New Delhi: Immuno-oncology (IO) drugs and cancer therapeutics are poised to become a transformative force in medical innovation over the next five years, according to a report released on Friday.
As per IANS, the report by GlobalData, a data and analytics firm, highlights the evolving landscape of cancer treatment. Based on a survey of 128 pharmaceutical industry professionals, the study indicates that advancements in cancer therapies will fundamentally change how the disease is managed.
According to IANS, Urte Jakimaviciute, Senior Director of Market Research and Strategic Intelligence in GlobalData's healthcare division, emphasized that innovations like checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapies, and cancer vaccines are revolutionizing oncology. "These advancements will pave the way for more effective and personalized treatments," she stated.
Inputs from IANS reveal that the drive for innovation in cancer therapeutics is fueled by high unmet needs. Many cancer types still lack effective treatments, and this gap is expected to continue spurring progress in immuno-oncology.
Beyond cancer, anti-obesity drugs emerged as the second most significant focus area, garnering interest from 23 percent of the respondents. As per IANS, Jakimaviciute highlighted the growing impact of anti-obesity medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are disrupting the market. These drugs address a massive global health challenge while presenting lucrative opportunities for pharmaceutical companies.
"With still limited effective treatments available, the demand for innovative therapies in obesity management remains high, making this a key area of focus for the next five years," Jakimaviciute added, according to IANS.
The report further sheds light on the global burden of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization, estimated approximately 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths in 2022.
As per IANS, lung, breast, and colorectal cancers accounted for the highest number of cases and fatalities. Alarmingly, one in five people are diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime, with one in nine men and one in 12 women succumbing to the disease.
The findings underscore the critical need for continued innovation in cancer and obesity treatments to address these pressing health challenges.