Cancer is a chronic condition that involves abnormal growth of cell. Interference due to genetic changes causes uncontrollable growth of cells and results into formation of a mass called tumor. The tumor is malignant type, it is capable to spread all over the body. Most of the cancer occur due to genetic mutation, induced due to environmental factors or lifestyle, or it can be hereditary also. It is classified into four categories on the basis of its origin – 1) Carcinoma (begins in skin or tissue) 2) Sarcoma (begins in connective tissues) 3) Lymphoma (begins in lymphatic system) 4) Leukemia (begins in blood).

Global Small Molecule Cancer Drugs Market Drivers

Approvals for small molecule cancer drugs by regulatory bodies to key players are expected to boost the global small molecule cancer drugs market growth. For instance, in May 2019, U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved a drug, Piqray in combination with fluvestrant, which is manufactured by Novartis AG. It is the first ever drug that is specifically being used for the treatment of HR/HER2-, PIK3CA mutated advanced breast cancer.

Similarly, in April 2019, Janssen Pharmaceutical Company received U.S. FDA approval for Balversa (erdafitinib). It is indicated for the treatment of FGFR3 or FGFR2 mutated, locally advanced urothelial carcinoma. The type of study was multicenter, open-label, single-arm trial and comprised 87 participants diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma and had progressed on or after at least one prior chemotherapy.

Furthermore, key players are also focused on growth strategies such as collaborations, mergers and acquisitions to gain competitive edge in the market. For instance, in June 2019, Pfizer Inc., a pharmaceutical company acquired Array Biopharma, a drug developer company for expansion of its product portfolio. The product portfolio of Array Biopharma includes drugs for the treatment of skin cancer and combination of drugs (Braftovi and Mektovi) used for the treatment of last-stage colorectal cancer. These factors are expected to support global small molecule cancer drugs market growth.

Global Small Molecule Cancer Drugs Market Regional Analysis

North America is expected to hold a dominant position in global small molecule cancer drugs market, owing to initiatives taken by other organizations related to cancer drugs. For instance, in June 2019, American Cancer Society partnered with Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance to fund research activities related to detection, treatment and prevention of ovarian cancer. Its goal is to raise funds for research activities, so as to support them for investigation of drugs for ovarian cancer. Hence, such initiatives may have a positive influence on the global small molecule cancer drugs market growth.

Global Small Molecule Cancer Drugs Market Restraints

Side-effects of drugs is expected to hamper the global small molecule cancer drugs market growth. The side-effects depend mainly upon the type of cancer and the overall health of the patient. It can cause muscle pain, headache, fatigue, mouth sores, nausea, vomiting, throat sores, diarrhea, and constipation. As these drugs effect healthy cells, in turn, affecting the process of regenerating new blood cells. Hence, this factor may obstruct the global small molecule cancer drugs market growth.

Global Small Molecule Cancer Drugs Market Key Players

Some of the major players operating in the small molecule cancer drugs market include, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Eli Lilly and Co, Janssen Research and Development LLC, Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., SANOFI AVENTIS US LLC, Baxter Healthcare Corp., Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd., AstraZeneca, Kyowa Kirin Inc., and HQ Specialty Pharma Corp

Global Small Molecule Cancer Drugs Market Taxonomy

The global small molecule cancer drugs market is segmented on the basis of drug class, route of administration, distribution channel, and regions.

By Drug Class

Alkylating Agents
Plant Alkaloids
Antitumor Antibiotics
Antimetabolites
Topoisomerase Inhibitors
Others

By Route of Administration

Oral
Injectable

By Distribution Channel

Hospital pharmacies
Retail pharmacies
Online pharmacies

By Region

North America
Latin America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Middle East
Africa

About Author

Ghanshyam Shrivastava - With over 20 years of experience in the management consulting and research, Ghanshyam Shrivastava serves as a Principal Consultant, bringing extensive expertise in biologics and biosimilars. His primary expertise lies in areas such as market entry and expansion strategy, competitive intelligence, and strategic transformation across diversified portfolio of various drugs used for different therapeutic category and APIs. He excels at identifying key challenges faced by clients and providing robust solutions to enhance their strategic decision-making capabilities. His comprehensive understanding of the market ensures valuable contributions to research reports and business decisions.

Ghanshyam is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and contributes to various publications on pharma industry.