Dermatomyositis Treatment Market

Dermatomyositis is a form of inflammatory myopathy in which degenerative and inflammatory changes occur in the skin and the muscles. It is a rare form of acquired muscle disease that is accompanied by skin rashes. Symptoms of dermatomyositis may vary broadly from patient to patient. Deformities in the muscles may initiate with weakness and pain in the muscles of the thighs (proximal muscles), the hips, the upper arms, and the trunk. The muscles may become tender, sore, and stiff and eventually, they may express signs of degeneration (atrophy). Persons affected by dermatomyositis may experience struggle in the execution of certain tasks such as swallowing, or/and speaking, or/and climbing stairs, or/and raising their arms. Deformities in the skin often comprise typical, reddish-purple-colored, heliotrope rashes across the cheeks or on the upper portion of the eyelid (heliotrope eyelids), on the scalp and parts of the forehead, and on bridge of the nose, showing a ‘butterfly’ form of distribution. Several other distinctive rashes comprise redness and scaling of the knees, the elbows, the knuckles, or/and other expander regions (Gottron’s papules); an unusual agglomeration of fluid (edema) in body tissues nearby the eyes; or/and several other characteristics.

Symptoms of juvenile or childhood dermatomyositis are similar to those of the adult form of the disease. However, in children, the onset is generally quicker. In addition, calcification or atypical deposition of calcium in the skin and muscle tissues is common in dermatomyositis. Also, involvement of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is more common in this condition. Moreover, in some patients with dermatomyositis, there may be a correlation to an underlying malignancy (cancer). Several researches reveal that cancer may occur following the onset of dermatomyositis. Cancer-related dermatomyositis is observed to occur more frequently in persons aged between 40 and 50 years. Though there is no characteristic cancer type or site, specialists specify that underlying cancers can most commonly grow in the testes, the ovaries, the breasts, the lungs, the GI tract, or some lymphoid tissues (in case of multiple myeloma, certain lymphomas, and leukemia) or lymphocytes (white blood cells).

According to Rare Disease Organization, the rate of incidence of dermatomyositis is estimated to be around 9.63 cases per million people globally. In children, dermatomyositis symptoms commonly occur between 5 and 15 years of age. Around three in 1,000,000 children are affected by juvenile dermatomyositis. In women, chances of dermatomyositis are two times greater than those in men. The global dermatomyositis treatment market is expanding rapidly, due to rising awareness about the disease and availability of treatments. Moreover, genetic mutations and several other factors that cause immune problems drive the global market for dermatomyositis treatment. In developing countries, unawareness about the disease restrains the market.

The global dermatomyositis treatment market can be segmented based on type of medication, distribution channel, and geography. In terms of type of medication, the market can be classified into pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacotherapy. The pharmacotherapy segment can be sub-classified into corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, immune globulins, and antimalarial agents. The non-pharmacotherapy segment can be sub-divided into general therapeutic measures and surgery. Based on distribution channel, the global dermatomyositis treatment market can be segregated into hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, and online pharmacy.

Geographically, the global dermatomyositis treatment market can be segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominates the global market due to advanced lifestyle and awareness among the people in the region. Development of advanced medications and diagnostic tests is a major factor driving the market in the region. The market in Asia Pacific is expected to expand at a high growth rate during the forecast period, due to presence of rapidly developing economies such as China and India in the region.

Key players operating in the global dermatomyositis treatment market include Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited, Abbott, Sanofi S.A., Cipla Inc., and Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd.