Adult epilepsy market seen hitting $17.8b by 2035 on late‑stage pipeline

Late-stage pipeline products could generate $5.4b in sales across the 7MM.

The adult epilepsy market is projected to grow to $17.8b in 2035 from $11.4b in 2025 across the seven major markets (7MM), with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) expected to reshape treatment, according to GlobalData.

In its “Epilepsy (Adults): Disease Analysis Report and Forecast,” GlobalData said that the market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.4% throughout the forecast period as an increase in diagnosed prevalent cases and the introduction of 12 late-stage pipeline products drive growth.

The late-stage pipeline products will drive combined sales of approximately $5.4b by 2035 in the 7MM, with DMTs expected to account for about a quarter of those sales.

Three of the 12 late-stage pipeline products are being developed as DMTs, aiming to address the underlying causes of epilepsy.

“This signals a shift in the treatment paradigm towards therapies targeting the underlying pathophysiology of the condition,” said Jos Opdenakker, Neurology Analyst at GlobalData.

GlobalData's key opinion leaders (KOLs) said significant clinical unmet needs remain in epilepsy treatment, noting that seizure freedom rates have remained stable despite the wide range of anti-seizure medications available.

KOLs also said that available marketed therapies focus on synaptic mechanisms and look to either decrease excitation or increase inhibition.

“They are more symptomatic in their approach and do not address the underlying pathologies that produce seizures,” Opdenakker said. “There are several pipeline therapies that also operate on synaptic mechanisms, and although demonstrating potential, are likely to encounter similar issues as currently marketed therapies.”

He added that although cheap generic drugs remain a major barrier to market growth, late-stage pipeline products, together with rising diagnosed prevalence, are expected to drive growth through 2035.

The 7MM consists of the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Japan.