Epilepsy Drugs Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2023-2030)

Epilepsy Drugs Market is segmented By Generation Type (First-generation anti-epileptic drugs, Second-generation anti-epileptic drugs, Third-generation anti-epileptic drugs), By Spectrum Of Activity (Narrow-spectrum anti-epileptic drugs, Broad-spectrum anti-epileptic drugs), and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2023-2030

Epilepsy Drugs Market Overview

The Global Epilepsy Drugs Market is expected to grow at a high CAGR of 4.3% during the forecasting period (2023-2030). Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness. The epilepsy drugs do not cure epilepsy but help to control seizures. The majority of the epileptic cases are idiopathic, with no identifiable cause. At present, only symptomatic treatment through medication, surgery, and implantable devices are available, but there is no cure for epilepsy.

Epilepsy Drugs Market Summary and Scope

Epilepsy Drugs Market Dynamics and Trends

The global epilepsy drugs market growth is driven by the rising incidence of neurological disorders, higher incidence of birth-related injuries, increasing road traffic injuries, growing disease awareness, and rising patient base in developing countries.

The rise in new drug approvals over the past few years drives the market growth  

Epilepsy is a central nervous system (CNS) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, resulting in seizures or periods of unusual behavior, and sensations. It can occur due to a genetic disorder or an acquired brain injury. The major factors for the growth of the epilepsy drugs market include the rise in new drug approvals over the past few years and increasing cases of epilepsy across the globe. The expected launch of drugs currently in the pipeline, such as Ganaxolone by Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Perampanel by Eisai Co., Ltd., USL261 by Upsher Smith Laboratories, Inc., and YKP3089 by SK Life Sciences, Inc. is a high impact rendering driver of the epilepsy drugs market. VX765 by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and YKP3089 by SK Life Sciences, Inc. are some of the Phase IIb drugs. Phase III clinical trials include NRL-1 intranasal Diazepam, Carbamazepine IV, Diazepam Auto-injector (Vanquix), and Topiramate Extended-Release (USL-255). Moreover, increasing R&D investment and the launch of extended-release formulations are further expected to fuel market growth.

As per the World Health Organization facts of 2022, around 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally. In high-income countries, there are estimated to be 49 per 100 000 people diagnosed with epilepsy each year. In low- and middle-income countries, this figure can be as high as 139 per 100 000. There are also rising awareness levels about epilepsy coupled with strategic alliances that are anticipated to stimulate market growth. One of the organizations Epilepsy Foundation is promoting public awareness and education by undertaking research and delivering specialist medical care and support services to the people affected by epilepsy.

The drug resistance of epilepsy drugs will hamper the growth of the market

However, drug resistance is encountered in approximately one-third of patients with epilepsy, even seizure aggravation may occur, particularly for certain anti-epileptic drugs in generalized epilepsy syndromes. Tolerance, the loss of efficacy over time, is most often seen with benzodiazepines, but may also occur with other anti-epileptic drugs. These factors will hamper the growth of the market in the forecast period.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on Epilepsy Drugs Market

Neurology activities, such as medical training and research, were disrupted as a result of the pandemic. COVID-19 has a social impact not only on epilepsy patients but also on epilepsy treatment centers. Patients' access to healthcare facilities has been severely limited due to the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from patient to patient or from a healthcare provider to patient. Furthermore, due to concerns about patient-to-patient transmission, standby admissions in hospitals with COVID-19 inpatients or in areas with widespread COVID-19 infection have been severely limited. According to an article published in March 2020 titled "Epilepsy and COVID-19: Updated Evidence and Narrative Review," a survey of 212 pediatric neurologists from 49 countries found that in-person outpatient visits have decreased and telemedicine use has increased during the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the delivery of care to people with epilepsy (PWE) in many ways including limitations on in-person contact and restrictions on neurophysiological procedures. According to a study titled "The Impact of COVID-19 on Epilepsy Care: A Survey of the American Epilepsy Society Membership" published in September 2020, 10% of respondents reported a worsening in seizure frequency, while 5% reported an improvement. Increased stress, sleep deprivation, and limited access to pharmacies and medications have all been linked to an increase in seizure frequency.

Epilepsy Drugs Market Segmentation Analysis

The second-generation anti-epileptic drugs segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period (2023-2030)        

The second-generation anti-epileptics drugs are expected to hold the largest market share owing to several significant advantages such as reduced drug-drug interactions, less life-threatening adverse events, and less negative impact on cognitive functions.

Furthermore, the rising cases of epilepsy will boost the demand for drugs in the market. Also, recently in February 2021, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories launched Vigabatrin tablets, an antiepileptic drug in the United States market after receiving approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA). Besides, the market players are also acquiring other firms to expand their product portfolio. For instance, in January 2022, UCB announced that it has acquired Zogenix for USD 1.9 billion in a bid to bolster its epilepsy portfolio by adding Fintepla (fenfluramine), a marketed drug for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome, a rare form of childhood epilepsy. Having gained a newly marketed product for patients with rare and difficult-to-treat pediatric orphan epilepsy syndromes, this deal continues to expand UCB’s extensive therapeutic offering in the epilepsy drugs market. Hence, owing to the new product launch and acceptance of second-generation epilepsy drugs the market is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period.

Epilepsy Drugs Market Geographical Share

The North American region holds the largest market share of the global epilepsy drugs market

The North American region is expected to dominate the epilepsy drugs market. The United States is expected to be the largest epilepsy drug market owing to the presence of better healthcare infrastructure and rising cases of epilepsy. As per the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention 2020, about 470,000 children and around 3 million adults have active epilepsy in the United States. The number of Americans who have epilepsy is greater than the number who have multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral palsy combined. Thus, there is a rising demand for effective treatment in the region which is expected to boost the growth of the epilepsy drug market.

Furthermore, there are various organizations making awareness about epilepsy in the United States. For instance, Epilepsy Awareness Day, or Purple Day, is celebrated annually on the 26th of March to increase the public’s understanding of this brain disorder and to eliminate the fear and stigma surrounding it. Thus, owing to the all above-mentioned factors the market is expected to witness high growth in the forecast period.

Epilepsy Drugs Companies and Competitive Landscape

The epilepsy drugs market is a moderately competitive presence of local as well as global companies.  Some of the key players which are contributing to the growth of the market include Abbott Laboratories, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis AG, Pfizer, Inc., Sanofi SA, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, UCB S.A., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited among others. The major players are adopting several growth strategies such as product launches, acquisitions, and collaborations, which are contributing to the growth of the epilepsy drugs market globally. For instance, in March 2021, Mumbai-based Alkem Laboratories has announced the launch of Brivasure, an affordable anti-epileptic drug for the treatment of epilepsy in India.

Abbott Laboratories

Overview:

Abbott Laboratories discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells a broad and diversified line of health care products and services. The Company's products include pharmaceuticals, nutritional, diagnostics, and vascular products. Abbott markets its products worldwide through affiliates and distributors.     

Product Portfolio:

Epilex Chrono 500:  Epilex Chrono 500 Tablet CR is a combination of two medicines used to treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder in which there are recurrent episodes of seizures or fits. It controls the abnormal activity of the brain, relaxes the nerves, and hence, prevents seizures or fits.