Market Challenges And Opportunities

Leishmaniasis disease transmission is mostly associated with unhygienic conditions, weak immune system, and malnutrition. Increasing climatic changes and population mobility are other risk factors associated with the leishmaniasis disease.

Depending on the degree of virulence and clinical preferences, the disease is characterized on the basis of the type of species and subspecies of leishmania parasite. The clinical pattern of disease, the geographic regions, and the immunological status of the patient are considered in leishmaniasis treatment. Multiple medical treatment options are available for treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis, which includes parenteral and oral medications, infiltration of sodium stibogluconate at 0.3-0.8 ml, cryotherapy, local heat therapy at 40-42⁰C, and topical paromomycin preparations. Leishmaniasis can be prevented by treating malnutrition, recurrent systemic infection or local infection. Tailored disease management for treating leishmaniasis is expected to have a potential for improving leishmaniasis treatment market in near future.

Combined agreement between WHO and Gilead Sciences, Inc. will expand leishmaniasis treatment market

In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gilead Sciences, Inc. signed an agreement to donate 3,80,400 vials of AmBisome (liposomal amphotericin B), extending their previous agreement from 2016 to 2021. The five year collaboration and funding of US$ 20 million by Gilead Sciences, Inc. are intended to provide access to diagnosis and treatment to the populations affected by visceral leishmaniasis in key endemic countries such as Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, South Sudan, and Sudan. Financial contribution made by Gilead Sciences, Inc. helped WHO to expand, control, and reinforce surveillance in many endemic countries.