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January 5, 2025
Cancer therapeutics, particularly immuno-oncology (IO) drugs, are poised to lead medical innovation over the next five years, according to a report released on Friday by GlobalData, a prominent data and analytics company. Based on a survey of 128 pharmaceutical industry professionals, the report underscores the transformative potential of these treatments in the battle against cancer.
“Advancements in immunotherapy such as checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapies, and cancer vaccines are revolutionizing the way cancer is treated,” said Urte Jakimaviciute, Senior Director of Market Research and Strategic Intelligence in GlobalData’s healthcare division. These cutting-edge therapies, she noted, are paving the way for more effective and personalized treatment approaches.
Jakimaviciute emphasized that the high unmet needs across various cancer types, many of which lack effective treatment options, are driving innovation in the field. “This trend will continue to evolve, leading to groundbreaking advancements in cancer care,” she added.
The report also highlighted anti-obesity drugs as the second most promising area of innovation, with 23% of respondents identifying them as a key focus. The development of anti-obesity medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, is addressing a significant global health challenge while opening lucrative opportunities for the pharmaceutical industry.
“With still limited effective treatments available, there is a substantial demand for innovative solutions in this area,” Jakimaviciute noted. These medications are expected to have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical landscape in the coming years.
The urgent need for innovative cancer therapies is underscored by the latest estimates from the World Health Organization’s cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). In 2022, approximately 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths were reported worldwide. Lung, breast, and colorectal cancers accounted for the highest number of cases and fatalities.
The data revealed that about one in five people will develop cancer during their lifetime, with approximately one in nine men and one in 12 women dying from the disease. These stark statistics highlight the critical importance of continued innovation in cancer treatment.
As immuno-oncology drugs and anti-obesity therapies gain traction, they are expected to redefine the pharmaceutical industry’s approach to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our time. With advancements in personalized medicine and a focus on unmet needs, the next five years could mark a turning point in global health outcomes.
