Acne
Acne is a skin condition that develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. While it is most common in teenagers, acne can affect individuals of all ages. There are effective treatments available, but acne can be persistent. Pimples and bumps heal slowly, and just as one begins to clear up, new ones may appear. Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and leave scars. Starting treatment early can help reduce the risk of these complications.
Symptoms:
The signs of acne can vary based on the severity of the condition:
- Whiteheads: Closed, clogged pores
- Blackheads: Open, clogged pores
- Papules: Small, red, tender bumps
- Pustules: Pimples with pus at the tip (a more advanced form of papules)
- Nodules: Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin
- Cystic lesions: Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the skin
Acne typically appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders.
Drug Class Distribution and Development Phases
Based on the AdisInsight database, here is a detailed overview of drugs categorized into five major drug classes, along with their respective development phases. The small molecule class leads the market, featuring the largest number of drugs in both the early-stage and registered/launched phases.
Drug development phases Vs drug class
Fig 19: Development phases of drugs versus drug class distribution
The graph clearly shows that small molecules are leading in the development phase with thirteen drugs in early-stage clinical development and three drugs in late-stage clinical development.
Analysis of Development Phases and Routes of Administration
The graph illustrates that, according to the AdisInsight database, the topical route of administration is the most advanced for acne treatment, with seventeen drugs in early-stage clinical development and four drugs in late-stage clinical development.
Drug development phases Vs RoA
Fig 20: Development phases of drugs versus RoA distribution
Drug development phases Vs formulation of drugs
Fig 21: Development phases of drugs versus formulation
Overview of Development Stages and Formulations
The AdisInsight database indicates that gel formulations are leading in development, with ten drugs in early-stage clinical trials and three in late-stage clinical trials.
Drugs Available for Licensing
The acne treatment industry is thriving with the launch of numerous generic drugs, and licensing agreements have a significant impact on pharmaceutical companies. For example, Isotretinoin was licensed to Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. and Mylan Laboratories Inc. The isotretinoin market is projected to grow from $1.25 billion in 2023 to $1.81 billion by 2032. According to the AdisInsight database, the following drugs are available for licensing, with four currently in early-stage clinical development.
Table 23- Drugs available for licensing for Acne