Type 2 diabetes drug market to nearly double to $36 billion in 2019, boosted by news drugs; research shows many patients not taking their insulin

The continued uptake of key agents such as Merck & Co's Januvia (sitagliptin), Amylin/Eli Lilly's Byetta (exenatide) and Lilly/Amylin/Alkermes' Bydureon (a once-weekly version of exenatide) will drive the type 2 diabetes drug market to nearly double from $19 billion in 2009 to $36 billion in 2019 in the USA, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK and Japan, according to new research from advisory firm Decision Resources.

The Pharmacor 2010 findings from the topic entitled Type 2 Diabetes reveal that agents from the incretin mimetics drug class - dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues - are the most promising drug classes because they improve upon key areas of safety and efficacy. DPP-IV inhibitors such as Januvia have a very low risk of hypoglycemia and an excellent tolerability profile, making them suitable for widespread use, the report notes.

GLP-1 analogues such as Bydureon and Byetta combine superior glucose-lowering and weight-loss capabilities and are particularly useful for the significant proportion of type 2 diabetics who are obese. Among all drug classes, DPP-IV inhibitors and GLP-1 analogues will experience the largest upturn in market share, increasing from 12% in 2009 to 30% in 2019.