Retinoic Acid Receptor Agonist Market: Competitive Landscape, Pipeline, and Market Analysis 2024

The retinoic acid receptor (RAR) is a type of nuclear receptor that can also act as a ligand-activated transcription factor that is activated by both all-trans retinoic acid and 9-cis retinoic acid, the retinoid active derivatives of Vitamin A. They are typically found within the nucleus. There are three retinoic acid receptors, RAR-alpha, RAR-beta, and RAR-gamma. It regulates the expression of RA target genes, leading to changes in cell differentiation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. The mechanism of action (MOA) of Retinoic Acid Receptor Agonist is binding of an agonist ligand to RAR resulting in the dissociation of corepressor and recruitment of coactivator protein that, promotes transcription of the downstream target gene into mRNA and eventually protein. Retinoic acid receptor agonists are used to treat carcinoma, skin diseases, viral diseases, leukemia, CNS disorders, autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, etc.

RAR agonists with novel structural and chemical properties may thus provide new opportunities for the identification of potential therapeutic leads for leukemia, breast, lung, and prostate cancer. Increased prevalence of severe cystic acne, skin disorders, and early cancer diagnosis are the key drivers for the retinoic acid receptor agonist market. For instance, according to the World Health Organization 2018, Around 900 million people in the world are affected by skin diseases at any time. Five common conditions account for over 80% of all skin diseases. The launch of newer products by the market players could seek opportunities that influence research and development in retinoic acid receptor agonists. For instance, Roche’s Vesanoid (Tretinoin) is used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (a type of blood cancer). Moreover, the development of novel molecules by many market players is coming up to overcome challenges in therapy. For instance, Almirall’s Bexarotene/Betamethasone Dipropionate (LAS 41004) for psoriasis, and atrophy are under the various stages of clinical studies.

Retinoic Acid Receptor Agonist Market Key Developments:

• In October 2019, Galderma received FDA approval for a Aklief (Trifarotene) for the treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older.
• In January 2021, GlaxoSmithKline plc announced that it entered into an agreement with Eligo BioScience to advance Eligobiotics for treating and preventing acne vulgaris with an approach of CRISPR-based therapy for strain-specific microbiome modulation.

Approved Drug Molecules and Brand Names for Retinoic Acid Receptor Agonist:

• Vesanoid (Tretinoin)
• Toctino (Alitretinoin)
• Aklief (Trifarotene)
• Amnolake (Tamibarotene)
• Altreno (Tretinoin)
• Tri-Luma ((Fluocinolone Acetonide/Hydroquinone/Tretinoin)
• Arazlo (Tazarotene Lotion)

Drugs under the Pipeline for Retinoic Acid Receptor Agonist:

• Bexarotene/Betamethasone Dipropionate (LAS 41004)
• Benzoyl Peroxide/Clindamycin/Adapalene (IDP-126)
• Benzoyl Peroxide/Tretinoin (IDP-120)
• S6G5T-3
• Isotretinoin Topical (TMB-001)
• Fenretinide Nanoparticle (ST-001 Nanofenretinide)
• Fenretinide Oral (LAU-7b)
• Adapalene/Minocycline (FCD105)

Clinical Activity and Developments of Retinoic Acid Receptor Agonist:

Till June 2023, more than 15 companies have approximately 23 molecules targeting above 160 diseases. For these molecules, more than 90 clinical trials are being conducted and majority are in phase-2, phase-3 clinical trials by the players across the globe. For instance,

• In May 2023, Basilea Pharmaceutical completed phase 3 , follow up efficacy and safety study of Alitretinoin (BAL4979) in the treatment of chronic hand dermatitis refractory to topical treatment.
• In May 2023, Galderma completed a phase 3, an multicenter, randomized, double blind, parallel group vehicle controlled study to compare safety and efficacy of Trifarotene (CD5789) versus vehicle cream in subjects with acne vulgaris.