Why the Shift? Taking a Closer Look at the Growing Interest in Niche Markets and Personalized Medicine

Gibson, S., Raziee, H. R. and Lemmens, T. (2015), Why the Shift? Taking a Closer Look at the Growing Interest in Niche Markets and Personalized Medicine. World Medical & Health Policy, 7: 3–27. doi: 10.1002/wmh3.131

25 Pages Posted: 14 Apr 2015 Last revised: 22 Apr 2015

See all articles by Shannon Gibson

Shannon Gibson

University of Toronto Faculty of Law

Hamid Raziee

University of Toronto

Trudo Lemmens

University of Toronto - Faculty of Law

Date Written: March 20, 2015

Abstract

Pharmaceutical research and development is increasingly focused on niche markets, most notably treatments for rare diseases and “personalized” medicine. Drawing on the results of a qualitative study of 34 key Canadian stakeholders (including drug regulators, funders, scientists, policy experts, pharmaceutical industry representatives, and patient advocates), we explore the major trends that are reportedly contributing to the growing interest of the pharmaceutical industry in niche markets. Informed by both these key informant interviews and a review of the relevant literature, our paper provides a critical analysis of the many different — and sometimes conflicting — views on the reasons for and extent of the shift toward niche markets. We consider some of the potential advantages to industry, as well the important implications and risks that arise from the increasing pursuit of niche markets and pharmacogenomics. While there are many potential benefits associated with targeted therapies and drug development for historically neglected rare diseases, niche market therapies also present evidentiary challenges (e.g., smaller clinical trials and enrichment strategies) that can make approval decisions difficult, and uncertainties remain around the true benefits of many therapies.

Keywords: pharmacogenomics, personalized medicine, pharmaceuticals, niche markets

Suggested Citation

Gibson, Shannon and Raziee, Hamid and Lemmens, Trudo, Why the Shift? Taking a Closer Look at the Growing Interest in Niche Markets and Personalized Medicine (March 20, 2015). Gibson, S., Raziee, H. R. and Lemmens, T. (2015), Why the Shift? Taking a Closer Look at the Growing Interest in Niche Markets and Personalized Medicine. World Medical & Health Policy, 7: 3–27. doi: 10.1002/wmh3.131, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2593926

Shannon Gibson (Contact Author)

University of Toronto Faculty of Law ( email )

105 St George Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8
Canada

HOME PAGE: http://www.linkedin.com/in/shannongibson

Hamid Raziee

University of Toronto ( email )

105 St George Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8
Canada

Trudo Lemmens

University of Toronto - Faculty of Law ( email )

78 and 84 Queen's Park
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2C5
Canada

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