SLE, lupus nephritis market to more than double by 2034

It will be driven by nine new pipeline therapies targeting disease modification

The systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN) market across the seven major markets (7MM*) is set to grow from $2.4b in 2024 to $5.9b by 2034, according to GlobalData.

The growth will be driven by nine new pipeline therapies targeting disease modification, moving the market away from reliance on steroids, broad immunosuppressants, and antimalarials. These new drugs promise better safety, efficacy, and quality of life for patients.

“One of the most significant unmet needs highlighted by key opinion leaders (KOLs) was the paucity of treatment options that offer favorable safety and efficacy compared to the wide-spectrum immunosuppressants, as well as the inability to gain a meaningful reduction in corticosteroid doses, which pose a significant risk of infection, the leading cause of death in lupus patients,” said Zaid Mahmood, Immunology Analyst at GlobalData.

However, growth may face challenges. Biosimilars for belimumab and anifrolumab could undercut prices, while limited physician experience and high costs may slow adoption of new therapies.
GlobalData forecasts strong growth in the SLE and LN market, but access and cost barriers remain significant hurdles.

Despite strong growth prospects, Mahmood cautioned that several factors could temper expansion.

“The entry of biosimilars for belimumab and anifrolumab, the current market leading biologics, are expected to offer a cheaper alternative to their branded originators,” he said. “Additionally, adoption of pipeline therapies may be slow due to limited physician experience with novel mechanisms in treatment of lupus, coupled with anticipated high treatment costs that may lead to access restrictions.”