Why invest in Vectura?
The case for inhaled pharmaceuticals
Historically, inhalation therapy has been associated solely with treatments for diseases of the lung. Drugs that are used to treat respiratory disease such as asthma or COPD are designed to work predominantly in the lung itself, with relatively little active drug passing into the bloodstream.
More recently, attention has turned to the delivery via the lung of drugs whose activity is directed at other sites in the body. Using this route for non-respiratory diseases, pulmonary delivery can lead to a more rapid onset of action compared to tablet or injectable forms of certain drugs. Systemically acting drugs delivered by inhalation may offer some patients a needle-free and easier to use product and can offer other users a more immediate therapeutic benefit.
Delivery of drugs by the inhaled route is often highly-efficient leading to greater bioavailability. This means that less of the active drug will be required for the same clinical effect; potentially reducing the side-effects associated with the higher dose of the drug required for conventional delivery routes.
Expanding opportunities in pulmonary product development
Building on the respiratory market, the use of pulmonary products to treat non-respiratory conditions presents a significant opportunity for growth. Other conditions that might also be treated by inhalation in the future include: migraine, pain, panic, anxiety, diabetes, nausea, acute cardiovascular crises, insomnia, “off”-periods in Parkinson's disease, and sexual dysfunction.
Vectura's key to success
Vectura's focused application of technology, know-how and expertise has demonstrated that the potential for new inhaled pharmaceuticals with real therapeutic and commercial value can be realised. The selection of drug candidates and market opportunities that can benefit from advances in inhalation technology, together with the ability to progress development swiftly and to partner where appropriate with major pharmaceutical companies for optimal value exploitation, are the prime drivers for the Company's success.
| Indication | Forecast value 2010 $bn |
|---|---|
| COPD | $10 |
| Asthma | $20 |
| Cystic fibrosis | $0.6 |
| Diabetes | $23 |
| Parkinson’s disease | $4.8 |
| Migraine | $4.1 |
| Premature ejaculation | $4.4 |
| Erectile dysfunction | $4.4 |
