Molluscum Contagiosum Market

Market Overview

The Molluscum Contagiosum Market is estimated to grow at higher CAGR OF 10.2%.

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is an infection caused by a poxvirus (Molluscum contagiosum virus). The infection is characterized by benign lesions on the upper layer of the skin, which can be transmitted by direct skin contact. As per the data published by National Centre for Biotechnology Information, children aged 1–14 years are more likely to get affected by the virus, where the incidence rate ranges from 12 to 14 incidents per 1000 children per year. Similarly, the National Disease and Therapeutic Index Survey shows Molluscum contagiosum is most common in the U.S. and accounts for approximately 1% of all skin disorders.

People with weakened immune systems (i.e., HIV-infected persons or persons being treated for cancer) are also susceptible to MC infection. It also spreads through fomites, i.e., an inanimate object that gets contaminated with the virus, such as clothing and towels, bathing sponges, swimming pool equipment, and toys. The symptoms generally include lesions without pain, itching, or redness, and  it is shaped in a dome-like lesion with a dimple in the center. Furthermore, there is no direct diagnostic test for the identification of the infection. However, the physician may perform a skin biopsy, i.e., the removal of a portion of skin for closer examination.  

In the last few years, the prevalence of MC has been increasing at a concerning rate, which is further grabbing maximum investments from the leading players that are actively working to seek approval of novel therapies in late-phase clinical trials. On 27^th November 2019, Verrica Pharmaceuticals announced the FDA filing of new drug applications for the treatment of MC. Similarly, Novan, Inc. announced a pipeline drug for the treatment of the disease, which is in Phase 3 of the clinical trials

Therapeutic Approaches

Currently, the MC market is cantered with a number of therapies, including the destruction of lesions by cryotherapy, curettage, laser, and salicylic acid. Similarly, immune-modulating therapies, such as topical imiquimod, cimetidine, and chemical methods such as trichloroacetic acid, cantharidin, tretinoin, tazarotene, and podophyllotoxin, are extensively used for the treatment of MC. However, cryotherapy and curettage are grabbing the highest share as it shows effective results in limited time.

Whereas, curettage requires a topical anesthetic application, which requires skill and patient acceptance. It can cause hyperpigmentation and can be painful for children.

Salicylic acid is also used to treat MC as it is convenient in terms of cost and causes minimal discomfort. Furthermore, some of the immunotherapies are based on the stimulation of immune response that can eliminate the viral infection.  In line with the increasing prevalence of MC, a number of leading players are robustly working on many new therapies, such as VP - 102 (Verrica Pharmaceuticals), SB206 (Novan/Ligand Pharmaceuticals), and VBP - 245 (Veloce Biopharma), among others.

Market Dynamics

The MC market is majorly driven by the fear of transmission and raising awareness regarding MC. If left untreated  it can lead to social stigma, anxiety, skin inflammation, and secondary infections.

Currently, the vaccination for MC treatment is witnessing huge demand in the global market as there is no commercial vaccine available for molluscum contagiosum infections. Vaccination treatment is a cost-effective process as it reduces unnecessary hospital stays. Until the development of vaccines, the treatment for MC infection was completely dependent on topical therapies in the market. However, the leading players are arduously working to develop several new therapies for the treatment and prevention of MC infections. For instance, Verrica Pharmaceutical developed Cantharidine Topical Solution for the treatment of MC infection. Similarly, several companies are engaging in research and clinical trials for the development of novel MC therapeutics. For instance, Novan Inc developed SB206 for the treatment of MC is in Phase 3 of the clinical trials.

As per our research, the global molluscum contagiosum market is worth over USD 2000 million. The U.S. is grabbing one of the highest shares in the MC market, which is around 55% of the total market. Whereas, Europe is dominating the molluscum contagiosum treatment market due to the increasing prevalence of MC in the region. However, the prevalence of MC infection is greater in some regions like South America, Africa, and the Asia Pacific, but there are no effective permitted drugs therapies, which is further driving the market growth.

Market Drivers

• Increasing R&D activities
• Rising approval from clinical trials
• Advancement in treatment and incorporation of the novel formulation
• Huge financial support to the researchers for developing novel therapy. For instance, the U.S. offers tax benefits to the companies investing in R&D activities
• Proven effectiveness of drug products are some of the primary growth stimulants for the market
• Increasing opportunities for the expansion of geographical footprint in dermatology landscape is likely to boost the market growth

Market Restraint

• Uncertainties inherent in the drug development process and delays in obtaining regulatory approval can restrain the market growth
• High cost of clinical testing, reliance on third-party for clinical trials, and uncertainty of the expected outcomes from clinical trials can hinder the opportunities for new entrants in the market
• Low acceptance of new drug products by physicians, patients, and clinical scientists to restrict the market growth
• Additionally, supply chain risks associated with market restrictions, tariffs or limitations on the export of new drug products to impede the market growth

Market Opportunities

• Globally, the limited presence of market players is offering umpteen opportunities for the new entrants in the MC market
• Development of laser therapy to offer significant advantages over pharmaceuticals and its side effects
• Key players to capture significant share in the dermatological segments, such as Tinea Pedis, Atopic Dermatitis, and Psoriasis
• Globally, the growing prevalence of MC is offering several opportunities in the pipeline drug segment
• Increasing investments from government and non-profit organizations for research activities is adding fuel to the market growth. For instance, Novan Pharmaceuticals received funding from Japanese market commercial partner for research activities
• Strategic partnership among the Clinical Research Organizations (CROs) and market players is likely to create lucrative opportunities for the market growth

Segmental Analysis

Competitive Landscape

• On 27^th November 2019: Verrica Pharmaceuticals announced the approval of new drug application by FDA for VP-102 (cantharidin 0.7% Topical Solution) for the treatment of MC
• On 2^nd January 2020: Novan,Inc. reported results for pipeline drug SB206, which is being evaluated for the treatment of MC in Phase 3 of the clinical trials
• On 5^th October 2018: Novan,Inc signed an out-licensing agreement with Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd to develop and sell SB206 product in Japan
• On October 2018: Veloce BioPharma LLC reported completion of Phase 2 clinical trial for Topical Gel VBP-245 in Pediatric Patients with MC
• On 1^st October 2015: Gurina Foundation reported Phase 3 trial results, i.e., efficacy and tolerance of Potassium Hydroxide (10% and 15%) in children suffering from MC

Segments Dominating the Global Molluscum Contagiosum Market

• Global Molluscum Contagiosum (MC) market is bifurcated into therapy, the region covered, and end-users
• By therapy, the topical therapy segment is dominating the market as it is convenient. Currently, several R&D activities and clinical studies are going on in the segment
• Based on the region, the U.S. is grabbing one of the largest shares in the MC market. In Europe, U.K has the highest prevalence of MC followed by Germany and Spain
• By end-users, the children segment is holding the highest share in the MC market. However, MC infection is also reported in some of the immunocompromised patients, such as HIV infected patients and patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Molluscum Contagiosum Market Segmentation

By Therapy

• Cryotherapy
• Curettage
• Immune - modulating therapies
• Topical therapies
• Others

By Region Covered

• U.S.
• EU
• Japan

  By End-Users 

• Children
• Immunocompromised patients
• Clinical physicians