According to a new report published by Pristine Intelligence, titled, “Skin Cancer Drug Market by Drug Class, Cancer Type, Route of Administration, and Distribution channel.: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024–2032,” The Skin Cancer Drugs market was worth USD 9.5 Billion in 2023. As such, the forecast is that the market is expected to reach USD 19.96 Billion by  2032 with a CAGR of 9.6% over the period from 2024 to 2032. Skin cancer drugs are medications used to treat various types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. These drugs can be categorized based on their mechanisms of action and the specific types of skin cancer they target.

Global Skin Cancer Drugs Market Segmented because of Drug Class, Cancer Type, Route of Administration, Distribution channel and region. By Drug Class, the market is categorized into Chemotherapy Drugs, Immunotherapy Drugs, Targeted Therapy Drugs. By Cancer Type, the market is categorized into Melanoma, Non-Melanoma. By Route of Administration, the market is categorized into Topical, Oral, Injectable, Surgical procedures, radiation therapy. By End Users, the market is categorized into Hospitals, Cancer Research Centers, Clinics.  By region, it is analyzed across North America (U.S.; Canada; Mexico), Eastern Europe (Bulgaria; The Czech Republic; Hungary; Poland; Romania; Rest of Eastern Europe), Western Europe (Germany; UK; France; Netherlands; Italy; Russia; Spain; Rest of Western Europe), Asia-Pacific (China; India; Japan; Southeast Asia, etc.), South America (Brazil; Argentina, etc.), Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia; South Africa, etc.).

Skin cancer, encompassing melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, ranks among the most common cancers worldwide. Factors such as prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, depletion of the ozone layer, lifestyle changes leading to more outdoor activities, and genetic predisposition are contributing to the increasing incidence of skin cancer.

Breakthroughs in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying skin cancer have led to the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies. These treatments are designed to selectively target cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissue. They offer improved efficacy and reduced side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.

 Skin Cancer Drug Market, Segmentation

The Skin Cancer Drug market is segmented based on Drug Class, Cancer Type, Route of Administration, and Distribution channel.

Drug Class:

The Drug Class segment is further classified as Chemotherapy Drugs, Immunotherapy Drugs Targeted Therapy Drugs. Among these, the Chemotherapy Drugs sub-segment accounted for the highest market share. Chemotherapy drugs are fundamental in treating various cancers, including skin cancer. Within the broader category of skin cancer treatments, chemotherapy drugs hold a significant market share due to their effectiveness in targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells. This dominance is attributed to several key factors. Chemotherapy drugs are highly versatile, applicable across different types and stages of skin cancer. Whether dealing with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma, chemotherapy drugs can be tailored to address the specific characteristics of each cancer type.

Cancer Type:

The Cancer Type segment is further classified into Melanoma and non-melanoma. The Melanoma segment sub-segment accounted for the highest market share. Melanoma, historically one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer, often metastasizes to other parts of the body, posing significant treatment challenges. However, targeted therapy drugs have revolutionized treatment by specifically targeting genetic mutations that drive melanoma growth, such as BRAF and MEK mutations. Drugs like vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and trametinib have shown impressive response rates and survival benefits in patients with these mutations, leading to their widespread adoption in clinical practice.

Region:

North America leads the global skin cancer drug market for several reasons. The region experiences a high prevalence of skin cancer, especially melanoma. The American Cancer Society estimates over 100,000 new melanoma cases annually in the United States, which drives the demand for effective treatments. This significant incidence rate necessitates robust medical responses, creating a favorable environment for market growth.

Some of The Leading/Active Market Players Are-

• Novartis (Switzerland)
• Bristol Myers Squibb (USA)
• Merck & Co., Inc. (USA)
• Roche (Switzerland)
• Pfizer Inc. (USA)
• AstraZeneca (UK)
• GlaxoSmithKline (UK)
• Amgen (USA)
• Celgene Corporation (USA)
• Johnson & Johnson (USA)
• Eisai Co., Ltd. (Japan)
• Ipsen (France)
• Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Japan)
• AbbVie Inc. (USA)
• Sanofi (France)
• Bayer AG (Germany)
• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (India)
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Israel)
• Mylan N.V. (USA), and Other Active Players

Key Industry Developments

• In April 2024, Novartis announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lutathera (USAN: lutetium Lu 177 dotatate / INN: lutetium (177Lu) oxo octreotide) for the treatment of pediatric patients 12 years and older with somatostatin receptor-positive (SSTR+) gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), including foregut, midgut, and hindgut NETs. This approval makes Lutathera the first therapy specifically reviewed and approved for use in pediatric patients with GEP-NETs.
• In March 2023: Incyte announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Zynyz™ (retifanlimab-dlwr), a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1), for the treatment of adults with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). The Biologics License Application (BLA) for Zynyz for this indication has been approved under accelerated approval by the U.S. FDA based on tumor response rate and duration of response (DOR). Continued approval of Zynyz for this indication may be contingent on verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

 Key Findings of the Study 

• The melanoma segment holds the largest market share within the cancer type classification. Melanoma, being the most aggressive and lethal form of skin cancer, has seen significant advancements in treatment, particularly through targeted therapies like BRAF and MEK inhibitors (e.g., vemurafenib and trametinib), which have improved patient outcomes and survival rates.
• North America, particularly the United States, leads the global skin cancer drug market. This dominance is driven by a high prevalence of skin cancer, especially melanoma, which necessitates advanced and effective treatment options. The region's well-established healthcare infrastructure, significant investment in medical research, and high awareness levels contribute to its market leadership. The American Cancer Society's estimates of over 100,000 new melanoma cases annually underscore the substantial demand for innovative skin cancer therapies.