If you think dry eye patients have no clout with pharmaceuticals, think again....

GlobalData forecasts the global dry eye syndrome therapeutics market to grow at 6.3% annually for the next seven years, to reach $2.8 billion by 2017. It was valued at $1,858m in 2010. This significant growth is primarily attributed to increasing therapeutic options for the treatment of dry eyes. In addition, the successful launch of some of the targeted therapies such as rebamipide and Remura (bromfenac), currently in NDA (New Drug Application) filing stage, may significantly stimulate market growth in the near future. However, the low prescription rate and non-adherence to medication will continue to be a barrier for market growth.

GlobalData analysis points out that the current competition in the dry eye syndrome therapeutics market is weak, and available treatment options have been moderately successful in meeting market demand. The products currently available in the market provide only symptomatic relief. The current marketed products, except Restasis, treat only the symptoms of the disease. As the products currently available do not serve the market’s unmet needs, the market continues to present opportunities for stronger pipeline candidates. The extent of unmet needs in the dry eye syndrome therapeutics market is considered to be at a high level and can be fulfilled by technologically advanced products possessing improved safety and efficacy profiles which are disease targeting. The only available prescription drug, Restasis, has proven its success as is evident by the increasing yearly sales from the year of launch. This paves the way for the entry of new products which aim to treat the disease and not just provide symptom relief.

GlobalData found that there are more than 35 products in different stages of development. Remura and rebipamide, currently in NDA Filing and Phase III, are the most promising products in the pipeline. Remura and rebipamide have shown encouraging response rates in pretreated patients and have great potential in the dry eye syndrome therapeutics market. If approved, other pipeline candidates such as CF101, Cyclokat and SF102, currently in Phase III, will provide alternative treatment options to current therapies. These products are expected to meet some of the unmet needs and will provide physicians with a better choice in treating dry eye syndrome. They may also lead to an intensely competitive market. In summary, the global dry eye syndrome therapeutics market is heading towards a highly competitive landscape.