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The worldwide market for mRNA-based oncology therapies is projected to reach $2 billion by 2029: Global Data

• By Newsdesk
• London
• Sep 01, 2023

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The global landscape of oncology treatment is poised for a significant transformation with the burgeoning adoption of mRNA-based therapies. Anticipations indicate that the worldwide market for these innovative oncology therapies is set to achieve an unprecedented milestone, reaching a staggering $2 billion by the year 2029.

Leading the charge in this transformative market is BioNTech, projected to secure a commanding position with expected sales amounting to $885 million, commanding a substantial 44.6 percent market share by 2029, according to insights from GlobalData.

BioNTech's extensive portfolio encompasses a range of drugs currently undergoing Phase I, II, and III clinical trials, primarily focusing on addressing solid tumors, including melanoma, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Recently, at the annual gathering of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), BioNTech unveiled encouraging Phase I findings for their pancreatic cancer treatment, BNT122.

This clinical trial, conducted in partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre and Genentech, and incorporating the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) atezolizumab, has shown early indications of a favorable safety profile and promising clinical efficacy. These outcomes further reinforce BioNTech's standing as the leading player in the mRNA oncology market.

Promising strides are also being made in the sphere of advanced mRNA-based therapies targeting melanoma, with Phase II trials demonstrating noteworthy results. mRNA-4157, developed by Moderna/Merck, is particularly noteworthy as the sole mRNA-based therapy candidate currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for stage IIB-IV cutaneous melanoma. This trial, conducted in conjunction with the renowned immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) pembrolizumab, has the potential to mark a historic breakthrough by showcasing improved recurrence-free survival rates. Such precision-based approaches signal the opening of new vistas in the enhancement of mRNA-based therapies through synergistic combinations with other ICIs and their expansion into other solid tumor types.

Biswajit Podder, an analyst specializing in Oncology and Hematology at GlobalData, remarked on the transformative potential of mRNA-based therapies in cancer treatment. The technology holds immense promise, particularly in addressing challenging-to-treat solid tumors. OTX-2002, developed by Omega Therapeutics, is another mRNA therapy expected to make a substantial impact, with projected global sales of $658 million, constituting 33.2 percent of the total mRNA therapy market by 2029. The emergence of players like Omega Therapeutics underscores the growing competition and diversification in this pioneering field.

GlobalData's research reveals a dynamic landscape of clinical trials, with 36 mRNA-based products participating in 65 distinct Phase I-III trials spanning various cancer indications. Additionally, there are 178 mRNA-based therapies in various stages of discovery, preclinical, and clinical development dedicated to oncology. This wide-ranging research activity underscores the versatile potential of mRNA therapies in treating a multitude of cancer types.

Despite these clinical advancements, the healthcare sector is still awaiting the inaugural regulatory approval of mRNA-based therapy for oncology applications.

Podder concluded by emphasizing the hurdles on the path to market approval for mRNA-based therapies, including challenges related to mRNA stability and delivery precision. Consequently, companies specializing in mRNA-based therapeutics should prioritize advancements in foundational mRNA biology and delivery platforms. Moderna/Merck, in particular, should expedite the generation of Phase III data for mRNA-4157 to streamline the Biologics License Application (BLA) process and secure a first-to-market advantage.