As we have already proven
the main target of Big Pharma is to profit from different bubbles but not to develop
a useful medicinal products. The creature and design of such bubbles is very
important issue and it usually takes a decade to complete it. We can name a
couple of last successful examples here: personalized medicine and “targeted”
medicines. The targeted approach is almost expired (we are somewhere close to "return to "normal"" point, see the picture) and is not “sexy” anymore
however personalized medicine is still alive (but
not very long, we are exactly on the top - "new paradigm!" point) and successfully consumes tremendous amounts of resources. What
will come next? As far as I understand it will be cell therapy (I have written
already a little bit about this issue here).
The approach of using cell therapy complies with all criteria to be attractive
for Big Pharma:
1. Cell therapy is absolutely
ineffective – no new dangerous disease will be cured. The market will be not
affected
2. The manufacturing and development
are very expensive – it will be very simple to motivate high prices for R&D
and final products
I think we are very close to "take-off" point (see the picture). And in press and mass media we have
a lot of bogus-articles which just blowing the bubble. One very nice example is
here:
The regenerative medicine space is a somewhat young
industry that presents the possibility of finding a cure for diseases that were
previously untreated, or simply managed. The healthcare system consists of an
aging population, and with a growing healthcare burden, it seems reasonable
that the approval of cell therapies could be a part of our immediate future.
Already we are seeing a change in government outlook, as many governments and
economies invest millions into the research of cell therapy and regenerative
medicine.
For the first time, regenerative medicine is more than
skin cream; instead, it has become medical therapies that treat or cure
cardiovascular and degenerative diseases (which one and where the results? – Pharmalitet comment). With the number of companies
beginning clinical studies for cell therapies, investors should feel optimistic…
- Nice language to use “should” instead of “are”!
The cell therapy industry is a more risky investment,
yet presents the potential for a large return. At this point, the data proves
efficiency for many of the top candidates, therefore, leaving the question
regarding approvals and regulator acceptance as the only relevant discussion. – Exactly! And so far – so bad?
The Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
International Society (TERMIS) is the world's largest professional organization
for tissue engineers; and it just recently announced the results from a survey
of 37 organizations for public and private sectors. The results showed that
government remains highly invested in regenerative medicine, with more than 55%
investing over $5 million in the space. In addition to strong government
support, both the public and private sectors showed an increase in interest and
investments in the space. – Absolutely, this is very direct sign that the bubble is being blown!
And the
conclusion is amazing:
As we progress into the next few years, several
companies will inch closer to regulatory decisions, and the space itself will
be determined by the outcome of candidates such as Baxter's CD34+ cell therapy
and the regulatory acceptance of Osiris' Prochymal. It will be an interesting
space to watch, but with key developments and progress that continue to shine,
it does appear the future is bright for innovating cell therapies.
And
everybody seems to be happy! But Big Pharma will be happy in the first place! J
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