Prostaglandin Synthase Inhibitors Market: Competitive Landscape, Pipeline, and Market Analysis 2024

Prostaglandin Synthase Inhibitors are pharmaceutical agents that work by blocking the activity of the enzyme prostaglandin synthase, also known as cyclooxygenase (COX). This inhibition prevents the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances involved in inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin levels, these inhibitors exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects. Prostaglandin Synthase Inhibitors are commonly used to treat various conditions, including acute coronary syndrome, CNS diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, arthritis, skin disorders, stomach ulcers, anemia, asthma, connective tissue diseases, and digestive system diseases to name a few.

Additionally, they are used to reduce fever and manage pain following surgical procedures. According to WHO, arthritis affects millions of people in Europe and the USA, causing significant pain and disability. In Europe, around 60 million people are affected by arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most prevalent types. In the USA, arthritis affects over 54 million adults, and it is a leading cause of work disability. Menstrual cramps, another indication for Prostaglandin Synthase Inhibitors, are experienced by a large percentage of women, with severe pain affecting their quality of life. Furthermore, post-operative pain management is crucial for recovery, and the USA witnesses millions of surgical procedures annually. Growth drivers of the Prostaglandin Synthase Inhibitor market include the increasing incidence of arthritis and related conditions, rising demand for effective pain management options, and the continuous development of new formulations and delivery methods. Moreover, the development of novel molecules by many market players is coming up to overcome challenges in therapy. For instance, Otsuka’a Pizuglanstat (TAS-205) for the indication of Duchenne muscular dystrophy is under the various stages of clinical studies.

Key Market Developments:

• In April 2021, IBSA completed phase 1, a bioavailability study of a new 2.6% DHEP medicated plaster applied o.d. in comparison with the marketed 1.3% DHEP medicated plaster (Flector) applied b.i.d.

Approved Drug Molecules and Brand Names for Prostaglandin Synthase Inhibitors:

• Impracor (Ketoprofen)
• Daflon (Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction)
• Flector (Diclofenac Epolamine)
• Naxozole (Esomeprazole/Naproxen)

Drugs under the Pipeline for Prostaglandin Synthase Inhibitors:

• Pizuglanstat (TAS-205)
• Dipentum (Olsalazine Sodium)                                              
• Topofen (Ketoprofen 5% Gel)

Clinical Activity and Developments of Prostaglandin Synthase Inhibitors:

Till July 2023, more than 8 companies have approximately 10 molecules targeting the 112 diseases. For these molecules, more than 85 clinical trials are being conducted and the majority are in phase-2 and phase-3 clinical trials by players across the globe. For instance,

• In August 2022, Taiho Pharmaceuticals completed phase 1, an open-label study evaluating the pharmacokinetics and mass balance of [14C] TAS-205 in healthy volunteers.