Polymyalgia Rheumatica Treatment Market Size, Share, Industry, and Outlook (2024-2031)

Global Polymyalgia Rheumatica Treatment Market is segmented By Drug Class (Corticosteroids, Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDS), Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS), Others) By Route of Administration (Oral, Parenteral, Others) By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies) and By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2023-2030

Market Overview

The Global Polymyalgia Rheumatica Treatment Market reached US$ YY million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ YY million by 2030, growing with a CAGR of YY% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

An inflammatory condition called polymyalgia rheumatica is characterized by excruciating pain and stiffness that affects the shoulders and proximal parts of the arms on both sides. The quality of life is significantly reduced when PMR is left untreated.

Corticosteroids are frequently used as part of PMR treatment to reduce inflammation and treat symptoms. The aim is to utilize the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time because corticosteroids may have negative effects. To lessen the requirement for long-term corticosteroid therapy, disease-modifying antirheumatic medications (DMARDs) such as methotrexate may occasionally be administered. 

One of the key motivators for PMR treatment is the aging population. The majority of PMR illnesses mostly affect people over 50, and as the population ages, more instances are anticipated.The need for treatment may be triggered by an earlier and more accurate diagnosis of PMR as a result of improved diagnostic methods, including imaging and blood testing. Continuous investigation into the root causes of PMR and prospective targeted therapy could result in the creation of more efficient medications with fewer side effects.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics: Drivers 

The Increasing Research Activities

A persistent inflammatory condition with an unclear cause, polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) only affects adults over the age of 50. About 2.4% of women and 1.7% of men are affected by PMR, which has been one of the most prevalent inflammatory rheumatic diseases in older individuals and whose incidence is only second to rheumatoid arthritis. Scapular and pelvic girdle discomfort, morning stiffness, and raised acute phase reactants are the hallmarks of PMR, which responds to glucocorticoid (GC) therapy.

In February 2023, the FDA approved Kevzara (sarilumab) for the treatment of adult patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), an inflammatory rheumatic disease, who have not responded adequately to corticosteroids or who are unable to tolerate corticosteroid tapering. This news was shared by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Sanofi. Both Regeneron and Sanofi are dedicated to assisting Americans who have been prescribed Kevzara in getting the medication and any necessary support. 

As of September 2022, in spite of prednisone therapy, ocilizumab (Actemra) appears to produce significant effects in patients with active polymyalgia rheumatica. According to Journal of the American Medical Association, the shoulder and pelvic girdles are painful and inflexible for those who have polymyalgia rheumatica. Although only approximately 2% of men and women may encounter the ailment, the condition often manifests between the ages of 50 and 80. 

Dependency on Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids, primarily prednisone, are the mainstay of PMR treatment. The side effects can limit the long-term use of corticosteroids. Other factors including steroid-related complications, lack of targeted therapies, side effects of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate are used to reduce corticosteroid dependence. However, DMARDs can have their own side effects, including liver toxicity and gastrointestinal issues.

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Segment Analysis

The global polymyalgia rheumatica treatment market is segmented based on drug class, route of administration, distribution channel and region.

The corticosteroids segment accounted for approximately 43.3% of the market share

An effective way to treat PMR is by giving a corticosteroid like prednisone, which reduces discomfort and swelling. With a progressive dose increase for the first few months, the patient must continue the medication for around a year. 

The main treatment up until now has been corticosteroids, but many patients do not respond well to them or cannot be weaned off them, putting them in danger of problems from long-term steroid medication. With the FDA's approval of Kevzara for polymyalgia rheumatica, patients now have a medication that can aid with the debilitating symptoms of this condition and long-term steroid reliance. 

 In the United Kingdom, depending on symptom remission and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), such as those measured by Arvind Nune, MRCP, consultant rheumatologist at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, the standard treatment is 15 milligrams of prednisone for up to 3-4 weeks. 

Geographical Penetration

North America accounted for approximately 41% of the market share

North America has been a dominant force in the global polymyalgia rheumatica treatment market. The majority of PMR cases afflict those over 50, and as the population ages, the prevalence of cases is anticipated to rise, increasing the need for PMR treatments. In some largely white populations, PMR has been found to be the second most frequent inflammatory autoimmune rheumatic disease after rheumatoid arthritis.  The average yearly incidence of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in those aged 50 and older in the United States is 52.5 cases per 100,000. 

Furthermore, the greatest chance of acquiring PMR or giant cell arteritis, a similar illness, is among Caucasian women over the age of 50. According to estimates, 700 out of every 100,000 Americans over the age of 50 in the general population have PMR. It is quite rare for someone under 50 to acquire PMR. 

Low doses of corticosteroid therapy are used to treat PMR. The lowest effective dose of steroids, often prednisone, is prescribed and adjusted by healthcare professionals to be between 15 and 20 mg per day. The stiffness brought on by PMR often goes away in three days. 

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019 created unprecedented challenges for industries worldwide, including the global polymyalgia rheumatica treatment market. Many people may have postponed or avoided getting medical attention for non-urgent diseases, such as PMR, during the COVID-19 epidemic. When patients eventually sought medical care, it was possible that the symptoms were worse because of the delay in diagnosis and treatment.

During the pandemic, healthcare providers used telemedicine more and more to limit in-person visits and the danger of viral exposure. The management of PMR was impacted by this change in healthcare delivery, which involved clinicians remotely prescribing drugs and offering guidance.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Sanofi, Novartis AG, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Mylan N.V., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Pfizer Inc., AstraZeneca, Merck & Co., Inc., and PuraCap Pharmaceutical LLC among others.   

Key Developments

• In September 2023, Novartis reported a randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter phase III trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of secukinumab administered subcutaneously versus placebo, in combination with a glucocorticoid taper regimen, in patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR). 

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global polymyalgia rheumatica treatment market segmentation based on drug class, distribution channel and region as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of polymyalgia rheumatica treatment market-level with all segments.
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The global polymyalgia rheumatica treatment market report would provide approximately 61 tables, 58 figures, and 186 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies