Industry insights
The global glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) market was estimated to be USD 464.8 million in 2016 and is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period primarily due to the rising ageing population. GBM typically occurs between 45 to 65 years of age.
Global glioblastoma multiforme market revenue, by region, 2014- 2024 (USD Million)
Glioblastoma has an exceedingly creative treatment pipeline with over 100 first-in-class programs. Development in research and upcoming drug launches are instrumental to the growth of the market. Besides, an increasing incidence of glioblastoma over the years has also added to the growth. In addition, the current unmet need is expected to drive the GBM industry over the forecast period.
With approximately 3% to 5% of people surviving longer than five-year, survival chances among people suffering from this disease is marginal. The relative survival in both men and women is maximum in the first year and then declines sharply post the second year and with a meager 5-year survival rate. Men are more prone to glioblastoma than women. The ratio of occurrence for men is 1.6 times higher than females.
Variables such as age, tumor location, preoperative enactment status, preoperative imaging features of the tumor, and degree of resection location distress the prognosis of patients with GBM.
Treatment paradigm has profoundly been influenced by the marketed drug Avastin, and possibly by effective EGFR inhibitors such as Tarceva in the treatment of other oncology signs. The largest segment of the pipeline – receptor tyrosine kinases and ligands – consists primarily of EGFR targeting nearly 41% of the cases. The clinical and commercial success of Avastin will inspire other companies to direct study into similar treatments.
The treatment for glioblastoma multiforme is still a challenge due to the failure of any contemporary methods to treat cancer. The FDA or the food and drug administration has permitted the approval of a new indication for temozolomide from Temodar. This medication is used concurrently as maintenance therapy after the radiotherapy or with radiotherapy. It can prolong the life of the adult patients who are diagnosed newly with glioblastoma multiforme.
There are around 8,000 to 10,000 cases diagnosed for glioblastoma multiforme every year. There are various other drugs for the treatment such as Avastin, Bevacizumab, Carmustine, Procarbazine amongst others and all these drugs are prescription-only medicines.
Segmentation by region
• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Rest of the World
North America dominated the global glioblastoma multiforme industry in 2016 and the trend is expected to continue over the projected period. It is expected that around 80,000 new cases will be registered related to brain tumours in the year 2017 which includes 26,000 primary malignant brain tumours.
U.S. has the highest number of malignant tumor cases, with approximately 12,390 new patient registrations expected by the end of 2017. The incidence rate is very high in countries with high development index for males; it is three-fold as compared to the countries with low human development index.
Europe had one of the highest incidences of cancer-related deaths and is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 10% during the forecast period. On an average, around 15,000 cases of glioblastoma multiforme are diagnosed every year in Europe. Sweden and Norway are among the key countries within the Europe GBM market.
Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region over the forecast period. In the region, the incidence rate of glioblastoma is relatively high in countries such as Japan and China. The region is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.6% over the projected period.
Competitive landscape
Companies are focusing on research and development in molecular biotechnology and gene therapy of disorders related to the central nervous system and cancer. This advancement in molecular biology and gene therapy provides innovative possibilities for effective treatment of GBM.
Unavailability of a particular set of diagnosis and therapies for the cure of GBM is expected to continue over the forecast period with an increasing prospect of introducing new drugs and therapies. Major players like Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Merck & Co. Inc., Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd. are mainly focusing on the research and development for the cure of GBM.
