HSD (Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases) Market: Competitive Landscape, Pipeline, and Market Analysis 2022

Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDs) are a class of enzymes that play a crucial role in the metabolism of steroid hormones. HSD drugs are pharmaceutical agents designed to modulate the activity of these enzymes. They can either inhibit or activate specific HSDs, thereby influencing the conversion of one type of steroid hormone to another. The mechanism of action of HSD drugs involves binding to the enzyme's active site and altering its activity. These drugs have diverse applications and are used in various disease indications, including hormonal disorders such as Cushing's syndrome, adrenal insufficiency, and hyperandrogenism, as well as conditions related to sex hormone imbalances like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and certain types of cancer. According to the National Institute of Health, 1 in every 10 women is diagnosed with PCOS across the world, that is approximately 5 million in the USA. According to the National Institute of Health, endogenous Cushing syndrome is rare, with an incidence of 0.7-2.4 per million population per year. According to the National Institute of Health, Addison’s disease, or adrenal insufficiency is rare, in developed countries, it affects about 100 to 140 of every million people and secondary adrenal insufficiency is more common, affecting 150 to 280 people per million.

The growth drivers of the HSD (Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases) drug market include the increasing prevalence of hormonal disorders and related conditions, creating a higher demand for effective treatment options. Additionally, advancements in research and development, along with favorable government regulations, are fuelling the development and commercialization of HSD drugs, contributing to the market's growth. Companies such as Boehringer Ingelheim, Roche, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, BMS, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Piramal Phytocare, AstraZeneca, HRA Pharma, AbbVie cater to this category. Moreover, many companies are coming up with new molecules in this space. For instance, AstraZeneca is one such company that is currently conducting a clinical trial of the drug AZD4017 for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

HSD Market Key Developments:
In May 2022, HRA Pharmaceuticals (Metopyrone) had been acquired by Perrigo

In December 2022, US FDA approved the IND application for a phase IIb trial of UE 2343 in Alzheimer's disease (Early-stage disease)

HSD Pipeline Molecules

• Metopirone (metyrapone)
• Xanamem (UE2343)
• BI135585
• AZD4017
• BI-187004
• BMS-823778
• RG4929
• SPI-62
• AZD8329
• HSD-016
• INCB-13739
• OG-6219
• ASP3662
• BMS-770767
• AMG 221
• BMS-816336
• P 2202
• RG7234

Clinical Activity and Development of HSD

In the HSD space, more than 10 companies are conducting greater than 40 clinical trials in this category of drugs. For instance,

• In Feb 2019, AstraZeneca completed a phase-II trial in Cushing’s syndrome (in volunteers, combination therapy) in the United Kingdom
• In April 2022, Istituto Auxologico Italiano in collaboration with HRA Pharma started a phase IV clinical trial to assess the metabolic, pressor and neuropsychological effects of metyrapone treatment in patients with hypercortisolism.