Merkel Cell Carcinoma Therapeutics Market Size, Share and Global Trend By Therapy (Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, Combination Therapy, Others), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy, Online Pharmacy), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), also known as neuroendocrine carcinoma, is a rare (about forty times less likely to occur than the relatively less rare & better known malignant melanoma) and highly aggressive form of skin cancer. Merkel cell carcinoma is caused by the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV or MCV) and generally first appears as a single, painless lump on the skin exposed to the sun. The exact cause of Merkel cell carcinoma is unclear, but individuals at risk of being diagnosed include those with excessive exposure to sunlight & UV rays, weakened immune system, and history of other skin cancers of advanced age.

Merkel cell carcinoma is classified into five stages, ranging from Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ) to Stage IV. Merkel cell carcinoma carries the risk of metastasizing, which leads to the spreading of cancer to the other parts of the body, and the metastasized cancer is often difficult to cure and often proves to be fatal. The treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma includes surgical procedures, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

The global Merkel cell carcinoma therapeutics market is anticipated to grow, owing to a number of factors such as increasing prevalence of Merkel cell carcinoma, improving health reimbursement, increased exposure to UV rays due to global warming and pollution, higher prevalence of immunosuppression resulting in increased occurrences of the cancer and increased research & development of therapeutics.

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., but due to the very rare nature of Merkel cell carcinoma, about 2,000 cases of it are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. The American Cancer Society also estimates that 4 out of the 5 diagnosed will be above 70 years of age and its nearly twice as likely in males than in females. These trends, combined with the other factors, are expected to positively drive the market growth.

The factors limiting the growth of the global Merkel cell carcinoma therapeutics market are the lack of diagnosis or misdiagnosis, high cost of treatment and its associated side effects, and the inconclusive and recurrent nature of the treatment.

Key Players Covered

Some of the major companies that are present in the global Merkel cell carcinoma therapeutics market are Amgen Inc., Merck & Co., Pfizer Inc., BeiGene, OncoSec Medical Incorporated, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and Immune Design.

SEGMENTATION

Based on the therapy, the chemotherapy segment is projected to dominate the global Merkel cell carcinoma therapeutics market in the forecast period owing to the improving health reimbursement, increased research, and improved distribution networks. Furthermore, the preference for chemotherapy drugs for the treatment of cancer by physicians is expected to favor the expansion of chemotherapy segment in the global Merkel cell carcinoma therapeutics market.

Key Insights

• Prevalence of Merkel cell carcinoma for key countries
• Pipeline analysis
• Patent snapshot
• Regulatory scenario for key countries
• Reimbursement Scenario for key countries
• Recent industry developments such as partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions

Regional Analysis

North America is projected to dominate the global Merkel cell carcinoma therapeutics market in the forecast period owing to the increasing demand for oncology drugs, high R&D spending, and government research grants. The growth in Merkel cell carcinoma therapeutics market in Europe is likely to propel due to strategic collaborations and active government support. Asia Pacific is the fastest emerging market due to, rising prevalence of Merkel cell carcinoma and increased focus by improving distribution network in this region.

Key Industry Developments   

• In January 2019, Nantkwest, Inc. announced the launch of phase 2 clinical study on triple combination immunological therapy for the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma.
• In December 2018, Merck & Co., Inc. received FDA approval for KEYTRUDA for treating paediatric and adult patients with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma.
• In March 2017, Merck KGaA and Pfizer Inc. received FDA approval for BAVENCIO, an intravenous injection for treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma.