Russia's colorectal cancer drug market to reach over $480 million in 2016

The colorectal cancer (CRC) drug market in Russia will grow 3% annually to $487 million in 2016, according to a new report from Decision Resources titled Colorectal Cancer in Russia. Changes in medical practice, a growing CRC patient population and the launches of four novel branded CRC therapies are key factors contributing to this growth.

Anticipated changes in medical practice include increased access to KRAS testing in Russia, which in turn will increase the use of premium-priced EGFR inhibitors such as Merck KGaA’s Erbitux (cetuximab) and Amgen’s Vectibix (panitumumab), as the testing will identify potential responders to these two therapies. Additionally, the introduction of Erbitux onto Russia’s List of Essential Medicines and the anticipated inclusion of Vectibix on the same registry before 2016 will likely lead to an increase in the use of these agents. The report predicts.

“Testing for KRAS mutations was not included in the 2006 Russian CRC treatment guidelines nor is the cost of testing currently covered by mandatory health insurance,” said Decision Resources analyst Natalia Reoutova. “Nevertheless, Russian oncologists we interviewed are optimistic that testing will become more readily available in the future. Many cite the Improvement of Molecular-Genetic Testing for Oncology Diseases in the Russian Federation that is funded by Merck and AstraZeneca as a key to their anticipated increase in the rates of genetic testing,” she added.