High incidence and inadequate treatments boost prospects of HIV, Chagas, Dengue and influenza H1N1 drugs in Latin America

The high incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Chagas, dengue and influenza H1N1, as well as the unavailability of adequate treatments for these infectious diseases, spell opportunities for pharmaceutical companies across Latin America to develop new, improved diagnosis and treatment methods.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, titled A Product and Pipeline Analysis of the Latin American HIV, Chagas, Dengue, and Influenza H1N1 Therapeutics Markets, finds that Chagas ranks the highest in terms of relative prevalence, and the 50% efficacy rate of current treatments means that this is a market to be tapped and developed. HIV has the second-highest incidence rate, followed by dengue and influenza H1N1.

"Pharmaceutical companies in Latin America currently offer numerous generic drugs for the treatment of HIV at reduced prices owing to intense competition in the market," stated Frost & Sullivan health care industry analyst Lucila Rocca, adding: "Even though these drugs assure a longer and better life for patients, they do not cure the disease, thus leaving considerable room for more effective therapies."