Market Challenges And Opportunities
- Adverse effects and safety concerns: Nausea medicines, like any other medications, can have side effects and safety concerns. Common side effects that are associated with antiemetic drugs include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, and dry mouth. In some cases, there may be more severe adverse effects. Safety concerns and the potential for adverse effects may impact patient compliance and limit the use of certain medications. For instance, side effects of nausea relief medicine include fainting, swelling of face, arms, and legs, weight loss among others. Some uncommon adverse effects include diarrhea, stomach or abdominal pain.
- High cost of nausea medicines: Some nausea medicines, especially newer and innovative therapies, can be expensive. High treatment costs can limit access to these medications, particularly for patients without adequate insurance coverage or in regions with limited healthcare resources. The cost factor can be a significant restraint for patients and healthcare systems, thus affecting the overall adoption and utilization of nausea medicines.
- Lack of targeted therapies for specific causes: While there are various nausea medicines available, there may be a lack of targeted therapies for specific causes of nausea. Different conditions, such as chemotherapy-induced nausea, pregnancy-related nausea, or postoperative nausea, have unique underlying mechanisms. The absence of condition-specific treatments may limit the effectiveness of available nausea medicines in certain patient populations.
- Limited efficacy in some cases: Nausea is a complex symptom influenced by various factors, including individual patient characteristics and the underlying cause. While many nausea medicines are effective for managing symptoms, there may be instances where the efficacy is limited or varies among patients. Finding the right treatment approach and optimizing efficacy for all patients can be challenging.
Global Nausea Medicine Market Opportunities
- Development of targeted therapies: There is an opportunity for pharmaceutical companies to develop more targeted therapies for specific causes of nausea. By identifying and targeting the underlying mechanisms that trigger nausea in different conditions such as chemotherapy-induced nausea, pregnancy-related nausea, or postoperative nausea, companies can provide more effective and tailored treatments. For instance, in May 2022, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a Japan based pharmaceutical company, stated that their selective NK1 receptor antagonist antiemetic medicine "Arokaris I.V. infusion 235mg" has been added to the National Health Insurance (NHI) reimbursement pricing list. Arokaris is an antiemetic medication with a specific NK1 receptor antagonist that has been developed to reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
- Expansion into emerging markets: The nausea medicine market has significant growth potential in emerging markets. As these markets experience improvements in healthcare infrastructure and increasing disposable incomes, thereby the demand for nausea medicines is expected to rise. Pharmaceutical companies can focus on expanding their presence in these regions, in adapting their products to meet the specific needs and preferences of the local population.
- Combination therapies: There is an opportunity to develop combination therapies that address multiple aspects of nausea. For example, combining antiemetic drugs with drugs targeting specific receptors or pathways involved in nausea can lead to improved efficacy and better control of symptoms. Pharmaceutical companies can explore such combinations to enhance the treatment options available to patients. For instance, in January 2023, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., an innovation-driven global pharmaceutical company, launched AKYNZEO V., a novel intravenous injection formulation, in India as part of an exclusive licensing agreement with Helsinn, a Sweden based biopharma group company. AKYNZEO I.V. is a ready-to-dilute intravenous injection that is a fixed dose combination of palonosetron (0.25 mg) and fosnetupitant (235 mg).
- Non-pharmacological interventions: Non-pharmacological interventions, such as acupuncture, acupressure, relaxation techniques, and dietary modifications, have shown promise in managing nausea in certain conditions. There is an opportunity to further explore and develop these non-pharmacological interventions as adjunct therapies or alternative options for patients who prefer non-drug approaches.