Skin Cancer Surge Leads to New Therapies

The rising incidence of skin cancer worldwide has led to the development of a new wave of targeted drug therapies, with about 10 new medications expected to be launched between 2011 and 2017. This, according to analysis from Frost & Sullivan (San Antonio, TX, USA), “US Skin Cancer Market.” To date, surgery has been the preferred treatment for skin cancer, with early diagnosis reducing the need for drug therapies. Currently, the only two approved drugs for melanoma cause numerous side effects and are not completely effective.

The development of new skin cancer medications will boost revenues for the drug companies; however, several major medication patents will expire during the next few years, making way for generics. The key drug Intron-A, for example, has already expired. According to Frost & Sullivan's research, in order to counter the move toward generics, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies must develop personalized therapies that offer individualized dosages for each patient.

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