PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancer Market

PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancer Market Snapshot (2023 to 2033)

The global PD1-resistant head and neck cancer market is expected to reach a valuation of US$ 1.54 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$ 5 Billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 12.5%. The growing geriatric population and rising number of initiatives by government and non-governmental organizations such as Support for People with Oral and PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancer(SPOHNC) are creating a highly conducive environment for the growth of the global PD1-resistant head and neck cancer market.

The robust presence of the product pipeline and their expected launch will fuel the market growth. Some of the products in the pipeline are Tipifarnib (Farnesyltransferase Inhibitor), tiragolumab (anti-TIGIT), Tecentriq (atezolizumab), Rozlytrek (entrectinib), and Afatinib. Successful completion of trials and consequent approval is expected to drive market growth over the forecast period. In February 2021, the US FDA granted breakthrough therapy designation to Tipifarnib developed by Kura Oncology, Inc., for the treatment of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This is a potent, selective, and orally administered drug which will aid in market expansion.

The increasing prevalence of PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancer due to several factors such as alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is significantly propelling the demand for PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancer drugs that bolsters HNC therapeutics market.

2018 to 2022 PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Demand Analysis vs. Forecast 2023 to 2033

The PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancer Market were growing at a CAGR of 10.1% while valued at US$ 1 Billion during the historical period. The rapidly growing pharmaceutical industry and the rising expenditure by the top market players in research and development and the availability of various pipeline drugs such as atezolizumab, Afatinib, and Ipilimumab are fuelling the market growth. Considering these factors HNC market is projected to reach US$ 5 Billion with a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period.

Which are Some Prominent Drivers of the PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancer Market?

Advances in biochemistry and Genomics to propel market growth

The advancements in non-surgical procedures and therapies such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy are supporting the adoption rate of PD1-resistant head and neck cancer drugs among patients across the globe. The availability of advanced diagnostic tools to diagnose various types of cancer and tumors is driving market growth.

The increasing awareness among the population regarding the availability of effective and innovative drugs to treat cancer coupled with rising healthcare expenditure is fuelling the PD1-resistant head and neck cancer market growth. The swiftly growing biopharmaceutical industry and the rising penetration of online pharmacies are the major factors that are anticipated to augment the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Moreover, several developmental strategies such as partnerships, new product launches, and adoption of the latest technologies impact the market positively and drive the industry’s growth. The growing expenditure by the top market players in research and development and the availability of various pipeline drugs such as atezolizumab, Afatinib, and Ipilimumab is also aiding in market expansion.

Sabyasachi Ghosh

Principal Consultant

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What are the Challenges Projected to be Faced by the Market?

High rate of complications to restrain market expansion

Rising treatment costs, an increase in the adverse effects associated with the use of PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancerdrugs, high rate of complications, dearth of early cancer detection, and lack of awareness among patients and physicians about head and neck treatment are the major factors acting as restraints, and will further hinder the PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancerdrug market during the forecast period. Moreover, the dearth of proper healthcare facilities and oncology professionals across some developing and underdeveloped regions is also restricting market expansion.

Region-Wise Insights

North America dominates the PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancer Market

North American PD1-resistant head and neck cancer market accounted for 46% market share in 2022. It is estimated to retain its dominance while exhibiting a CAGR of 11.1% during the forecast period. In this region, the US market is expected to gross a market value of US$ 850 Million by end of the forecast period.

The presence of advanced healthcare infrastructure, robust product pipeline increased healthcare expenditure, favorable reimbursement policies, and improved access to advanced diagnostic devices are the major factors that drive the growth of the PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancer drugs market in the North American region.

Launch of Premium Immunotherapies to drive the Market in APAC

In Asia Pacific, the market is projected to grow with the fastest CAGR of 11.5% with a market valuation to reach US$ 425 Million by 2033. The growing geriatric population and increasing prescription of immunotherapy drugs such as Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and Nivolumab (Opdivo) for the treatment of various types of HNC are anticipated to drive market growth in coming years. China is expected to dominate the market in this region with a market valuation of around US$ 250 Million. Moreover, the market in Japan will be fuelled with a CAGR of 11%. Additionally, the Indian market will witness a CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period.

Currently, four targeted therapies are existing in the APAC HNC market, which are Erbitux, BIOMAb EGFR, Opdivo, and Keytruda. The remainder of this market is composed of generics. Recent additions to the market have highlighted that the treatment landscape is diversifying and becoming less dependent on chemotherapy options.

With the approval of Keytruda in Australia, and Opdivo in Australia, South Korea, and Japan, there has been a rise in targeted therapy options. Additionally, avelumab (a PD-L1 inhibitor) is likely to be approved in APAC countries at the end of 2033, as it is currently undergoing Phase III trials in Japan, Australia, and South Korea.

Increasing demand for efficient drugs for the treatment of HNCs in emerging economies such as China and India, the growing pharmaceutical industry, and the rapidly increasing patient population are expected to fuel the growth of the market in Asia Pacific during the forecast period.

Category wise Insights

High efficacy of EGFR to augment the Segment Growth

The increasing special drug designations and the high efficacy of EGFR inhibitors in the treatment of cancer indications e.g., lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer will result in quicker approval during the clinical stages.

Thus, the robust prevalence of major cancer indications will be a significant factor driving the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors market during the forecast period.

PDL 1 Inhibitors to dominate the segment by Product Type

The PD-1 inhibitors segment is projected to dominate the market owing to the increased volume of research activities, approvals, and increase in prescriptions of these drugs such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab. Furthermore, the rising adoption of pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA), due to its proven efficiency to treat multiple FDA-Approved indications like melanoma, non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC), has also positively influenced the segment growth.

Additionally, the PD-L1 inhibitor segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast period owing to a sharp rise in the adoption of durvalumab (IMFINZI), avelumab (BAVENCIO), and others in the segment. Huge investments by the key players in the development of these products are further anticipated to fuel the segment growth over the forecast period.

Start-ups in PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancer Market

• Founded in 2006, Dr Harvard is a Los Angeles-based company that provides immunotherapy for cancer and infectious disease. Its technology is based upon natural killer cells; they have developed NK cells from the cell line. Currently, it has five immunotherapeutic vaccines in various stages of development. VBAC-C for the treatment of cervical cancer, PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancer disease, and BVAC-B for the treatment of gastric cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer diseases are in ongoing clinical trial studies.
• Founded in 2012, Canget BioTekpharma is a US-based biopharma company formed from a collaboration of multiple academic and clinical research groups and was spun off from Roswell Park Cancer Center. The company focuses on developing targeted anti-cancer agents. The company either partners with other pharmaceutical companies, or work on a contract to provide disease models for their clients' discovery programs. The company currently has multiple drugs in early or preclinical development for colon cancer, head, and neck cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, retinoblastoma, and prostate cancer, among others. It received funding of USD 25K

Market Competition

Key players in the PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancer Market are Advaxis, Inc, Amgen, Inc., AstraZeneca plc, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Cel-Sci Corporation, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Incyte Corporation, Merck KGaA, Novartis AG.

Some Recent Developments in this industry are:

• In February 2020, Galera Therapeutics, Inc., announced that Avasopasem manganese (GC4419), a novel drug molecule is in their pipeline. Avasopasem manganese (GC4419), the candidate drug molecule is being developed for reducing severe oral mucositis (SOD) which is normally induced due to radiotherapy. Avasopasem manganese (GC4419) selectively and rapidly convert superoxide into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen, which in turn protect normal tissues from the ill effects of superoxide. If the condition is left untreated, the superoxide can attack and damage the non-cancerous tissue, leading to many side effects, which can limit the efficiency of radiotherapy in patients.
• In July 2022, Bristol Myers Squibb received a positive Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) opinion recommending approval for LAG-3-blocking antibody combination Opdualag (nivolumab and relatlimab) for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
• In October 2021, Merck received the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for KEYTRUDA, Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, for the treatment of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer whose tumors express PD-L1, as determined by an FDA-approved test.
• In February 2020, Nanobiotix, a nanomedicine company announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) granted fast-track designation for the radio enhancer NBTXR3, in the presence or absence of Cetuximab for the treatment of patients suffering from locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer and are not eligible for platinum-based chemotherapy. During phase, I/II of the clinical trials, the patients suffering from head and neck cancer, showed complete or partial response to the treatment. Therefore, the company plans to initiate phase III of the clinical trials in order to further assess the treatment of NBTXR3 for head and neck cancer.
• In January 2020, John Hopkins University announced that they planned to launch a treatment de-escalation trial i.e., for patients suffering from HPV-related PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancer and responding to the low intensity of treatments, such patients would be subjected to immunotherapy treatment followed by surgery. While patients suffering from traditional head and neck cancers would be treated with half doses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After this treatment, if the remainings of HPV are observed in the saliva and blood of these treated patients, then they will be treated with immunotherapy, in order to eliminate the chance of relapse.
• In June 2019, Merck & Co., Inc., announced the US Food and Drug Administration (US. FDA) approval for pembrolizumab for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Report Scope

Key Segments Profiled in the PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancer Market Industry Survey

PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancer Market by Product:

• Cytotoxic Agents
  • Antimetabolites
  • Antitubulins
  • Others - Platinum Agents, Fluoropyrimidines
• EGFR Inhibitors
  • Erbitux
  • Vectibix
  • Theracim/Theraloc
• EGFR Inhibitors
  • Tarceva
  • Tykerb/Tyverb
• PD1 Inhibitors
  • Keytruda
  • Opdivo
• Pipeline Drugs
  • EGFR Inhibitors
  • PDL1 Inhibitors
  • CTLA4 Inhibitors

PD1 Resistant Head and Neck Cancer Market by Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)