Corticosteroids are typically the first line of therapy for most patients with uveitis as these drugs are very effective and have anti-inflammatory effects. However, as corticosteroids are associated with the development of cataracts and changes in intraocular pressures, it is becoming increasingly common for other immunosuppressants such as antimetabolites and calcineurin inhibitors to be prescribed alongside first-line treatments. Immunosuppressants suppress the inflammatory response, which is what drives uveitis. According to GlobalData, this means that 45.2 per cent of drug sales for uveitis are expected to be generated by long-acting immunosuppressants in 2029, a rise from 28 per cent in 2019.

Magdalene Crabbe, Senior Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments, “Long-acting non-steroidal drugs are the future of therapy in the uveitis space. Uveitis is characterised by ocular inflammation, and immunosuppressants can offer a quick anti-inflammatory response without the risks often associated with corticosteroids. Further, long-acting immunosuppressants work for two or more weeks.”

GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Uveitis: Global Drug Forecast and Market Analysis to 2029’, reveals that uveitis drug sales in the nine major markets (9MM*) are expected to almost triple from $286 million in 2019 to $790 million in 2029. Sales of long-acting immunosuppressants reached $80 million in 2019, and these drugs are expected to generate $357 million in 2029.

While more chronic and recurrent uveitis patients will experience relief from treatment with long-acting immunosuppressants, a key issue in this therapy area is the need to develop drugs that can be administered by the patient.

Crabbe continues, “The greatest advantage of some immunosuppressants is the fact that they are inserted into the eyes, which reduces the risk of systemic side effects. This is especially important for patients with autoimmune diseases and comorbidities that negatively affect patients’ quality of life.”

*9MM: US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Japan, Canada, and Australia