NEWS & EVENTS

Pediatric Drug Delivery No Longer an Afterthought

Greystone Associates Finds Growth of Drugs Targeted for Childhood Diseases is Driving Advances in Pediatric Drug Delivery

(Amherst, NH) – Recent recognition and industry acceptance of the unique therapeutic needs of pediatric patients has led to regulatory activity and development programs that are re-defining the market for pediatric drugs. The result has been a push by developers and formulators emphasizing the creation of formulations engineered and packaged specifically for children to meet the needs of pediatric patient populations.

The pediatric sector will be one of the fastest growing drug markets over the next ten years. Several factors are driving the growth of the pediatric drug sector. By circumventing the normal clinical trial and regulatory approval process, off-label prescribing and extemporaneous formulations add risk to pediatric prescribing. The growing availability of drugs targeted for childhood illnesses is focusing efforts on child-friendly delivery methods. To encourage drug developers to perform clinical testing in pediatric age groups for drugs anticipated to be used for children, the FDA has published special rules and guidance that include incentives. The European Commission adopted similar regulations in 2005.

“To meet the challenge of pediatric therapeutics, unique formulations and improved delivery methods will be essential,” explains George Perros, Greystone Associates Managing Director. “We are forecasting rapid growth in this sector, with specialized pediatric delivery products representing more than one-third of all pediatric prescriptions by the end of the decade.”

These findings are contained in a new and comprehensive report - Pediatric Drug Delivery: New Formulations, New Opportunities. The report analyzes the key factors and market forces that are shaping this evolving market segment.

 Source: Greystone Associates