XEROSTOMIA THERAPEUTICS MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Challenges And Opportunities

Global Xerostomia Therapeutics Market: Restraints

High cost, ineffectiveness and side effects of some available treatments for xerostomia are the major factors that are expected to restraint the xerostomia therapeutics market growth. Moreover, stringent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for drug approval can hamper the market growth. For instance, Amifostine-sold under the trade name Ethyol is the only drug available in the market that has been approved by the U.S FDA for providing protection from radiation-induced xerostomia. Radiation leads to generation of certain oxygen derived free radicals which damage the cells of the salivary gland and cause xerostomia. Ethyol acts as a scavenger of these oxygen derived free radicals to protect the salivary gland cells and prevent xerostomia. However, Ethyol is costly and reduces the tumor control activity of the radiation therapy.

Pilocarpine (Salagen) and cevimeline hydrochloride (Evoxac capsules) have been approved by U.S FDA to be used as salivary stimulants for the treatment of xerostomia. Several adverse side effects associated with these drugs include diarrhea, vision problems, sweating, nausea, vomiting, cutaneous vasodilation, bradycardia, and hypotension. Also, products like artificial saliva spray or gels have to be applied frequently to give relief from xerostomia, which significantly hampers a good night's sleep and daily activities.