Merkel Cell Carcinoma Disease Treatment Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The Merkel cell carcinoma disease treatment market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.43% during the forecast period, reaching US$4.834 billion by 2029, from US$3.818 billion in 2022.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive skin cancer that primarily affects Merkel cells responsible for touch. It is often linked to UV radiation and the Merkel cell polyomavirus. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Surgical removal is the primary treatment, while radiation therapy targets cancer cells. Chemotherapy kills cancer cells or stops growth, and immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. Targeted therapy targets specific molecules involved in cancer growth. Patients should work with a multidisciplinary team to determine the best treatment plan, and regular follow-ups are crucial to detect recurrence or potential complications. Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive skin cancer that can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. The Merkel cell carcinoma disease treatment market includes pharmaceuticals, therapies, and medical interventions designed to target and treat the cancer. Key components include chemotherapy drugs, immunotherapies, and targeted therapies. Surgery is a common approach, while radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy, a significant treatment modality, enhances the body's immune response against cancer cells. Clinical trials contribute to the market, while targeted therapies focus on specific molecules or pathways involved in cancer cell growth and survival. Multidisciplinary approaches are often used to address the complex nature of Merkel cell carcinoma.

MARKET DRIVERS:

Growing efforts in research and development

R&D efforts in Merkel cell carcinoma treatment include developing innovative therapies, targeting specific cancer growth molecules, and advancing immunotherapy. These efforts drive the market by involving more clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new treatments. For instance, in January 2024, Verrica Pharmaceuticals developed VP-315, a first-in-class oncolytic peptide, for treating basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of cancer in the U.S. The Phase 2 trial, a 2-part, open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation, proof-of-concept study, will assess the drug's safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy in adults with biopsy-proven basal cell carcinoma. The drug works by inducing lysis of tumor cell organelles and unleashing a broad spectrum of tumor antigens for T cell responses. Verrica holds a worldwide exclusive license to develop and commercialize VP-315 for dermatologic oncology indications.

Increased collaborative Initiatives

New skin biopsy approaches enable early diagnosis and treatment of diseases, improving prognosis and treatment options. Collaborations between research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare organizations can accelerate drug development and advance Merkel cell carcinoma research by pooling resources and expertise. For instance, in march 2023, Merck has regained exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the anti-programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) antibody BAVENCIO® (avelumab) following the termination of their Alliance agreement with Pfizer. Merck, through its affiliate Ares Trading S.A., will take full control of the global commercialization of BAVENCIO, replacing the current profit share with a 15% royalty to Pfizer on net sales. Merck will control all future research and development activities, while the product manufacturing and supply chain will remain solely with Merck. BAVENCIO has been shown to engage both adaptive and innate immune functions in preclinical models.

North America is anticipated to hold a significant amount of the market share

North America is a significant market for Merkel cell carcinoma treatment due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, research and development, and access to advanced therapies. The prevalence of Merkel cell carcinoma in the US has increased due to factors like an aging population, increased awareness, and improved diagnostic techniques. The region's robust regulatory environment, including the FDA and Health Canada, ensures effective and safe treatments are available to patients. North America, particularly the United States, is a key player in the Merkel cell carcinoma treatment market due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, research institutions, and healthcare professionals. The region is a hub for medical innovation, with academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and research centers leading in developing new treatments. The FDA plays a crucial role in the approval and commercialization of cancer treatments. However, global research and healthcare practices can impact market shares over time. Additionally, the majority of the population in North America has health insurance coverage, making it an attractive market for Merkel cell carcinoma treatment. Overall, North America's healthcare infrastructure, research, and access to advanced therapies contribute to a comprehensive approach to cancer care.

Key Developments:

• January 2024- Merck has approved KEYTRUDA, its anti-PD-1 therapy, in combination with chemoradiotherapy for treating FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA cervical cancer. The approval is based on data from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-A18 trial, which showed KEYTRUDA plus CRT improved progression-free survival by 41% compared to placebo plus CRT in patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA disease. KEYTRUDA has received its third indication in cervical cancer and the 39th in the U.S.
• March 2023- Incyte has received approval from the FDA for Zyny, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) for treating adults with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). The FDA has accelerated approval of the Biologics License Application (BLA) for Zynyz based on tumor response rate and duration of response (DOR). MCC is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer, with a high rate of metastatic disease and poor prognosis. The estimated five-year overall survival rate for patients with distant metastatic disease is 14%. MCC affects less than 1 per 100,000 people in the U.S., but incidence rates rapidly increase, especially in adults over 65.
• August 2023- Verrica Pharmaceuticals has presented lesion clearance data from Part 1 of a Phase 2 study of VP-315, a potential non-surgical immunotherapy for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). VP-315 is a chemotherapeutic administered intratumorally, causing the lysis of intracellular organelles of tumor cells, such as mitochondria, and unleashing a broad spectrum of tumor antigens for T cell responses. Verrica holds a global license to develop and commercialize VP-315 for dermatologic oncology, specifically non-metastatic melanoma and non-metastatic merkel cell carcinoma. The company plans to focus initially on basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas as the lead indications for development.

Key Market Segments

By Therapy

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Surgical Excision
• Radiation Therapy
• Combination Therapy
• Others

By Test Type

• Computerized axial tomography scan
• Positron emission tomography scan
• Biopsy test
• Immunohistochemistry test
• Others

By End-Users

• Hospitals
• Homecare
• Specialty Clinics and Surgical Centers
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• USA
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• South Africa
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Others