnostic tests and would reduce the risk of healthcare workers from getting the infection.

Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL): Market Size & Forecast

Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL): Market Size & Forecast

Disease Overview

Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL) is the most common type of skin lymphoma. CTCL is rare cancer that begins in white blood cells called T cells (T lymphocytes) and these the T cells develop abnormalities that make them attack the skin. It appears as an eczema-like skin rashes and can affect widespread parts of the body.

There are different types of Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL). Mycosis Fungoides and Sezary syndrome are the most frequent type of Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL). The other forms of cutaneous lymphoma include the CD30 positive lymphoproliferative disorders (CD30+ LPDs), subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium pleomorphic T-cell lymphoma, Primary cutaneous gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma, Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, and others.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Classification

Indolent Clinical Behavior Aggressive Clinical Behavior
Mycosis fungoides Sézary syndrome  
Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma Primary cutaneous CD8+ aggressive epidermotopic T-cell lymphoma  
Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium pleomorphic T-Cell lymphoma   Primary cutaneous gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma  
CD30+ Lymphproliferative Disorders Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphomaLymphomatoid papulosis   Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type  

Epidemiology

According to the CmaxInsight, the total incident cases of Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) were calculated to be around 9,000 in 2018 in 7MM including the United States, EU5 countries (the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, and Germany) and Japan. The United States accounts for the highest incident cases of 3,430  in 2018 followed by EU5 countries, and Japan According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), the Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) affects males twice as often as females. The majority of the CTCL cases are diagnosed between the age-group of 40 to 60 years. Further, it is expected that the incident cases of the CTCL would increase over the forecasted period.

Market Size

According to the Cmaxinsight, the market size of Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL) is growing at a CAGR of 5.54% for the forecasted period 2018-2028 in 7MM including the United States, EU5 countries (the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, and Germany) and Japan. The United States accounts for the highest market share of around 40% in 2018 followed by EU5 countries, and Japan. The market is dominated by the availability of topical therapies, including corticosteroids, retinoids, different chemotherapy regimens, and others. The market is driven by rising incident cases, the expected launch of emerging therapies, technological advancement, and improving healthcare facilities.

Competitive Analysis

The market is dominated by the availability of the marketed drugs such as Istodax (Celgene Corporation), Poteligeo (Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co. Ltd), Valchlor/ Ledaga (Actelion), Uvadex (Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals), Targretin (Eisai Co., Ltd.), and Zolinza (Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp), and others. The expected launch of emerging therapies such as Quisinostat (Janssen), Remetinostat (Medivir AB), denileukin diftitox (Eisai Co., Ltd) and others shall have a positive impact on the market.

The companies are entering into the mergers, acquisitions, collaborations and other activities for increasing their market penetration. In January 2020, the Almirall had entered into an option agreement to acquire Bioniz Therapeutics and to establish a broad research agreement to further expand its innovative pipeline in medical dermatology. This collaboration would allow Almirall to executes its strategy to develop and expand its R&D pipeline with new treatment modalities with the objective to address highly underserved diseases within oncodermatology and immunodermatology.