Brain Tumor Drugs Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Therapy (Targeted Therapy, Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, and Others), By Indication (Pituitary, Meningioma, Glioma, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacy and Retail & Online Pharmacy), and Regional Forecast, 2022-2029

The global brain tumor drugs market size was valued at USD 2.31 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 2.43 billion in 2022 to USD 4.43 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.0% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with brain tumor drugs experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a decline of -3.4% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

Brain tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue in which brain cells grow and multiply rapidly and uncontrollably. There are majorly two types of brain tumors grouped into primary brain tumor and metastatic brain tumor. Primary brain tumor includes the tumor originated from the tissues of the brain or the surrounding of the brain. This type of tumor holds majority of brain tumor cases. For instance, according to the study published by a “Cancer Journal for Clinicians”, in 2021, an estimated 83,570 people were diagnosed with brain tumors in the U.S. from which 70.3% cases were of primary brain tumors.

Increasing prevalence of smoking, rising aging population, stress, exposure to electromagnetic radiations, and others are responsible for the increasing prevalence of brain tumors.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Deferred Diagnosis of New Cases during Pandemic Affected Market Growth

The market was negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The growth of the market was slowly driven during the period. Factors that were responsible for the decline in the market included reduced diagnosis and treatment rate of brain tumors during the period.

• For instance, the overall number of cancer patients was 23,600,000in 2019 and in 2020 this number was reduced to 19,300,000, a decline of 18.2% as compared to 2019.

Additionally, disruptions in the market faced by major market players in terms of manufacturing and supply chains are responsible for the limited growth of the market during the COVID-19 pandemic. The market players witnessed a significant decline in revenue generated during 2020. For instance, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. registered a decline of 29.4% in revenues generated in 2020 for the drug Avastin.

Though, the initiatives adopted by the governments of various countries for brain tumors during the pandemic maintained the market in 2021. Also, stockpiling of the medicines during COVID-19 resulted in a decline in sales of these drugs in 2021.

LATEST TRENDS

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Advancements in Brain Tumor Diagnosis to Support Market Growth 

The early diagnosis and treatment of the brain tumor are challenging due to factors such as the body's blood-brain barrier that usually guards the spinal cord and brain from injurious chemicals. However, this barrier also keeps out various types of chemotherapy. Thus, effective ways for the diagnosis and treatment of the brain tumor are essential. The prevalence of brain tumor is continuously increasing, which is attributed to the improvement of the diagnosis and treatment methods.                         

Prognostic biomarkers play an important role in the development of personalized medicines and improving the survival rate of the people suffering from brain tumor. The methods used to diagnose glioma at an advanced stage include neurological and neuroimaging tests. One of the key strategies for the refined diagnosis and treatment of brain tumor includes the assessment of genetic parameters in biopsy specimens of brain tumor patients.

Additionally, the circulating nucleic acid found in blood and the other biological fluids can be used as a marker for the early diagnosis and treatment of brain tumor.

• In November 2018, a new study was done by the ‘National Cancer Institute’ on liquid biopsy, which may reveal whether a child with a type of brain tumor known as a diffuse midline glioma has a specific mutation associated with the disease.

The diffused molecular methods are used to analyze these genetic biomarkers and identify the nucleic acid mutations. Direct sequencing, high-resolution melting (HRM), immunohistochemistry, and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) are some molecular methods for analyzing biomarkers. These techniques are used to diagnose & treat the brain tumor by identifying the presence or absence of genetic mutations.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Prevalence of Brain Cancer Cases to Augment the Market Growth

The prevalence of cancer is increasing globally due to factors such as changing eating habits, lifestyle changes, increasing urbanization, and increasing prevalence of smoking. For instance, according to the WHO, in 2020, around 23.0% of the adults in the world smoke tobacco. Thus, the rising prevalence of smoking among the adult population is supporting the growth of cancer cases in the world.

Additionally, the diagnosis and treatment rate is also increasing due to the rising prevalence of various cancer types. For instance, according to GLOBOCAN, in 2020, approximately 19,300,000 people worldwide were suffering from various types of cancers.

Brain tumor holds around 1.0%-2.0% of the total cancer types and the death rate for this cancer is also very high. Factors such as high exposure to radiation and growing aging population are responsible for the higher prevalence of brain tumor.

• For instance, according to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), around 308,102 new brain & CNS cancer cases were recorded globally. Brain and CNS cancer was the 20^th most common disease in 2020. The five-year prevalence of brain and CNS cancer was 10.74 per 100,000 people worldwide.

Also, in North America and Asia Pacific, the incidence and prevalence of brain cancer is increasing rapidly. Thus, the increasing prevalence of brain tumor is supporting the growth of treatment and diagnosis in the region. For instance, according to the American Cancer Society, in the U.S., the number of cases of brain cancer was approximately 24,530 in 2021. Additionally, the increasing research & development of these drugs and the growing government funding for them are expected to support the market growth.

• In May 2020, National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) announced that it is providing funding of USD 100,000 to support research on the novel drug candidate, CT-179, which is being established as a potential treatment for glioblastoma by Curtana Pharmaceuticals.

Thus, factors, such as increasing prevalence of brain cancer and the increasing brain tumor diagnosis and treatment rate worldwide, are leading to rising demand for brain tumor drugs.

Strong Presence of Pipeline Candidates to Support the Market Growth    

Rising prevalence of brain cancer and increasing diagnosis rates especially in developed countries are presenting a large patient pool requiring treatment. This along with increasing focus of market players toward R&D activities to introduce advanced drugs with clinical benefits for the treatment and management of the condition is driving the brain tumor drugs market growth.

Identification of the unmet needs, such as availability of these drugs in the market, aligned with the different stages in managing brain cancer, may help in changing priorities for research & development and improving the therapeutic approach of physicians. Thus, numerous pharmaceutical companies are investing in R&D activities to develop novel drugs that can be used for the treatment of brain tumors.

• For instance, according to the ClinicalTrials.gov., by 2021, there are more than 150 candidates available in the clinical trials for brain tumor, which are funded by the industry.

Additionally, research institutes are receiving funding from government authorities to conduct research on these drugs. For instance, in September 2020, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation received a rare Pediatric Disease Designation and Orphan Drug Designation for their drug OKN-007, an investigational drug for treating malignant glioma.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Comparatively Lower Diagnosis and Treatment Rates Coupled with Limited Reimbursement to Decline Market Growth 

Several side effects associated with brain tumor drugs, along with the high costs of these drugs, are some of the prominent factors limiting the growth of the market. Additionally, lower diagnosis and treatment rates of brain tumors and limited reimbursement policies for these drugs in developing countries are expected to decline the market growth.

The diagnosis and treatment rates for brain cancer are much lower in developing countries than developed countries. For instance, in China, the prevalence of brain tumor was 14.82 people per 100,000 people in 2021. But, the treatment rate of the brain tumor is very low as compared to developed countries.

• For instance, the treatment rate of brain tumor in China is around 10%- 15%. The main reason behind the lower treatment rate is the limited reimbursement policies for brain tumor.

Despite, the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumor in developing countries is increasing, but the high cost of these treatments & drugs is limiting the adoption of these drugs in the market. Furthermore, the lack of reimbursement policies in the developing countries for the treatment of brain tumor is limiting the growth of these drugs in developing countries.

SEGMENTATION

By Therapy Analysis

Increasing Number of Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy to Drive the Growth of the Segment

Based on the therapy, the market is segmented into targeted therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and others.

The chemotherapy segment led the market in terms of revenue as chemotherapy is widely accepted as adjuvant therapy in medical practice for the treatment of brain tumors. Chemotherapy is considered the first line of treatment for brain cancer.

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  • For instance, according to Cancer Research U.K., approximately 28% of patients diagnosed with cancer in England had chemotherapy as their primary cancer treatment.
  
  
  
  

The targeted therapy segment is projected to see significant growth during the study period due to the increasing adoption and shifting preferences of people toward targeted therapy for cancer treatment. Additionally, the growing product launches of the targeted therapy drugs and increasing clinical collaborations for developing these drugs are projected to support the market growth.

The immunotherapy segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period due to the increasing focus on R&D activities related to immunotherapy for brain tumor treatment. Additionally, increasing approvals & launches of immunotherapy drugs for the treatment of brain tumor are expected to support the market growth.

• For instance, in July 2020, the U.S FDA approved the use of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for multiple cancer indications. The drug is indicated for cancer patients that have a genetic mutation called tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) in the gene.

The others segment includes steroids, hormones, and other therapies. This segment is projected to grow at a significant growth rate during the forecast period. Increasing demand for steroids for the treatment of brain tumors is projected to support the growth of this segment.

By Indication Analysis

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Growing Prevalence of Malignant Brain Tumor is a Leading Factor Attributed to the Dominance of Glioma Segment

On the basis of indication, the market is segmented into pituitary, meningioma, glioma, and others.

The glioma segment dominated the market in 2021 and is expected to grow due to the rising prevalence of malignant brain tumor globally, along with the increasing launches of drugs for treating glioblastoma to support the market growth. For instance, in December 2020, CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. received IND approval from the U.S. FDA for its drug Berubicin to treat metastatic cancer of the brain and central nervous system.

The meningioma segment is anticipated to have a growing CAGR during the forecast period due to factors such as the rising incidence of meningioma and growing research studies on primary brain tumor. For instance, in 2020, in the U.S., approximately 37,020 people were diagnosed with meningioma.

The pituitary segment is projected to grow with a significant CAGR during the study period due to various factors such as the rising incidences of petard tumor around the world and improved diagnosis rates of various types of brain tumors.

The others segment is expected to grow with a significant CAGR, owing to increasing prevalence of rare brain tumors globally.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Increasing Hospital Admissions for the Brain Tumor to Support Growth of Hospital Pharmacy Segment 

Based on the distribution channel, the market is segmented into hospital pharmacy and retail & online pharmacy.

The hospital pharmacy segment dominated the market with a significant share. Brain tumor drugs are prescribed after diagnosis and require administration in hospitals, supporting this segment's growth. Additionally, the claim of health insurance policies in hospitals supports the growth of hospital pharmacies.

The growth of the retail pharmacy & online pharmacy segment is due to the gradual shift of patients toward online pharmacies due to their popularity among the general population.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The market in North America reached a valuation of USD 1.01 billion in 2021. The region was leading due to factors such as proper reimbursement policies in the U.S. for these drugs and increasing launches of drugs in the market. For instance, in April 2022, Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. received the U.S. FDA approval for its product ALYMSYS (bevacizumab-maly), a biosimilar of Avastin for the treatment of various cancers including recurrent glioblastoma in adults.

In Europe, the market is primarily driven by the prevalence of primary brain tumor, favorable regulatory scenarios in key European countries, and increasing focus on research activities for developing brain tumor drugs. For instance, according to national and regional estimates, around USD 115.00 billion was spent on cancer care in Europe in 2019, out of which direct costs of cancer drugs accounted for around USD 35.00 to 40.00 billion.

The Asia Pacific brain tumor drugs market share is the highest in the market due to varying regulatory policies for the approval of new drugs. Additionally, rising awareness about brain tumor and its types in the region supports the growth of the market in this region.

For instance, according to the brain tumor research, in Australia, the average rating of brain tumor care was the lowest of all the cancers, with a score of 8.37 out of 10.

The market in Latin America is rising due to the increasing rate of diagnosis and treatment of brain tumor, which created a demand for these drugs in the region. This, along with the launch of new drugs in the region, is helping in the growth of the market in the region.

The Middle East and Africa market will continue to expand at considerable market share during the forecast period, which is attributable to improving healthcare infrastructure and government initiatives for the awareness of brain tumor.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG is Leading the Market Owing to Strong Portfolio of Brain Tumor Drugs 

The market is consolidated, with a few brain tumor drugs players holding a major share of the market. The competitive landscape of the market includes leading pharmaceutical companies, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Novartis AG, Amgen Inc., and Merck & Co., Inc., which hold a dominating place with a strong portfolio in brain tumor drugs. Increasing approvals for the drugs by the FDA support the company's growth. In April 2020, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. received Health Canada approval for its drug Rozlytrek (entrectinib) for adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic extracranial solid tumors, including brain metastases.

The other major players such as NextSource Pharmaceuticals, LLC., Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC., and others mark a strong global presence. The strategic decisions taken by these players support the growth of these companies.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (U.S.)


• Novartis AG (Switzerland)


• Merck & Co. Inc. (U.S.)


• Pfizer Inc. (U.S.)


• Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. (U.S.)


• Amgen Inc. (U.S.)


• NextSource Pharmaceuticals, LLC (U.S.)


• Emcure Pharmaceuticals (India)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• September 2022- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. announced its agreement to acquire Good Therapeutics. Upon this acquisition, the company will gain rights to Good Therapeutics’ platform technology applicable to a wide range of areas, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disease, and pain management.


• June 2022- Novartis AG received FDA approval for Tafinlar + Mekinist for the treatment of pediatric and adult patients suffering with solid tumors with BRAF V600E mutation. The BRAF mutations drive tumor growth in more than 20 tumor types, including brain, thyroid, and others.


• November 2021- Pfizer Inc. acquired Trillium Therapeutics, a clinical stage immuno-oncology company primarily focused on developing innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer.


• December 2021- Novartis AG entered into a collaboration and licensing agreement with BeiGene for TIGIT inhibitor ociperlimab to strengthen its immunotherapy pipeline. The drug is currently being evaluated for a wide range of solid tumors.


• April 2020- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd received Health Canada approval for its drug Rozlytrek (entrectinib) for adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic extracranial solid tumors, including brain metastases.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Brain Tumor Drugs Market

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The research report provides a detailed market analysis. It focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, therapy, indication, and distribution channel. Besides this, it offers insights into the market trends, impact of COVID-19, and other key insights. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation