Novotech Liver Cancer Research Landscape Report Finds 1,700 Trials Initiated Globally
June 22 2024 - 8:45PM
Novotech, a global full-service clinical Contract Research
Organization (CRO) specializing in partnering with biotech
companies to expedite the development of cutting-edge therapeutics
across all phases, has today published a leading industry report,
Liver Cancer - Global Clinical Trial Landscape.
Liver cancer is the sixth most diagnosed cancer worldwide and the
third-most common cause of cancer-related deaths.
The report highlights the ongoing investment into liver cancer
research globally and the significant treatment innovations that
are designed to improve outcomes for patients.
The Novotech research analyst team provides these expert reports
monthly, completely free of charge. These reports offer up-to-date
insights into global clinical trial activity, revealing regions
that experience the highest trial volumes and the factors behind
these trends. They tackle the hurdles biotech firms face in
specific therapeutic areas and discuss future paths in therapy and
investment trends.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant form of liver
cancer, accounting for approximately 90% of all cases. HCC
typically arises in individuals with chronic liver conditions such
as hepatitis virus infection, cirrhosis, certain inherited liver
diseases, or exposure to aflatoxins and affects men more than
women.
The Liver Cancer - Global Clinical Trial
Landscape report finds that Asia had the highest
incidence, contributing approximately 600,000 cases, which
represented over 70% of the global burden. Within Asia, China alone
reported more than 360,000 cases. Europe reported about 88,000
cases, while Africa faced significant challenges with 73,000 cases.
North America saw over 48,000 cases, predominantly from the United
States.
The Novotech report shows there’s a robust clinical trial
pipeline for liver cancer, with over 1,700 trials initiated since
2018. Asia-Pacific and North America are at the forefront,
contributing 55% and 24% respectively, followed by Europe at 16%
and ROW at 5%, with Mainland China, South Korea, Spain and the
United States emerging as top destinations for conducting
trials.
These trials are across all phases, with a significant focus on
early and mid-phase trials in Asia-Pacific and North America (Phase
I and II), compared to Europe and the ROW which showed a lower
overall number of trials. This data could suggest a difference in
regional approaches to clinical research, possibly influenced by
factors like funding, regulatory environments, and
infrastructure.
Ongoing trials dominate globally, with Asia-Pacific leading
again in ongoing and completed studies. North America and Europe
closely follow, showing considerable activity in ongoing trials but
fewer completed ones.
The treatment landscape for HCC is diverse and evolving. While
surgical resection and liver transplantation offer the best
long-term survival, many patients are unsuitable due to tumor size
or liver conditions. Other treatments include traditional
chemotherapy, targeted therapies like monoclonal antibodies and
small molecules, and immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint
inhibitors (ICIs) or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). First-line
treatments often combine atezolizumab and bevacizumab, while
second-line options include lenvatinib, sorafenib, regorafenib, and
cabozantinib.
Key takeaways from the report are:
- The drug development
landscape includes approximately 70 drugs in preclinical stages, 23
in research, 51 in Phase I, 37 in Phase I/II, 66 in Phase II, 17 in
Phase III, and 23 marketed drugs.
- Due to its large
population and lower volume of studies, the Asia-Pacific region has
lower competing trial risk with a trial density 4 times lower than
that of the US and about 2 times lower than Europe.
- The funding
landscape for liver cancer research shows substantial support,
particularly through public and venture capital funding. The United
States ($4,898 million) and China ($3,131 million) have seen
significant venture capital investments in liver cancer research
between 2019 and 2023.
- Funding
predominantly supports preclinical, Phase I, and Phase II stages,
with lesser amounts for discovery, Phase III, IND/CTA filed, and
marketed stages.
- A SWOT analysis
reveals strengths in multidisciplinary approaches and evolving
therapies, but also highlights weaknesses like side effects and
limited access to advanced treatments. Opportunities lie in
precision medicine and immunotherapy, while threats include rising
healthcare costs and insufficient funding for research.
Download the report here
About Novotech
Novotech-CRO.com
Founded in 1997, Novotech is a global full-service clinical
Contract Research Organization (CRO) focused on partnering with
biotech companies to accelerate the development of advanced and
novel therapeutics at every phase.
Recognized for its industry-leading contributions, Novotech has
received numerous prestigious awards, including the CRO Leadership
Award 2023, the Asia Pacific Cell & Gene Therapy Clinical
Trials Excellence 2023, the Asia-Pacific Contract Research
Organization Company of the Year Award since 2006.
The Company offers a comprehensive suite of services including
laboratories, Phase I facilities, drug development consulting,
regulatory expertise, and has experience with over 5,000 clinical
projects, including Phase I to Phase IV clinical trials and
bioequivalence studies. With a presence in 34 office locations and
a dedicated team of 3,000+ professionals worldwide, Novotech is a
trusted end-to-end strategic partner of choice.
For more information or to speak to an expert team member
visit www.Novotech-CRO.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f3310a56-88d7-4e4a-a0f5-8cc9bd2779ae
Media Contact
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