Colorectal cancer drug market value to exceed $9 billion by 2020

The colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment market value will increase at a moderate compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.8%, from $8.3 billion in 2013 to $9.4 billion by 2020, new research finds.

Analysis from business intelligence provider GBI Research indicates that the marketed CRC products landscape comprises a wide range of treatment options, including targeted therapies, such as Roche’s (ROG: SIX) Avastin (bevacizumab) and Sanofi’s (Euronext: SAN) Zaltrap (ziv-aflibercept), and a range of immunotherapies and chemotherapies. However, the lack of awareness and screening programs in developed nations are barriers to improving patient survival rates and reducing treatment costs.

CRC can take 10 to 15 years to develop, and many symptoms do not become apparent until the late stages of tumor development. Furthermore, CRC has a high incidence rate. It is the third most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal tract cancer and the fourth leading cause of mortality among all cancers.