APAC Epilepsy Drugs Market Analysis

The APAC Epilepsy Drugs Market size stood at around xx Bn in 2023 and is projected to reach US $xx Bn by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period.

The APAC Contraceptives Drugs Market Analysis Executive Summary

Epilepsy is neurological disorder that is common in the world and is estimated to affect about 50 million people; it is categorized by seizures that originate from the abnormal discharge of nerve cells. Epilepsy may manifest itself through simple or complex partial seizures; focal onset with impaired awareness; generalized onset; absence seizures; myoclonic seizures and tonic-clonic seizures; seizures may be weekly bouts or many times a day. Epilepsy is defined when a person experiences two or more unprovoked seizures as opposed to a single seizure event. Previously, epilepsy was considered a taboo; this view still exists today affecting the patient’s well-being. AEDs encompass Levetiracetam, Lamotrigine, Valproic acid, Phenytoin, Topiramate, Oxcarbazepine, Gabapentin, Lacosamide, Perampanel, and Clobazam, all of which aim at minimizing seizure occurrence.

Epilepsy market is emerging due to factors such as the growing incidence of this disease, increased awareness, and new developments in the treatment of the disease. Third generation AEDs and neuro stimulations enhance efficacy and has fewer side effects compared to previous generations. The market is also affected by favorable policies, efforts demanding full insurance coverage, and requests for more research. Specific emphasis is also given to the progression of new pediatric solutions and growth in untapped regions such as the Asia-Pacific area. Individualized care, where patient get the right treatment that best suits him or her is beginning to be considered. Nonetheless, there are still barriers like high cost of treatment, poor insurers’ compensation, and stigma that hinder patient access and treatment compliance. In conclusion, it can be stated that the epilepsy market has great potential in the future with further development of new products and changes in healthcare legislation. 

APAC Epilepsy Drugs Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

The overall incidence of epilepsy has been increasing worldwide because of such factors as increased awareness of the condition, enhanced diagnostic capabilities, and an aging population needing better treatments for the condition. There is a high emphasis on the development of new AEDs with better tolerability, safety, and efficacy by pharmaceutical companies, and this contributes to the market growth. Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) are some of the new brain stimulation treatments that are also making a significant contribution to this growth by helping enhance patient’s quality of life and decrease seizure occurrence. Awareness among the public and the advocacy for early diagnosis leading to treatment also enhances market development. Furthermore, the availability of AEDs for children along with increasing epilepsy prevalence in children are key factors to market growth. Public and healthcare system financing
for epilepsy study is the advancement of drugs and the development of new therapies. 

Opportunity

Continuous and innovative efforts in using newer molecules in anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), especially third-generation ones, represent a potential for improvement in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. It is planned that these new drugs will be more effective and have fewer side effects compared with existing drugs. Moreover, recent research indicates that up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure-free if properly diagnosed and treated. There is also a growing need for distinguishing specific paediatric treatments due to the increasing number of epilepsy cases in children. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to experience significant growth due to advancements in diagnosis and healthcare. The shift towards an individual medicine concept, based on genetic and phenotypic variability, is improving prognosis and minimizing adverse effects. Additionally, the regulatory environment’s friendly and fast-track approval mechanisms are helping to bring new products to market, thereby increasing prospects for treating patients.

Market Restraints

The high cost of modern therapies like neurostimulation devices and anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) can cause adoption challenges in low and middle-income countries. However, there are still deficiencies in the knowledge about epilepsy and its treatments, and prejudice, which can interfere with the patient’s timely treatment. Limited availability of hospitals and doctors, especially in the rural regions, is another factor that hinders market growth. These side effects of AEDs such as weight gain, teratogenicity and cognitive problems affect compliance with treatment. Limited insurance coverage and lengthy procedures of the approval of new products may lead to the prolonged time to develop new therapies, especially for small firms. Besides, the existence of drug-resistant epilepsy also poses a threat to the market potential since there are few effective treatments for such conditions. 

Competitive Landscape for Epilepsy Drugs Market in APAC

Key Players

• Abbott Laboratories 
• GlaxoSmithKline PLC 
• Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Inc. 
• Novartis AG 
• UCB S.A.
• Pfizer, Inc.
• Bausch Health Companies Inc.
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc.
• Eisai Co.

Recent Developments:

January 2024, Akumentis Healthcare has introduced Clasepi, a DCGI-approved prescription cannabidiol (CBD) designed to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), Dravet Syndrome, or Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) in patients aged 1 year and older.

Mergers and Acquisitions

January 2022, Belgian pharmaceutical company UCB has announced its acquisition of Zogenix for up to $1.9 billion. This significant deal includes Fintepla, an FDA-approved medication for treating seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and currently under review for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and CDKL5 deficiency disorder. 

January 2023, Catalyst Pharmaceuticals has finalized its acquisition of the U.S. rights to FYCOMPA (perampanel), a drug used to treat different types of seizures. 

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape for Epilepsy Drugs Market in APAC

Policy changes and Reimbursement scenario

Patient organizations are campaigning for broader mandatory insurance of comprehensive epilepsy care to limit costs and enhance treatment compliance since it can be hindered due to out of pocket expenses. Any measures that reduce patient affordability are correlated with poor medication compliance and higher lifetime costs associated with seizures. To improve the options of treatment, augmentation of financial support for epilepsy research, which has often been underemphasized compared to other neurological disorders, is also being called for. Prescribing access to new and old molecules, along with pushing for insurance to cover a plethora of treatments, is ideal. Also, there is the drive towards patient-centered care paradigms that take into consideration factors pertaining to patients living with epilepsy and ways of implementing multiprofessional care. Given the key role of lifestyle changes in epilepsy, it has been suggested that counseling and stress management programs should be included as allowable expenses to improve seizure control and quality of life.