Market Challenges And Opportunities

Global Optic Nerve Disorders Treatment Market Drivers

Increasing number of drug approvals by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of optic nerve disorders are expected to drive growth of the optic nerve disorders treatment market. For instance, in 2019, Eculizumab, which is a first monoclonal antibody drug that target C5 node of the nerve was approved by the U.S. FDA. In addition, Eculizumab is used for the treatment of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD).

Moreover, Bausch & Lomb, a leading global eye health company) and Nicox S.A. received the U.S. FDA approval for VYZULTA, in 2017. VYZULTA is a first prostaglandin analog with one of its metabolites being nitric oxide (NO) and is used for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma.

Furthermore, in 2017, Aerie Pharmaceuticals received the U.S. FDA approval of Rhopressa. In addition, Rhopressa also used in lowering of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Therefore, approval of Eculizumab, VYZULTA, and Rhopressa drug are expected to drive growth of the optic nerve disorders treatment market.

In 2019, Santhera Pharmaceuticals announced about successful completion of its clinical trial (Phase IV) of Raxone drug, used for the treatment of hereditary optic neuropathies. It is expected to be marketed by 2021. Increasing prevalence of vision impairment or blindness among people is the factor that is expected to boost growth of the global optic nerve disorders treatment market. For instance, according to WHO, in 2019, over one billion people suffered from vision impairment globally. In addition, changing lifestyle of the people and limited access to eye care especially in the emerging countries are the main driving factors for rising numbers of people with vision impairment.

Global Optic Nerve Disorders Treatment Market Restraints

However, side effects associated with optic nerve disorders drugs for the treatment of the disease such as glaucoma, optic neuritis are the factors that are expected to hamper growth of the global optic nerve disorders treatment market. For instance, potential side effects of the prostaglandin analogs drug (Xalatan) that are used for the treatment of glaucoma are eye color change, darkening of eyelid skin, eyelash growth, droopy eyelids, sunken eyes, stinging, eye redness, and itching. Moreover, side effects of steroid drugs (Methylprednisolone), which is used for the treatment of optic neuritis include eye infection, mood changes, and weight gain.