Sjogren’s syndrome- Autoimmune Attack on Salivary and Tear Glands

Sjögren’s syndrome was named on Henrik Sjögren who described this indication in 1933, and is a chronic autoimmune disease in which body’s own immune system and white blood cells attack moisture producing glands such as tear and salivary glands, leading to dry mouth and eyes. There are certain other symptoms involved, such as chronic cough, dryness of skin, vaginal dryness, numb feeling in arms and legs, muscles and joint pains and problems related to thyroid.

The number of patients suffering from sjogren’s syndrome is increasing and so is the awareness about the syndrome. All this is leading to an increased demand for advanced treatment of this disease. Growing geriatric population, increasing research and development activities and government initiative are some of the factors that drive the growth of the sjogren’s syndrome treatment market. At present, there are around 20+ pipeline drugs for this indication with only 2 drugs in Phase III trials, while majority of the drugs are in Phase II stage of development. Rigorous research and development activities are being conducted to help launch innovative treatments.

Companies operating in conditions related to dry eye conditions are the ones entering into mergers and acquisitions with other companies, to expand their product offerings. In 2014, Nicox S.A., a French company, launched AdenoPlus, a medical device for the detection of adenoviral conjunctivitis, as well as Xailin, a range of tear lubricant products. 2015 saw Allergan plc completing its acquisition of Oculeve Inc. to develop its business in the dry eye syndrome treatment market. Apart from this acquisition, Allergan, Inc. also introduced synthetic tear Refresh Optive gel drops to deliver artificial tear alternative for relieving dry eye symptoms. Global sjogren’s syndrome treatment market is anticipated to register a healthy CAGR. It is anticipated that Asia-Pacific region is a prospective market for sjogren’s syndrome treatment because of growing healthcare infrastructure, increase in disposable income and an increasing number of patients suffering from autoimmune diseases which might lead to sjogren’s syndrome.

Insight by:
Anurag Mathur
Associate Analyst