Axial Spondyloarthritis Treatment Market

Axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disorder, which primarily affects the axial skeleton. AxSpA is a type of arthritis that is often associated with inflammatory bowel disease, psoriatic arthritis, and reactive arthritis. Axial spondyloarthritis is divided into two stages: radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (patients with already developed structural damage in the sacroiliac joints or spine visible on radiographs) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (patients without such structural damage). Radiographic axial spondyloarthritis is also known as ankylosing spondylitis. Chronic inflammatory back pain is the major symptom of axial spondyloarthritis along with stiffness of the pelvis and the lower back; however, any part of the spine can be involved. The etiology of axial spondyloarthritis remains unclear. Genetics play a major role as the condition is inheritable, with mutations in certain genes, including the human leukocyte antigen B27 gene, known to be associated with an increased risk of developing axial spondyloarthritis. This disorder can be diagnosed at an early stage with X-ray, whereas conformation is done with the help of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and C-reactive protein (CRP) tests. 

People across the world are suffering from spondyloarthritis. A study published in the Arthritis Care & Research in 2012 regarding the prevalence of axial spondyloarthritis estimated that around 1% of the adult population of the U.S. (nearly 2.7 million) could be suffering from axial spondyloarthritis. According to the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society, around 3 million people, close to 6% of the adult population, of the U.K. was suffering from chronic low back pain longer than 3 months in 2012. Research studies suggest that axial spondyloarthritis is most prevalent in Caucasians. Ankylosing spondylitis is more common in male adults, whereas non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis occurs more frequently in females. 

Axial spondyloarthritis is often associated with a series of co-morbidities and extra-articular manifestations, including cardiovascular risk, inflammatory bowel disease, and uveitis. Increase in the number of approved biosimilars and rise in prevalence of axial spondyloarthritis are projected to drive the global axial spondyloarthritis treatment market during the forecast period. However, high cost of biologics is anticipated to restrain the global axial spondyloarthritis  treatment market. Biologics are expensive due to lengthy testing and manufacturing processes and high investment required for research and development. 

The global axial spondyloarthritis treatment market can be segmented based on class of drug and end-user. In terms of class of drug, the global axial spondyloarthritis treatment market can be categorized into non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), TNFα inhibitors, and conventional disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs & glucocorticoids. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are highly effective and most commonly used in the treatment of axial spondyloarthritis. Based on end-user, the global axial spondyloarthritis treatment market can be classified into hospitals, clinics, and academic research institutes. 

In terms of region, the global axial spondyloarthritis treatment market can be segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is projected to lead the global axial spondyloarthritis treatment market during the forecast period. The region’s dominance is attributed to higher percentage of total income spent on health care compared to other economies, appropriate reimbursement, and high awareness. Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest growing axial spondyloarthritis treatment market owing to increase in the geriatric population, large population, and improving health care infrastructure. 

Key players operating in the global axial spondyloarthritis treatment market are Abbott Laboratories, GlaxoSmithKline plc, UCB Biosciences GmbH, Pfizer, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., AbbVie, Inc., Johnson and Johnson, AstraZeneca plc, Eli Lilly and Company, and Novartis AG.