Advances in autoimmune disease diagnostics

(http://www.drugdiscovery.frost.com). ‘Active consolidation is occurring in the market, promoting technology and product integration. However, the lack of clarity with regard to reimbursement policies for autoimmune diagnostic tests persists, posing a challenge to market expansion,’ F&S reports. ‘The market earned revenues of $513.5 million in 2008 and estimates this to reach $722.0 million in 2015.’

F&S research analyst Suraj Ramanathan adds: ‘The development of novel biomarker panels has accelerated the diagnosis of many autoimmune complications. Exhaustive R&D by many universities and research organisations has yielded promising results in the use of multiple biomarkers for autoimmune disease diagnosis.’
Patient screening with multiple biomarkers associated with several autoimmune diseases has been seen to improve diagnostic accuracy, bringing advantages to physicians. Among the public, however, there is a general lack of awareness about autoimmune diseases, which presents a challenge to this market’s growth, F&S explains. ‘Such low levels of awareness may derive from the rarity of many autoimmune complications among the
general population,’ says Suraj Ramanathan. ‘Many patients in Europe, unable to find a proper treatment for their condition, are consequently switching to traditional methods, such as oriental medicine. In conjunction with medical research organisations and hospitals, manufacturers should establish awareness programmes and interactive workshops for the public,’ he advises. ‘These could highlight the prevalence of autoimmune diseases, while encouraging physicians to interact with the public on the symptoms, aetiology and progression of autoimmune diseases.’
To receive a virtual brochure on this market in Europe, e-mail Patrick Cairns, giving your full name and title, company name, phone number, company e-mail address, website, city, state and country (pcairns_pr@frost.com).

20.12.2008

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