Market Trends of Egypt Diabetes Drugs Industry
The Basal or Long-acting Insulins Segment Holds a Significant Market Share During the Forecast Period
Basal or long-acting insulin is used to help manage blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. Unlike rapid-acting insulins, which work quickly to control blood sugar spikes after meals, basal insulins are designed to provide a steady level of insulin throughout the day and night. This significantly helps to maintain stable blood glucose levels between meals and overnight.
The increasing study highlights the potential efficacy of long-acting insulin in managing and treating diabetes, which may increase its adoption, contributing to the segment growth during the forecast period. For instance, according to the study published in Current Diabetes Revision in May 2024, a study on the rate of insulin use and glycemic control among Egyptian patients with T2DM found that more than half (56.4%) of the insulin-treated patients were on basal insulin, mainly long-acting insulin (90.9%). The mean basal insulin daily dose was 0.3 ± 0.1 IU/. This study highlighted the need for improved diabetes education and treatment adherence to achieve better glycemic control among Egyptian patients.
The same study noted that only 38.3% of patients received diabetes education, emphasizing the importance of national educational programs to enhance understanding and management of diabetes, particularly regarding insulin therapy. Thus, such findings indicate a growing focus on improving diabetes management through better education and access to long-acting insulin therapy in Egypt, contributing to the segment growth during the forecast period.
Further, according to the study published in the Journal of Endocrine Society in January 2024, a study comparing once-weekly insulin icodec with once-daily long-acting insulin (Insulin Glargine U100) demonstrated a significant reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels with insulin icodec, along with a higher percentage of time spent in the glucose target range. The convenience of a once-weekly injection may enhance patient adherence to treatment regimens, potentially leading to better overall glycemic control and improved quality of life. Thus, the favorable results for insulin icodec could lead to increased competition in the long-acting insulin market, prompting existing manufacturers to innovate and improve their product offerings, contributing to market growth.
Thus, the high safety and efficacy of basal or long-acting insulin in the treatment of diabetes and advancement in treatment options are anticipated to expand the segment growth during the forecast period.
The Biguanides Segment is Expected to Experience the Fastest Growth Rate During the Forecast Period
Biguanides, a class of medications, are primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. These medications work by reducing glucose production during digestion. Metformin is the only biguanide available in most countries for diabetes management. Well-known brand names include Glucophage (metformin), Glucophage XR (metformin extended release), Fortamet, Glumetza, and Riomet. Metformin is often combined with other diabetes medications, such as sulfonylureas.
The segment is driven by the growing prevalence of diabetics, the safety and efficacy of metformin, and the cost-effectiveness of the drug.
Diabetes shortens lifespan and can lead to severe complications such as blindness, amputations, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure, often resulting in hospitalization. Metformin is the primary choice for managing hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Beyond its role as a key glucose-lowering agent, metformin boasts notable anti-inflammatory properties. However, if metformin is contraindicated, not tolerated, or fails to achieve treatment goals after three months at the maximum tolerated dose, it is necessary to consider alternative treatment options. Typically, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are employed to complement metformin therapy.
The key strategic activities by the market players, such as product launches, are expected to contribute to the segment growth during the forecast period. For instance, in July 2022, Zydus Lifesciences obtained final approval to market empagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride tablets in multiple strengths. When used alongside a proper diet and exercise regimen, these tablets improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. They also reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
In Egypt, social status significantly influences patients' access to healthcare. Rural areas have a sparse distribution of healthcare centers, hospitals, and pharmacies, especially compared to larger cities and urban locales. Financial status is a pivotal factor in healthcare accessibility; many Egyptian employees find their salaries insufficient to cover monthly diabetes supplies. For instance, according to the study article in Frontiers in October 2022, metformin is one of the most affordable diabetes medications available. The lowest-priced generic version of metformin has a high availability rate (≥80%) in pharmacies, making it accessible to many patients.
Thus, the growing burden of diabetes and the adoption of metformin as a first line of treatment product launches and cost-effectiveness are expected to contribute to the segment growth during the forecast period.
