Advances in Molecular Biology and Pharmacology Fueling Rapid Growth in
Neuroprotectant Drug Discovery
March 2, 2000
MedscapeWire
The burgeoning market for neuroprotective therapies targeting acute
neurological
disorders has led to the rapid development of pharmacological and surgical
treatment strategies. Neuroprotective therapies for central nervous system
(CNS)
injury are becoming a primary focus of both the pharmaceutical and
biotechnology industries.
"Neuroprotectants Outlook: Next-Generation Therapies for Stroke, Traumatic
Brain Injury, and Spinal Cord Injury" is a new Decision Resources report
that
reviews the pharmacotherapeutic strategies in development for acute
neuroprotection. The goal of these treatments is to prevent neuronal death
in
stroke and traumatic injury to the brain or spinal cord. Included in the
report are
a review of the current markets for acute neuroprotective agents and market
projections in stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury
through 2010.
According to the report, tt is expected that by 2002, when neuroprotectants
such
as AstraZeneca's clomethiazole are projected to enter the major markets, the
neuroprotectants will dominate the ischemic stroke market, with sales at
least
triple those of the thrombolytics. Bristol-Myers Squibb's BMS 20435Z and
Bayer's repinotan (BAY X3702) could follow to market by 2003. Biotechnology
products such as basic fibroblast growth factor and antiplatelet monoclonal
antibodies could have a substantial commercial impact from 2005 onward; and
apoptosis inhibitors and small molecules that induce neuronal growth factors
(to
inhibit cell death and stimulate neuronal regeneration) could establish
themselves
on the market toward the end of the decade. Sales of heparin to treat stroke
will
slowly decline over the next decade. By 2010, the overall market for acute
neuroprotection in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke will total approximately
$414 million. Once a market for acute neuroprotection comes into existence,
the
market for severe traumatic brain injury could reach $225 million, depending
on
the pricing of the drugs.
http://pharmacotherapy.medscape.com/MedscapeWire/2000/0300/medwire.0302.adva
nces.html
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"Some of us, perhaps because we are too old - or is it, too young - think
there may be arrival at last, and if, the arrival comes, there may be still
regret that the pursuit is over."
- C. Scott Sherrington
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