Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a malabsorption syndrome caused as a result of the small intestine not functioning efficiently. One of the prime symptoms of short bowel syndrome is diarrhea, which leads to dehydration, malnutrition, and unexplained and drastic weight loss in most the patients. If left untreated, SBS can lead to complication such as anemia and kidney stones. The main causes of short bowel syndrome in children is damaged intestinal tissue, blockage or obstruction in intestine, gastroschisis, and rotation of the midgut also known as malrotation and in grown-ups. Short bowel syndrome is detected in Crohn’s disease, radiation enteritis, and mesenteric ischemia. This syndrome usually occurs in cases due to surgical elimination of major portion of small intestine

Significant healthcare burden due to short bowel syndrome, especially in low-income countries

According to Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, in 2010 there were 10,000–20,000 people in the reported cases of short bowel syndrome, out of which 25% people suffer some or the other complication within two years of contracting the condition. The rate of absorption decreases and due of lack of sufficient nutrients to the body, many children die due to malnutrition. According to Sancilio and Company, Inc, most cases of short bowel syndrome are due to birth in congenital anomaly, in which there occurs a rotation of midgut and the child die before the age of 6 years. According to Nutrinia Ltd, the existing approach to treat infants suffering from short bowel syndrome includes proper nutritional, pharmacologic, and surgical interventions. The objective is to endorse enteral nutrition, while curtailing the difficulties of parenteral nutrition therapy. Most of the patients are given long-term parenteral treatment, which affects the patient and significantly increases the chances of liver disease, infections, and other complications. Babies who have substantial short bowel syndrome frequently struggle from intestinal failure-associated liver disease, bloodstream infections, and bacterial overgrowth. Furthermore, parenteral nutrition leads to a substantial economic burden on the general population and the healthcare system, with overall annual costs ranging from an estimated US$ 180,000 to US$ 570,000 and more.

GLP-2 drug class dominates the leading markets in North America and Europe

The global short bowel syndrome market is segmented on the basis of drug class and geography. On the basis of drug class, the market is divided into GLP-2, growth hormone, glutamine and others.

Increasing prescription of Gattex Therapy for Short Bowel Syndrome in North America creates a highly lucrative prospect for growth

Regional segmentation of the short bowel syndrome market by Coherent Market Insights comprises North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. North America accounts for the largest share in global market, mainly due to presence of major players and early adoption of advanced medical technologies in countries such as the U.S. and Canada. According to National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, in 2008, there were more than 2,000 intestinal transplantations performed in the U.S., out of which 75% population was of the age group of 18-20 years. These numbers are expected to increase year on year, which would inadvertently fuel growth of the short bowel syndrome market.

Key players in the global short bowel syndrome market

Key players operating the short bowel syndrome market include Ardelyx, Inc., Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc., GLyPharma Therapeutic, Inc., Merck KGaA, Naia Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Nutrinia Ltd., OxThera, Sancilio & Company, Inc., Shire plc, and Zealand Pharma A/S. Major companies in the short bowel syndrome industry are constantly working towards introducing innovative products and lowering production costs in order to enhance profitability. For instance, Nutrinia Ltd. plans to begin a critical clinical trial on a drug for short bowel syndrome, which will aid thousands of patients globally by reducing their dependence on parenteral nutrition is the major cause of liver infection.