Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy (IMN) Market Assessment, By Type [Chlorambucil, Alkylating Agents, Cyclophosphamide, Others], By Application [Clinics, Hospitals, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy (IMN) Market Assessment, By Type [Chlorambucil, Alkylating Agents, Cyclophosphamide, Others], By Application [Clinics, Hospitals, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) market is projected to witness a CAGR of 8.83% during the forecast period 2024-2031F, growing from USD 201.4 million in 2023 to USD 396.18 million in 2031. The growing awareness about idiopathic membranous nephropathy and rising government efforts to increase the affordability of diagnostic solutions are providing lucrative growth opportunities to the market. In line with this, research activities are increasingly being conducted to determine the effects of combination therapy in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy, which is acting as a crucial market trend. The market demand is further driven by an increasing aging population, growing adoption of a sedentary lifestyle, and rising rate of renal diseases.

Increasing research activities by different research institutions to understand the effects of different treatments in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy is further supporting the market expansion. For instance, Beijing Friendship Hospital is conducting an interventional, randomized, open controlled study to understand the influence of various treatment schemes on the cognitive status of patients suffering from idiopathic membranous nephropathy. The exploration of the possible pathophysiological mechanism is expected to be conducted with the help of brain magnetic resonance imaging technology. The study aims to provide a theoretical basis for enhanced prevention of cognitive impairment and clinical treatment scheme selection and more information about the clinical cognitive status of idiopathic membranous nephropathy. The study is expected to conclude in 2025.

Rising Government Efforts Support Market Growth

Increasing efforts by various government institutes to support research and development activities are providing lucrative growth opportunities to the market. Different research studies are being conducted to determine the efficacy of drugs in different patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy. The National Natural Science Foundation of China is supporting different research activities for treating idiopathic membranous nephropathy. Various studies have been conducted to demonstrate the efficacy of drugs in patients suffering from idiopathic membranous nephropathy with high or moderate proteinuria, however, systemic comparison has yet to be confirmed. Therefore, a network meta-analysis was performed for comparing the efficacy of idiopathic membranous nephropathy treatments in patients with high and moderate proteinuria, while comparing the risk of adverse events with idiopathic membranous nephropathy regimens.

Increasing Research and Development Activities are Boosting the Market Expansion

Research and development activities offer various benefits, including facilitation of innovation and accelerated development of new products as well as aid in improving the efficacy of existing products. They also allow researchers to study the effects of combination therapy. For instance, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China is conducting an interventional study to determine whether RTX combined with cyclosporine is more effective than RTX alone for treating idiopathic membranous nephropathy. The first-line immunosuppressive therapy of idiopathic membranous nephropathy includes Rituximab (RTX) or cyclophosphamide in combination with corticosteroids due to their superior safety profile. However, the long-term remission rate of Rituximab monotherapy is about 60%. Cyclosporin and RTX are expected to have a synergistic effect for treating idiopathic membranous nephropathy as they have different effects on podocytes and the immune system and different time of action.

North America Accounts for Significant Market Share

North America is expected to account for a significant share of the market over the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the strong presence of various leading market players and increasing research activities by different research organizations in the region. For instance, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is conducting a study to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous rituximab and belimumab at inducing complete remission as compared to just rituximab in patients suffering from idiopathic membranous nephropathy. In this interventional study, researchers will evaluate if treating idiopathic membranous nephropathy in combination with rituximab and belimumab will effectively block the immune attacks on kidney in comparison to rituximab alone. Rituximab works by decreasing B cells, they are known to have a role in membranous nephropathy. Upon the removal of these cells, the disease might become less active or even completely inactive. Belimumab works by changing the type of new B cells produced in the body and decreasing the B cells. Belimumab has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating systemic lupus erythematosus, whereas rituximab is approved for treating vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and some types of cancer. Treating membranous nephropathy with a combination of rituximab and belimumab has previously not been studied, however the combination has been tested for treating other autoimmune diseases. The study is expected to reach completion in 2030.

Cyclophosphamide Expected to Witness Significant Expansion

Recent studies have shown that alternating glucocorticoid-cyclophosphamide is superior to rituximab for proteinuria remission. RI-CYCLO and STARMEN confirmed the efficacy of glucocorticoid-cyclophosphamide in patients suffering from high-risk membranous nephropathy. For treating high-risk patients, the 2021 KDIGO guidelines recommend initiation of immunosuppressive treatments with cyclophosphamide associated with steroids, calcineurin, or RTX. The only recommended option for treatment in very high-risk patients is corticosteroids plus cyclophosphamide. Potential new strategies for the treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy include the utilization of an induction phase with intravenous cyclophosphamide on a monthly basis or a combination of RTX with low-dose cyclophosphamide. These strategies showcased encouraging immunological remission and clinical results, with excellent safety profile.

Hospitals Account for Significant Market Share

Hospitals are expected to account for a significant market share as some patients often face life threatening and severe nephrotic syndrome even while the excretory renal functions are working normally. Various medical college hospitals are conducting studies to understand the effects of different immunosuppressive therapies in patients suffering from idiopathic membranous nephropathy, which is expected to create positive market opportunities. For instance, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China, is conducting an interventional study for comparing the twenty-four-month remissions in idiopathic membranous nephropathy by different immunosuppressive therapies. The investigators designed this study for comparing the efficacy of corticosteroids plus cyclophosphamide with rituximab in treating idiopathic membranous nephropathy. The study is estimated to reach completion in 2027.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

Different research activities are underway in various regions across the globe for determining the tolerability, safety, and efficacy of different treatments for idiopathic membranous nephropathy. For instance, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan is conducting an interventional study to confirm the safety and efficacy of intravenous administration of rituximab for the treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy with nephrotic syndrome. The clinical study is going to be double-blind, randomized, multi-center, and placebo controlled and is estimated to reach completion in December 2026. Furthermore, various biotech companies, including SynAct Pharma Aps, are also conducting different studies to evaluate the efficacy and pharmacokinetic effects of different treatments in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key participants in the idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) market include Pfizer, Inc., Novartis AG, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Astellas Pharma Inc., and GlaxoSmithKline. The market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period due to rising research and development activities by different market players and the conduct of several clinical trials.

Novartis AG, one of the leading pharmaceutical corporations, received positive results for their phase 3 trials for targeted factor B inhibitor iptacopan. The company plans on initiating discussions with the FDA to receive accelerated approval for iptacopan, whose target indications include idiopathic membranous nephropathy, C3 glomerulopathy, and atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome.