China's Type 2 Diabetes Market Will Grow To $3.5 Billion In 2017

BURLINGTON, Mass., Aug. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Decision Resources, one of the world's leading research and advisory firms for pharmaceutical and healthcare issues, forecasts that the type 2 diabetes therapeutic market in China, the third largest after the United States and Japan, will grow 10 percent annually, reaching $3.5 billion in 2017.  Fueling this expansion are the growing number of drug-treated patients and the increasing use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-IV) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and insulin analogues.

The Emerging Markets report entitled Type 2 Diabetes in China finds that, although further generic erosion of older oral antidiabetics is expected, recently launched DPP-IV inhibitors (Merck's Januvia/Janumet, Bristol-Myers Squibb/AstraZeneca's Onglyza, Novartis's Galvus) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (Bristol-Myers Squibb/AstraZeneca's Byetta, Novo Nordisk's Victoza) will continue to enjoy market exclusivity and garner higher patient share in China during the 2012-2017 period. Biosimilar versions of insulin analogues, both long- and short-acting, will have only a modest impact on China's type 2 diabetes market during the forecast period. Most biosimilar insulins are only fractionally less expensive than the originators, which encourages physicians and patients to stay with branded insulins. Together with the launches of additional novel agents, Western-branded therapies will consistently capture more than 70 percent of sales in China's type 2 diabetes therapeutic market by 2017.

The findings also reveal that Chinese physicians show strong interest in DPP-IV inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists. DPP-IV inhibitors are favored because of their improvement in glycemic control without the risk of hypoglycemia. GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective in lowering HbA_1c and body weight and therefore are ideal for obese type 2 diabetes patients. However, due to their high prices and lack of reimbursement, physicians who currently prescribe them do so mostly in the second- or third-line setting, after their patients fail to maintain glycemic control with less expensive options. Meanwhile, patients need to be in good financial standing to afford the high out-of-pocket payment.

"More than 95 percent of Chinese residents have access to some form of government-sponsored medical insurance, but broad access does not translate into affordable healthcare," said Decision Resources Analyst Jing Wu, M.S., M.B.A. "Select DPP-IV inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists have a reasonable chance of being included on the next version of the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL), likely to be released in 2014. However, in order to control treatment costs, the reimbursement of these agents will be restricted to specific type 2 diabetes patient groups."

The new report features extensive primary research with Chinese physicians as well as a market outlook through 2017.

About Decision Resources
Decision Resources (www.decisionresources.com) is a world leader in market research publications, advisory services and consulting designed to help clients shape strategy, allocate resources and master their chosen markets. Decision Resources is a Decision Resources Group company.

About Decision Resources Group
Decision Resources Group is a cohesive portfolio of companies that offers best-in-class, high-value information and insights on important sectors of the healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions. Please visit Decision Resources Group at www.DecisionResourcesGroup.com.

All company, brand, or product names contained in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

For more information, contact:

Decision Resources Group
Christopher Comfort
781-993-2597
[email protected]

SOURCE Decision Resources

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