The arthritis therapeutics market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years, a new report predicts.

Research found that arthritis therapeutics are becoming a “gigantic attraction” for pharmaceutical companies as the condition continues to be one of the most common causes of disabilities.

Rising incidence rates of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are expected to see revenues reach $35.8 billion by 2018.

Several major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have already shown an interest in obtaining market share and have made investments in the potentially lucrative industry.

Pfizer, Amgen, Merck, Roche and Novartis, the report found, have increased R&D efforts in the field with several promising therapies in late-stage development.

The current pipeline includes many small molecule drugs and biologic therapies, as well as novel oral Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs).

Biologics, the report predicts, will feature heavily as the market expands and drive growth during the coming years.

Existing market leaders are also expected to benefit from the predicted demand.

Amgen’s patent on blockbuster drug Enbrel was recently extended until 2028 by the FDA following a number of court proceedings. Other well-established brands have also had their protection protected.

However, the patents for Rituxan (rituximab), Remicade (infliximab), Celebrex (celecoxib) and Humira (adalimumab) will see a number of generic alternatives enter the market.

Despite cheaper therapeutic products being made available, the report estimates the market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% for the next six years.

Results from Roche’s SUMMACTA study have shown the subcutaneous (SC) formulation of Actemra (tocilizumab) met its primary endpoint when compared with an intravenous (IV) version.

The two-year study included 1,262 patients and found that the weekly convenient SC formulation showed comparable efficacy and safety to the IV monthly formulation.

Dr Hal Barron, Chief Medical Officer and Head Global Product Development, said the results may provide patients and their doctors in the future with an “important additional treatment option.”

Roche will now complete a further clinical trial, the BREVACTA study, and plans to submit data from both to the US FDA ahead of obtaining a license for the SC formulation.

Actemra is approved for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an inadequate response to one or more tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist therapies. It is also approved for the treatment of active Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA) in youngsters aged two years or older.

Also in the SUMMACTA study, a similar number of patients with RA achieved an ACR20 response after 24 weeks – a measurement indicating improvement in the number of tender and swollen joints, pain scale and patients’ and physicians’ assessment of improvement, and certain laboratory markers.

“We are very pleased with these data showing that subcutaneous administration of Actemra provides clinically meaningful and comparable results to the IV infusion,” said Dr Barron.

The results of the BREVACTA study are expected later in the year.