Market potential

Hundreds of millions of people every day suffer from chronic respiratory diseases including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is predicted to be the third leading cause of death by 2030, while the World Health Organization Director-General has stated that ‘asthma is on the rise everywhere’.

Asthma and COPD make up the third-fastest growing marketplace for therapeutic treatments, with the total market estimated to be worth more than $21 billion in the US alone. The increase in fixed-dose combinations, and ongoing advances in effective therapies mean this figure will continue to grow. Our products for asthma and COPD target over half of this ever-expanding global market.

A carefully developed strategy for growth

To generate as much value as possible from our global opportunities, we are focusing on both the branded and generic/branded generic respiratory markets. DPI products currently generate sales in excess of $10 billion a year and the market is still growing. This market poses a number of regulatory challenges, which require a specialism and expertise in product development for which Vectura is known. There are relatively few competitors working on complex generic/branded generic respiratory products, and new market opportunities are emerging that provide huge potential for growth.

COPD bronchodilator market

Asthma is a chronic disease that is characterised by recurring attacks of breathlessness and wheezing. An asthma sufferer may experience symptoms several times a day, and they may become worse during physical activity or at night.

COPD is a progressive, life-threatening disease that is often associated with tobacco smoking, air pollution or occupational exposure. The condition obstructs airflow in the lungs, leading to debilitating and often distressing bouts of breathlessness. COPD cannot be cured, and anyone suffering from the condition will need treatment to reduce the symptoms and exacerbations indefinitely.