The U.S. Market For Prescription Ophthalmic Drugs

Report Highlights

• The 2002 U.S. market for prescription ophthalmic drugs was $2.8 billion, and, rising at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 8.6%, will reach $4.5 billion in 2007.
• Glaucoma treatments accounted for $1.4 billion in 2002 and will grow at an AAGR of 8.2% to more than $2 billion in 2007.
• Products within the ocular infection and ocular allergy treatment segments follow in market presence, with $500 million and $397.1 million, respectively.
• Ocular allergy treatment will lead growth with an AAGR of 10% through the period, reaching nearly $640 million

INTRODUCTION

More than half the world's population has eye problems. Although many conditions are correctable with glasses or contact lenses, others require medication to control or treat. By 2030, the aging of the U.S. population will result in a two-fold increase in the numbers of people who are 65 and over. This segment accounts for the highest incidence and prevalence of eye conditions and diseases. It also sets the stage for increased research and development activities, speedy market approvals, and adequate production of ophthalmic pharmaceuticals.

Ocular medications most often are administered topically as sterile solutions, ointments or conjunctival inserts and are easy to instill into the eye. Although ointments remain in contact with the eye longer than solutions, they leave a film that can interfere with vision. On the other hand, solutions may be responsible for a higher incidence of contact dermatitis than ointments, as they are more likely to contain preservatives and other common sensitizers.

Additionally, current market competitors will endure pressure from the industry to continually provide advances in therapies and to compete with emerging competitors, who focus significantly on the unmet need for therapies to deal with back-of-the-eye conditions. The industry is likely to experience a burst of new products and heavy competition as the U.S. prescription ophthalmic drug market advances.

In this report, BCC provides a comprehensive description of conditions and diseases affecting the eyes and the products used for treatment. The study includes information about the incidence and prevalence of eye conditions and risk factors associated with these conditions. Major product groups, with in-depth market and competitive analyses, are found in each segment, along with a discussion of ophthalmic prescription drugs. Research and development activities are covered with an emphasis on segments offering benefits to aging populations.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The study covers:

• Prescription ophthalmic drugs by disease
• Type and product type
• Major treatment areas:
      - cataracts
      - glaucoma
      - ocular allergies
      - infections
      - inflammation
      - retinal treatments
      - other ocular treatments
• Products, current market estimates and market forecasts through 2007
• Supplemental data on global trends
• Industry structure.

METHODOLOGY

Information for this report was obtained through primary and secondary data collection methods. Primary methods included interviews with key executives, product managers, and clinical specialists involved in the ophthalmic drug industry. Secondary methods included published literature covering ophthalmic drugs, as well as investment reports, company literature and various medical and journals.

All market data pertains to the U.S. market at the manufacturers' level. Data is expressed in current U.S. dollars. The base year of the report is 2002, with historical data provided for 2000 and 2001 and forecast data provided for 2007. Historical, base-year and forecast data is provided for each market segment in the report. Competitor shares are provided for each market segment for the 2002 base year.

ANALYST CREDENTIALS

Melissa Elder is an experienced healthcare market analyst specializing in prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Melissa has worked in the healthcare field for the past eight years and has a wide range of experience.