As a result of new gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonists being introduced to the endometriosis market, its value is expected to increase from $1.05 billion in 2020 to $2.72 billion in 2030 across the seven major markets (7MM*) at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10%, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Amy Murray, Healthcare Analyst at GlobalData comments: “Despite the availability of 17 marketed therapies from several different drug classes, the level of unmet need in the endometriosis market remains significant. The efficacy of many endometriosis therapies often diminishes over time, and women frequently experience side effects including menopausal-like symptoms and decreases in bone mineral density. As a result, compliance is affected and invasive surgical intervention is made, often repeatedly throughout the reproductive years.”

The company’s latest report, ‘Endometriosis Market Size and Trend Report, 2020-2030’, reveals that the market release of several GnRH antagonists including Myovant’s relugolix combination tablet, sold under the brand names Myfembree and Ryeqo in the US and 5EU, respectively, will be key drivers of growth in the endometriosis market. Kissei Pharmaceutical’s GnRH antagonist, Yselty (linzagolix), will be another important driver of growth during the forecast period. This drug class is expected to represent 69.6% of the endometriosis market in 2030, equivalent to approximately $1.89 billion.

Murray notes: “The need for more effective drugs with long-term safety and tolerability should be met with the launch of several GnRH antagonists during the forecast period. GnRH antagonists are thought to have improved efficacy and safety profiles compared to the GnRH agonists and offer the advantage of being administered orally, a method that will likely improve compliance rates and provide patients with the option of cessation.”

A third pipeline candidate, quinagolide, is also highlighted in GlobalData’s report and is expected to launch in the US and 5EU in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Quinagolide is a non-hormonal dopamine receptor antagonist currently in Phase II development under Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Quinagolide is a unique endometriosis therapy because it does not interfere with ovulation. The therapy also offers the advantage of being an extended-release vaginal ring which will likely bolster patient compliance and adherence rates.

Murray adds: “The fact that quinagolide does not interfere with ovulation means that this therapy will likely meet a large gap in the market among women who want to conceive while also reducing their endometriosis-associated pain. This represents a significant demographic within the endometriosis patient pool, as the majority of women who suffer from endometriosis are of childbearing age.”

While the endometriosis market is projected to grow steadily during the forecast period, the market remains highly genericized and contains many off-label medications, presenting a stiff barrier of entry for pipeline drugs. Nevertheless, the anticipated launch of the three pipeline therapies Ryeqo, Yselty and quinagolide will meet significant unmet needs, which will provide a strong driving force for market growth within the endometriosis space, leading to an overall upward trend.

*7MM: The US, 5EU (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK), and Japan