GENE THERAPY TO EXCEED $2 BILLION BY
2002
Gene therapy comprises
technologies through which defective or missing genetic information is
corrected by inserting new genetic information into the cell. The genetic
information may be in the form of genes, portions of genes, DNA,
ribonucleic acid (RNA), nucleic acids, or oligonucleotides. This may be
carried out ex vivo (that is, cells are removed from the patient,
genetically modified, and then reinfused), or in vivo (new genetic
material is delivered to cells inside the patient’s body). Antisense
oligonucleotides, catalytic ribozymes, and genes corresponding to proteins
are the major products currently available in gene therapy. The
applications, in theory, of gene therapy include: correcting inherited
gene disorders engineering immunity against viral diseases and cancer
developing vaccines and intracellular immunization therapies regulating
cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and delivery drugs and “suicide”
cells.
According to a soon-to-be-released
Business Communications Company, Inc. study, RC-160R:
Human Gene Therapy: Technology Analysis and Market Forecast, the
first gene therapy is expected to reach the U.S. market by 2000 and is
projected to exceed $2 billion in 2002. The first therapies to enter the
market most likely will be the treatment for glioblastoma now in Phase III
trials under the sponsorship of Genetic Therapy/Novartis; Introgen/RPR
Gencell’s treatment for nonsmall cell lung cancer, which is just
entering Phase II/III trials; Isis’ antisense treatment for AIDS-related
cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis; and/or a treatment of Gaucher disease.
BCC believes that of the estimated $12
billion market for gene therapy products projected for the year 2007, over
80% of revenues will be derived from products to treat cancer. The
remaining revenues will come from treatments for viral diseases,
specifically human immunodeficiency virus (HIV infection); treatments for
anemia; treatments for monogenic disorders, specifically cystic fibrosis,
familial hypercholesterolemia, Gaucher disease, and hemophilias; and
treatments for other selected disorders, including arterial restenosis.
After 2010, treatments for more complex
or multiple-gene-defect diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and
diabetes will enter the market. The gene therapy market for diabetes alone
is projected to exceed $5 billion, treatments for cardiovascular diseases
could generate another $5 billion or more, and gene therapy for
Alzheimer’s could generate up to $10 billion.
SUMMARY MARKET FORECAST: GENE
THERAPY TREATMENTS, 1997, 2002, AND 2007
($ Millions)
