European Market for Autoimmune Disease Diagnostics

The total European market for autoimmune disease diagnostics is estimated at U.S.$440 million for 2004 and is forecast to reach $700 million in 2011, according to a new report from Frost & Sullivan (Palo Alto, CA, USA; www.frost.com), an international consulting group.

Rising awareness of the clinical and financial benefits of autoimmune disease tests is boosting their use. Focused educational programs, Internet information, and aggressive marketing by pharmaceutical companies are all supporting increased awareness of various autoimmune diseases and their symptoms, diagnosis, and therapy.

"Developing closer relationships with the various patient groups and undertaking pharmacoeconomic studies that highlight the overall clinical and cost benefits of autoimmune diagnostics are also poised to encourage market growth,” remarked Raghavendra Chitta, a healthcare analyst with Frost & Sullivan.

Governments are realizing the cost-effectiveness of early and correct disease diagnosis, thereby encouraging the autoimmune diagnostic testing market. An aging population and its growing demand to be healthy are also expected to spur market expansion, along with
a trend toward integrated healthcare and a shift from "reactive” to "proactive” testing.

As awareness levels rise, autoimmune diagnostics are poised to emerge as one of the fastest growing segments of the European diagnostics market, bolstered by an expanding range of potential therapeutic approaches and promotional activities by pharmaceutical companies. For many in vitro diagnostics (IVD) companies struggling with stagnating revenues and reimbursement pressures, the segment for autoimmune disease tests is emerging as a new niche source of growth.

To maximize growth opportunities, large IVD companies that offer autoimmune testing need to concentrate on increasing indications and developing new markers. Forging alliances with small companies and entering into promotional alliances with drug companies will also add to their competitive advantage.





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