The multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying therapy (DMT) market across the seven major markets (7MM*) is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.7% from $22.0 billion in 2024 to $25.9 billion in 2034, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest report, “Multiple Sclerosis: Seven Market Drug Forecast and Market Analysis” reveals that this modest growth will be driven by the anticipated launches of seven late-stage pipeline products during the forecast period, which will together contribute $7.8 billion in sales by 2034.
Most marketed DMTs for MS target peripheral inflammation to reduce relapses; however, few possess neuroprotective effects and, as such, have an insufficient impact on the underlying neurological deterioration caused by MS. Key opinion leaders (KOLs) interviewed by GlobalData noted that while the marketed anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies are high efficacy treatments for reducing annualized relapse rates, they have modest efficacy in targeting progressive MS.
Christie Wong, Managing Neurology Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The MS therapeutics market has entered an exciting phase, with the anticipated launches of late-stage pipeline products that show promise on neuroprotection and progressive forms of MS.”
One of the novel emerging groups is the Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) class of drugs, which includes four agents in late-stage development for MS: Sanofi’s tolebrutinib, Genentech/Roche’s fenebrutinib, Novartis’ remibrutinib, and InnoCare Pharma’s orelabrutinib.
Wong adds: “While BTKis are a new player in the MS field, they have been successfully used in oncology for many years. KOLs interviewed by GlobalData were excited about the mechanism of action (MOA) of BTKis and their potential to target the innate and adaptive immune system in MS patients.”
Other late-stage pipeline products with novel MOAs being investigated in reducing disability progression or disease activity include Sanofi’s frexalimab, Immunic’s vidofludimus calcium, and AB Science’s masitinib. Furthermore, the MS pipeline offers small molecules that are orally administered, providing an alternative to the injectable biologics currently dominating the MS market.
Wong notes: “However, as DMTs for the treatment of MS have not been investigated in an adjunctive setting, new products will have to compete with established products that are well entrenched in physicians’ treatment algorithms.”
While the MS market is projected to grow during the forecast period across the 7MM, it may face some challenges that will hinder its growth. Several key branded products that are expected to face patent and data exclusivity expiration.
Wong concludes: “The loss of patent exclusivity will allow cheaper biosimilar and generic small molecules to enter the market. Nonetheless, the launches of the pipeline therapies will fuel overall market growth in the MS space.”
*7MM- US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, and Japan
