The global actinic keratosis treatment market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 5.6% from 2020 to 2027 and projected to reach the market value of around US$ 8.4 Bn by 2027.

Actinic keratosis is a scaly spot found on sun-damaged skin. It is also known as solar keratosis. It is considered as precancerous or an early form of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Actinic keratosis is a reflection of abnormal skin cell development owing to DNA damage by short wavelength UVB. Actinic keratoses are very common on sites repeatedly exposed to sun, especially the backs of the hands and face, most often affecting the ears, nose, cheeks, upper lip, vermilion of the lower lip, temples, forehead, and balding scalp. In severely chronically sun-damaged individuals, they may also be found on the upper trunk, upper and lower limbs, and dorsum of feet. As per the estimates released by The Skin Cancer Foundation, actinic keratosis is the most common form of precancer, affecting more than 58 million Americans.

Market Drivers

Innovative therapeutic treatments bolster the growth of actinic keratosis market

There are a number of effective treatments for the eradication of actinic keratosis. Innovative therapeutic treatment options are best suited to treat the actinic keratosis market globally. The most common treatment is cryosurgery. It is performed through the application of liquid nitrogen. This is well supported by the application of a spray device or cotton-tipped applicator. Additionally, Curettage, Chemical Peels, and 5-Fluorouracil (Fluoroplex, Efudex, and Carac) cream also played significant roles in fuelling the actinic keratosis market globally.

Unstoppable launching of pipeline products supports best for the growth of actinic keratosis market

Galderma is undergoing a study to access recurrence of actinic keratosis. The drug name used for the treatment is "MAL Cream" and "vehicle cream". Currently, the clinical trial is under Phase 3 as per the reports released by Clinicaltrials.gov. The actual start date for the trials was April 2020, and the estimated completion date is April 2022. Moreover, in December 2020, Athenex, Inc. announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has approved Klisyri® (tirbanibulin) for the topical treatment of actinic keratosis (AK) on the face or the scalp.

Market Segmentation

The global actinic keratosis market is segmented based on therapy, drug class, and end-user. Therapy is segmented into topical, surgery, and photodynamic therapy. Based on drug class, the market is segmented as nucleoside metabolic inhibitors, NSAIDs, immune response modifiers, photo enhancers, and among others. Further, by end-user, the market is segmented into hospitals, private clinics, home care, and others.

Therapy Insights

Topical products has single handedly led the market from the past and will continue the same trend in the forthcoming years. The factors that contribute for the growth of the segment involves targeting specific sites targeting to remove visible and invisible lesions present on the skin. According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), topical gels are now available on prescription are specialized to significantly decrease the amount of time required for treating actinic keratosis. Topical products are also used as an alternative treatment to cryosurgery. As per the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, topical treatment is effective in treating keratoses, particularly when lesions are numerous. One of the newest medication "imiquimod cream", launched by the Perrigo Company in September 2010, plays a vital role by stimulating the body's immune system to "recognize" the precancerous lesions and treat them.

Drug Class Insider

Nucleoside metabolic inhibitors recorded a significant market share in the past, and are projected to dominate till the forecast period. The market growth is well supported by the steady sales of Carac, Efudex, Fluoroplex, and Tolak under nucleoside metabolic inhbitors class. Carac (fluorouracil) is an expensive chemotherapy agent. It is used on the skin to treat skin cancer and certain types of skin conditions that could become cancer. It is available in brand and generic form. The most common version of Carac is covered by 63% of insurance plan at a co-pay of US$ 37.50-$65.00.

Regional Landscape

North America holds a dominating market share for actinic keratosis treatment market

North America holds a significant market share for the growth of global actinic keratosis market. This is highly supported owing to surge in awareness about the occurrence of actinic keratosis and associated risk of squamous cell carcinoma particularly in this region. As per the estimates by the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), actinic keratosis grows slowly and usually first appears in people over 40. If left untreated, the risk of actinic keratosis turning into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma is about 5% to 10%. The Yale Medicine's approach towards actinic keratosis acts unique. The Yale Medicine's Dermatology Surgery Program focuses on diagnosing and treating skin cancer, by educating dermatologist across the world about treatment options that has been developed for multiple cancerous and precancerous lesions. The Dermatologic Surgery Program is a referral based, tertiary care program. The Yale Medicine also has on-site photodynamic therapy medicines and some laser treatments that aren't widely available in community dermatologist offices.

On the other hand, Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold significant growth opportunity in the near future. Factors that contribute for the growth of global actinic keratosis market involve rising disposable income, robust development in healthcare infrastructure, and surge in healthcare spending. Additionally, high prevalence of in Southern areas such as Australia and New Zealand is the major factor that contributes for the regional growth of actinic keratosis market. As per the estimates released by the Health and Human Services, the yearly rate of progression of an actinic keratosis to an invasive SCC in an average-risk person in Australia is between 8 and 24 per 10,000. There is highly evidence that progression rates are 1-2 per 1,000 suffer from actinic keratosis per year for average risk person in Australia. In parts of Australia, the lifetime risk of developing an AK is higher than 50% and may reach to 90% among those who live to be 80 years or older. According to the NPS MedicineWise, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy is the primary treatment for solar keratosis in Australia. Most solar keratosis is treated with a short (2-5 seconds) freeze. This effectively removes about 70% of all solar keratosis treated.

Competitive Landscape

Some key players in the actinic keratosis treatment market involve BIOFRONTERA AG, 3M, Bausch Health Companies Inc.; LEO Pharma A/S; Almirall, S.A., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Hill Dermaceuticals, Inc., Mylan N.V., and among others.

Market Segmentation

Market By Drug Class

Nucleoside Metabolic Inhibitors
NSAIDs
Immune Response Modifiers
Photo enhancers
Others

Market By Therapy

Topical
Surgery
Photodynamic Therapy

Market By End-User

Hospitals
Private Clinics
Homecare
Others

Market By Geography

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

TABLE OF CONTENT