A number of pharmaceutical companies involved in developing IBS treatment options are in the late-stage pipeline are expected to emerge in the market between now and 2019. This will increase the consumption of medicines and propel the growth of the market.
The drugs that are to be launched are expected to cater to the huge unmet needs present in the market. Some of the drugs that are expected to be launched during the forecast period are:
- JNJ-27018966 by Furiex Pharmaceuticals
- Xifaxan by Salix Pharmaceuticals
- Ibodutant by Menarini Pharmaceuticals
Huge Unmet Needs for IBS Treatment Options
The presence of huge unmet needs is a result of the lack of a significant number of drugs approved by the FDA and the use of off-label drugs, which cause several adverse side effects from severe chronic idiopathic constipation and ischemic colitis to abdominal discomfort and pain, nausea and viral gastroenteritis.
There are only four approved medications for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in the market:
- Lotronex
- Amitiza
- Linzess or Constella
- Irribow
The demand for drugs that are less expensive and have fewer side effects is high in the market. The formulation of new drugs, with the required safety and efficacy profile, to treat irritable bowel syndrome gives companies an edge over their peers.
Expected Launch of Disorder-Modifying Drugs
The expected launch of disorder-modifying drugs such as those targeting the root-cause of irritable bowel syndrome will help in the complete remission of patients. These drugs, such as nerve growth factor binders, calcium channel blocker, and transient receptor potential vanilloid, are expected to be launched during the forecast period.
Moreover, these drugs are premium-priced and hence will help boost the growth of the market.
IBS Market Landscape at a Glance
The Global Irritable Bowel Syndrome Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.04 percent for the 2015-2019.
The market is mainly dominated by off-label drugs and low-cost generic versions of labeled drugs. This leads to the presence of huge unmet needs in the market. Moreover, the drugs used to treat irritable bowel syndrome have adverse side effects, and hence are less popular among patients and the medical fraternity.
The number of patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome is significantly increasing, which will contribute to the growth of the market. Formulation of new drugs, with the required safety and efficacy profile, to treat irritable bowel syndrome gives new players an opportunity to enter the market.
The market is also witnessing the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), which includes fiber intake, peppermint oil, Chinese herbal medications, Tibetan herbal digestive, probiotics, and mind and body therapies such as hypnotherapy and acupuncture.
Apart from that, relaxation therapies, yoga, and reflexology are frequently used for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome because they are less expensive compared to current medicines available in the market.
Patients also use dietary and nutritional supplements to manage the disorder. An increase in awareness about irritable bowel syndrome and drugs for its treatment is expected to propel the market during the forecast period.
