Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that usually affects the lungs and may also affect the pancreas, kidneys, liver, and intestine. Long-term repercussions including difficulty in breathing and coughing as a result of recurrent lung infections can be seen in CF. Some of the other signs and symptoms include sinus infections, poor growth, infertility in males, fatty stool, and guild of the fingers and toes. Different individuals may have diverse degrees of symptoms. CF is chiefly inherited as an autosomal recessive gene. It is triggered by mutations in both the copies of the gene for CFTR or cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein. Individuals with a single copy are carriers. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein is involved in the production of digestive fluids, mucus, and sweat. When the protein is not functional, secretions otherwise thin become thick. The ailment is mostly diagnosed by genetic testing and sweat test.

Over the last few years, advancements in technology have resulted in a shift in research and development towards treatments that target the fundamental cause of the disease by targeting the CFTR function. Moreover, there is an affinity towards licensing the products, and for that reason alliances are being made by a number of biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturers, since the majority of the treatments for cystic fibrosis are developed by smaller manufacturers. The increase in licensing activity along with the rise in the number of new partnerships will encourage the smaller companies to continue their research work thereby giving a positive momentum to the cystic fibrosis market.

In spite of significant advancement in cystic fibrosis therapeutics, individuals suffering from CF face significant unmet needs owing to the deficiency of restorative therapies, inadequate choice of mucolytic treatments, and the unvarying fight alongside severe lung infection that needs the expansion of novel antibiotics. These factors are likely to drive the growth of the cystic fibrosis market during the forecast period.

Cystic fibrosis market Taxonomy

On the basis of therapy type, the global market is classified into:

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) Modulators



Protein Transcription Modulators



Pancreatic Enzyme Products (PEP)



Other therapies

There are many types of antibiotics for CF lung infections such as P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Nevertheless, excessive use of the drug may lead to resistant strains of the gene. Antibiotics are the most common treatment regime in CF, since they are mainly used to eliminate pathogens in recently infected patients. Antibiotics are used on a long-term basis to avoid the requirement of more serious hospital treatments as a result of their ability to control the infection. The requirement for a more wide range of antibiotics is mirrored in the CF treatment market, with more than a few novel antibiotics in active development phase. This dynamic nature of the treatment for CF will encourage the growth of the global CF market.

High prevalence of genetic diseases including CF will drive the overall cystic fibrosis market

According to Netwellness, a community service provider, 3 to 4% of the babies are born with genetic disorders. This number is poised to rise in the coming years, especially in the emerging economies of Asia pacific such as China and India owing to high birth rate observed in these regions. As the number of cases of CF rises, so will the demand for CF treatment, thereby augmenting the growth of the overall cystic fibrosis market during the forecast period.

On the basis of geography North America held the maximum market share in the cystic fibrosis market globally. Constructive and favorable regulations and policies as well as high availability of sophisticated healthcare facilities and rising approvals of drugs for treating CF are likely to propel the growth of the cystic fibrosis industry in this region.

Some of the key players operating in the global cystic fibrosis market are AbbVie, Inc., Aradigm, Aurora Biosciences, Bayer AG, Demegen, EryDel, Genentech, Inc., InDex Pharmaceuticals, ManRos Therapeutics, Novartis AG, Polydex Pharmaceuticals, and F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG.

Key Developments