Indian diabetes market forecast to surge, with new classes of drugs coming to the sector

With around 51 million diabetic patients, India promises to be amongst the most lucrative diabetes markets in the world. In 2009, the total sales of insulin and non-insulin anti-diabetics reached $424 million, according to the findings of a news report added to the offering of Research and Markets. Although, this represents just a fraction of the global sales, the authors expect this market to surge in the future.

In 2009, Non-Insulin Anti-diabetics occupied 72% of the total diabetes market. Biguanides represented the leading drug class with a 43% market share. In the next five years, the authors expect newer classes such as DPP-IV inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists to drive the non-insulin anti-diabetics market. From a market share of 6% in 2009, the authors expect DPP-IV Inhibitors to account for 17% of the total non-insulin sector by 2015.

Unlike non-insulins, the insulin market in India was concentrated with the top five players controlling 96% of the total market. The insulin market is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25% between 2010 and 2015, registering sales worth $448 million. During the next five years, the main drivers of this market will be the growth in the total drug treated population coupled with a much improved access and administration of Insulin.