Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment Market (2023 - 2030)

Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment Market Summary

According to an article published in July 2022, AbbVie Inc. and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. are investigating their second-generation medicine Vraylar (cariprazine) and Rexulti (brexpiprazole), respectively, in autism patients. Successful completion of trial and their expected approvals are projected to fuel market growth.

Since there is a lack of approved treatment for ASD in the market, initiatives are undertaken by public and private organizations to support the research and development of novel medicines to treat patients with autism worldwide. For instance, in 2022, the Autism Research Institute (ARI) awarded more than USD 450,000 for research activities that engaged in the development of novel treatments for disease. Some of the research studies include:

• In neurodevelopmental disorders, miRNA acts as a mediator in fetal interaction

• Developing therapeutic medicines for autism spectrum disorder by understanding the role of peroxynitrite signaling

Furthermore, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) funds research aimed at better understanding the factors that lead to ASD. The NINDS researchers study the aspects of brain function and development such as the formation and function of neuronal synapses, which may not properly operate in patients with neurodevelopmental and ASD disorders. These research activities help in identifying new opportunities for the therapeutic development of ASD.

Extensive research studies conducted by organizations to evaluate the safety and efficacy of drugs in patients with ASD are expected to drive the market. The positive outcomes of these studies open new growth opportunities for the market. For instance, in March 2022, Stalicla successfully completed phase 1b trials of precision medicine candidate STP1 and showed positive results with symptom improvement in patients with ASD. Thus, the successful completion of the trial and subsequent product approvals are anticipated to drive the market.

Currently, there is no drug approved for the treatment of ASD despite the increase in the need for effective clinical trials and drugs for autism. Knowledge gaps and complex models in clinical translation research are some of the fundamental factors that impede research activities and drug development. In the period of targeted treatment, there has been no conclusive evidence supporting any medicine’s safety and efficacy for the treatment of core symptoms of ASD despite multiple attempts. Hence, the lack of approved drugs to treat patients with ASD may hamper the growth of the market.

Treatment Type Insights

The stimulants segment dominated the market with a revenue share of over 25.0% in 2022 owing to the availability and ease of accessibility of drugs to patients. Adderall, Dexedrine, Focalin, Vyvanse, and Ritalin are some of the stimulants approved by the U.S. FDA to treat patients with autism. These drugs improve the symptoms of patients by 80% when administered correctly to patients. Thus, high efficacy associated with the stimulants may attract a new target population and broaden the source of revenue.

The antipsychotic drugs segment is expected to witness lucrative growth over the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the availability of antipsychotic drugs as the safer and most effective treatment for patients with ASD. Currently, Abilify and Risperdal are the only medications approved by the U.S. FDA to treat irritability in children with autism spectrum disorder. Both drugs are mostly used by ASD patients due to the high safety, efficacy, and tolerability associated with them over other drugs.

Application Insights

The autistic disorder segment dominated the market with a revenue share of over 50.0% in 2022. This can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of this type of disease worldwide. According to Zynerba Pharmaceuticals, in November 2022, around 1.4 million people living with ASD in the U.S. Thus, the increasing prevalence of the autistic disorder is projected to fuel demand for medicines used to treat patients with symptoms of ASD and support revenue generation.

The others segment is expected to grow at a high rate over the forecast period. According to the Autism Research Institute (ARI), Williams Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Landau-Kleffner Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and Tardive Dyskinesia are major seven disorders that are closely related to autism. Approximately 15% to 20% of those with Fragile X Syndrome exhibit ASD-type symptoms such as behavior hand flapping, odd gestures, and poor eye contact. Thus, an increasing number of patients with autism coupled with late-stage product candidates such as Zygel and STX209 (Arbaclofen) is anticipated to drive the segment.

Distribution Channel Insights

The retail pharmacy segment dominated the market with a revenue share of over 55.0% in 2022. This dominance can be attributed to the wide availability of drugs such as stimulants, anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, and anxiety medications at retail pharmacies. Based on an article published in June 2021, it was estimated approximately 30% to 50% of all patients with ASD have been treated with at least one above medication. Thus, the growing population with ASD acts as a major driver for the market.

The hospital pharmacy segment is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. Increase in focus on patient care initiatives, such as Autism Center Partial Hospital Program and Autism Inpatient Care, to provide solutions to children with ASD. Other factors boosting market growth are a rising volume of prescriptions for drugs and growing awareness regarding the disorder.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the overall market with a revenue share of over 55.0% in 2022 owing to the launch and rapid uptake of multiple ASD drugs. Increasing research activities in the region in the field of ASD are projected to open new growth opportunities in the region. For instance, in January 2020, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. initiated a clinical trial study on a new experimental product Balovaptan for people with ASD in Toronto, Canada. Successful completion of the study is expected to fuel market growth.

Asia Pacific is expected to register a lucrative growth rate of 7.6% over the forecast period. The growth of the region is attributed to the presence of key players in the market and strategic initiatives undertaken by them to develop and commercialize new products to treat patients. For instance, in May 2022, Teijin Pharma and Hamamatsu Medical University among others confirmed the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of oxytocin nasal spray to treat patients with autism spectrum disorder. This collaboration boosts the research and development of novel ASD drugs in the Asia Pacific region.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

In May 2022, the FDA granted fast-track designation to Curemark’s CM-AT indicated for ASD in 3-8 years old children. Moreover, in November 2021, Indian researchers developed the 6BIO compound, which has shown the potential in improving daily activities in the pre-clinical investigation of patients with autism spectrum disorder. Some prominent players in the global autism spectrum disorder treatment market include:

• Curemark LLC

• Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

• Merck & Co., Inc.

• Novartis AG

• Eli Lilly and Company

• Pfizer Inc.

• Johnson & Johnson Services Inc.

• Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

• Yamo Pharmaceuticals

• F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

• Axial Therapeutics Inc.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment Market