Parkinson’s disease prevalence is rising. According to a survey conducted by Parkinson.org, around one million people in the US will be living with Parkinson’s disease by the end of 2020.

The number is shockingly high as the prevalence of multiple sclerosis combined with muscular dystrophy and Lou Gehrig’s disease is lower than that of Parkinson’s disease prevalence.

Parkinson’s disease diagnosis every year in the US is around 60,000 cases.

Parkinson’s is difficult. The disorder which affects the neurological state of the body, not only impacts the person’s physical capability but also the emotional and social state of life.

The studies reveal that female preponderance in Parkinson’s disease is more than that of the males. Moreover, Parkinson’s disease incidence increases with age.

According to DelveInsight’s analysis, the majority of Parkinson’s disease cases were reported around the age group of 65-84 years in the 7 Major markets.

The cause of such a cumbersome disease is still unknown. Several studies have been conducted so far, and are in the process to search for the origin of the disorder. There exist studies that blame certain environmental changes, however, the direct implication of the environment in Parkinson’s diseaseis still in dark.

The present Parkinson’s disease treatments are symptomatic and supportive. There is a lack of standard therapy which can efficiently block or the slow down the progression of the Parkinson’s disease. This is one of the huge unmet need which is driving the Parkinson’s disease therapy market forward.

The major Parkinson’s disease therapy market chunk is accounted by Levadopa. It is the most preferred therapy in the United States for Parkinson’s disease management.

Levodopa acts by crossing the blood-brain barrier, where it is converted into dopamine. Since blood enzymes (called AADCs) break down most of the levodopa before it reaches the brain, therefore, it is now prescribed in combination with an enzyme inhibitor called carbidopa.

Upcoming Parkinson’s disease therapies

Parkinson’s disease market in the 7MM is expected to increase during the study period (2017–2028). The United States dominates the Parkinson’s disease market share with Germany following behind closely.

Several emerging Parkinson’s disease pharmacotherapies are in different stages of clinical development. These therapies comprise of adenosine A2A receptor antagonists, glutamate receptor antagonists, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, anti-apoptotic agents, and antioxidants, such as coenzyme Q10, N-acetyl cysteine, and edaravone.

Other non-pharmacotherapies for Parkinson’s disease include viral vector gene therapy, microRNAs, transglutaminases, RTP801 (a stress-regulated protein), stem cells and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF).

Some of the key Parkinson’s disease players involved in the development of Parkinson’s Disease therapies are Biogen, Orion Pharmaceuticals, Axovant Sciences GMBH, BioElectron Technology Corporation, Kissei Pharmaceutical, Cerevance, Neurocrine Biosciences, Voyager Therapeutics and others.

Few of the above-mentioned companies such as Prevail Therapeutics, Axovant Gene Therapies, Denali Therapeutics, Neurocrine Pharmaceuticals, and others have shifted their approach from palliative treatment to targeting the genetic cause.

Upcoming Parkinson’s disease drugs which are currently in the late phase of clinical development include BIIB054 (Biogen), ODM 104 (Orion), VY-AADC (Neurocrine Biosciences/ Voyager Therapeutics), AXO-Lenti-PD (Axovant), EPI-589 (BioElectron), CVN424 (Cerevance), and others.

These innovative and standard treatments will change the Parkinson’s disease therapy landscape dramatically in the short as well as medium-term future. The exploration of novel treatment avenues is clearly warranted.

Expanded knowledge of the disease and awareness among people have also contributed to an increase in Parkinson’s disease therapy market size.