Amyloidosis is a rare disease caused by the accumulation and the deposition of proteins such as immunoglobulin light-chain protein in AL amyloidosis and misfolded transthyretin (TTR) protein in ATTR amyloidosis. There are a few other types of amyloidosis as well, which are either a result of a preexisting condition or are not highly prevalent. Various challenges exist in terms of finding a cure for this debilitating disease, such as multiple mutations in the TTR gene, resulting in diverse etiologies across different geographies. Research efforts have decreased disease progression significantly, and many researchers are focusing on treatment options to deplete amyloid deposition on organs that cause their dysfunction.
Developments in amyloidosis treatment have resulted in many pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies trying different drug classes targeting various stages of pathways that lead to misfolded protein, including stabilizers, inhibitors, and silencers. Recently, gene editing drugs, such as RNA interference drugs, have been receiving approval, indicating the success rate of targeted therapies and creating a manufacturer monopoly for the development of a certain class of drugs for treatment.
Therapeutic options being considered are a mix of drug combinations, drugs used in multiple myeloma, other repurposed drugs, novel drug molecules, advanced therapeutics such as gene editing, CAR T-cells, and transplants. As healthcare advances toward modular methods, several upcoming companies are being spun off of universities that have developed technology platforms to target amyloid formation and deposition.
This Frost & Sullivan research service provides an overview of therapeutic advancements enabling amyloidosis research.
For new targets to be explored, research efforts have to run in parallel to the growing number of treatment approvals. Several funding organizations exist in parts of the United States and the United Kingdom, and grants are being offered by leading pharmaceutical companies for this effort. Drug development is also translating into collaborations and acquisitions between companies.
One of the many challenges associated with patients is the high cost of these therapies, which necessitates financial assistance programs by manufacturers. In addition, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is having a major impact, and the fear of contracting infection due to hospital exposure is making people averse to hospitalization; this is a major hindrance as many drugs are delivered as infusions.
Development of new target drugs and increased understanding of the disease have to be coupled with evidence-based treatment pathways so that there is uniformity in treatment and ease in measuring outcomes to facilitate streamlined treatment over the next 5-10 years. Furthermore, a treatment that is suitable for patients at all stages of the disease should be developed.
Growth opportunities exist in terms of having clinical trials and disease registries in geographies where the disease is prevalent as this will boost the market access of certain drugs based on the manifestation that the drug can treat. Screening of members at high risk and asymptomatic transthyretin gene mutations can curb the disease at its onset.
This study discusses various new and emerging therapeutics for amyloidosis, trends, challenges, and clinical pipelines; it also makes recommendations to pharmaceutical/biotechnological and research organizations to leverage growth opportunities.