Gene Therapies in Degenerative Retinal Disease Hold Potential to Capture Significant Portion of Market
May 01 2024 - 2:17PM
In the landscape of healthcare innovation, retinal disorders,
including both inherited and degenerative diseases, have become a
leading focus area for gene therapy investigation. With gene
therapies representing the forefront of personalized medicine, and
retinal disorders at the edge of the frontier, Spherix Global
Insights conducted a study with practicing retinal specialists
(n=77) to assess the current landscape and what would be required
for integrating these pioneering therapies into future practice.
While development potential and interest for this novel
treatment approach is high for more rare inherited conditions such
as retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt's, Spherix's study zeroed in
on highly prevalent degenerative disorders such as geographic
atrophy (GA), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic
macular edema (DME). These conditions profoundly impact central
vision later in life, thus emphasizing the critical need for
interventions capable of arresting disease progression and
safeguarding visual function.
Results of the Spherix study indicate the vast majority of
retinal specialists agree gene therapy will play a significant role
in the future of treating retinal diseases. Moreover, gene
therapies were ranked highest in terms of their attractiveness for
a treatment of degenerative retinal diseases, outpacing topical eye
drops, local injectable treatments (e.g., anti-VEGF), and other
ongoing systemic treatments. Indeed, despite only modest levels of
familiarity with late-stage clinical investigative gene therapies,
there remains a nexus of innovation and opportunity, as retinal
specialists project that gene therapies may be able to capture
upwards of 20-25% share of patients across the global AMD, GA, and
DME markets. Capturing this patient potential will require gene
therapy manufacturers to meet specialists’ requisite efficacy
benefits and safety demands.
Retinal specialists highlight that the method of administration
for gene therapies may significantly influence interest in one
therapy over another. Nearly 90% of physicians concur that when a
gene therapy is administered via subretinal injection, specialized
training provided by manufacturers will be essential. They
anticipate that the absence of such training may present a barrier
to adoption. Other factors that could inhibit or aid in
uptake include the efficacy profile, active trial comparators, the
safety profile, and established durability of gene therapies.
The study unveiled a landscape brimming with potential,
promising benefits for both physicians and patients alike, as gene
therapies are estimated by prescribers to hold the potential for
claiming a significant portion of the large global market for
retinal disorders. With pioneering companies such as 4-D Molecular
Therapeutics, REGENXBIO, Adverum Biotechnologies, Johnson &
Johnson, and others leading the charge in gene therapy development,
the stage is set for innovation to illuminate the path toward a
brighter future for patients worldwide.
Spherix's recent gene therapy study answers key business
questions regarding the future potential of gene therapies,
including indications and endpoints of utmost interest to retinal
specialists, their attitudes regarding the application timing and
location for gene therapy, and the educational requirements they
foresee needing from manufacturers.
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About Spherix Global Insights
Spherix Global Insights is a leading provider of market
research, business intelligence and advisory services to the global
life sciences industry. The company’s unique service offerings are
powered by deep therapeutic knowledge, the Spherix Network
specialty physician panel, and commercially relevant analyses to
enable strategic decision-making by our valued customers.
A trusted advisor and industry thought leader, Spherix Global
Insights provides specialized market expertise in six (6) focused
therapeutic areas including: dermatology, gastroenterology,
nephrology, neurology, rheumatology, and ophthalmology.
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NOTICE: All company, brand or product names in this press
release are trademarks of their respective holders. The findings
and opinions expressed within are based on Spherix Global Insight’s
analysis and do not imply a relationship with or endorse.
Blaine Cloud, Ph.D., Neurology Franchise Head
Spherix Global Insights
4848794284
Blaine.cloud@spherixglobalinsights.com