Blood Battles: The Fight Against Leukaemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma

Blood Cancer is a general term for a group of cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. It occurs when blood cells proliferate abnormally, crowding out healthy blood cells and interfering with their function. Blood cancer, encompassing various types like leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, presents a significant challenge with a growing global burden.

In 2024, the American Cancer Society's projections indicate approximately 62,770 new cases of leukemia and 23,670 deaths resulting from this condition across all types. Among these, there are estimated to be around 20,800 new cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with the majority occurring in adults. Additionally, it is anticipated that approximately 11,220 deaths will be attributed to AML, with the vast majority occurring in adult populations. Despite being one of the most prevalent forms of leukemia in adults, AML remains relatively uncommon, comprising only about 1% of all cancer diagnoses.

The increasing number of cases presents potential market opportunities for manufacturers in different areas like therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health and also shapes the lives of affected people. The blood cancer treatment market prospects are increasing because of several research and development initiatives intended for developing novel drugs.

A Look at Leading Pharmaceutical Companies

AbbVie Inc -

The company was founded in 2013. AbbVie Inc., a pharmaceutical company based in North Chicago, Illinois, operates from its headquarters in the United States. AbbVie is a major biopharmaceutical company that has been involved in blood cancer research and treatment for many years. It is ranked 6th on the list of the top biomedical companies by revenue.

The company develops and markets several drugs for blood cancers, including Imbruvica (ibrutinib) which is approved for the treatment of several types of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM). Venclexta (venetoclax) is approved for the treatment of several types of CLL, and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), including those with a genetic mutation called 17p deletion.  

In the fourth quarter of 2023, AbbVie Inc. reported global net revenues from its oncology portfolio amounting to US$1.509 billion, reflecting a decline of 7.4% on a reported basis or 7.6% on an operational basis.

Within this portfolio, global net revenues for Imbruvica totaled US$903 million, showing a decrease of 19.0%. This comprised U.S. net revenues of US$683 million and international profit sharing of US$220 million.

Additionally, global net revenues for Venclexta were US$58 million during the same period.

AstraZeneca -

The company was established in 1999 through the merger of the Swedish Astra AB and the British Zeneca Group. UK-based drug company AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical business focusing on drugs that treat Type 2 diabetes, cancer, and respiratory issues. AstraZeneca strives to be a scientific leader in hematology by assisting the 3.6 million people living with blood cancers worldwide as of 2020.

Despite considerable efforts in the treatment and understanding of blood cancers in recent years, there remain critical unmet needs for this complex and complex family of diseases. These significant gaps in treating and caring for patients with blood cancer are why AstraZeneca is committed to transforming the haematologic cancer treatment experience.

The company develops and markets several drugs for blood cancers, including Calquence (acalabrutinib) for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and Selinexor (xpobixamtide) for multiple myeloma.

Bristol-Myers Squibb -

The company was set up in 1887 with is headquartered in Princeton, New York City, and is among the largest big pharma companies worldwide. Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) is a global biopharmaceutical company that has a significant focus on developing treatments for blood cancers. Hematology is one of the company's core therapeutic areas, and they have a long history of developing innovative therapies for patients with blood cancers.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) is a leading player in the field of blood cancer research and development. BMS has a robust pipeline of new drugs in development for blood cancers, including therapies targeting specific genetic mutations, immunotherapies, and CAR-T cell therapies. Drugs for blood cancers, including Revlimid (lenalidomide) for multiple myeloma, Sprycel (dasatinib) for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and Opdivo (nivolumab) for Hodgkin lymphoma.

Roche -

The company was founded on 1 October 1896, in Basel, Switzerland. Roche is a multinational healthcare company that has been a major player in blood cancer research and treatment for over 50 years. They have developed several innovative medicines and diagnostics that have helped to improve the lives of people with blood cancer.

Roche has a robust pipeline of new drugs in development for blood cancers, including personalized therapies that target the specific genetic mutations of a patient's tumor. Develops and markets several drugs for blood cancers, including Rituxan (rituximab) for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), Gazyva (obinutuzumab) for CLL, and Tecentriq (atezolizumab) for bladder cancer.

Roche is developing new diagnostic tools that are helping to detect blood cancers earlier and more accurately. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment of blood cancer. Treatment for blood cancer can often have significant side effects. In 2023, Roche experienced a sales increase of 1% (equivalent to a decrease of 7% in CHF) amounting to CHF 58.7 billion, surpassing the company's projected sales performance for the year. Roche is working to develop new therapies that are less toxic and have fewer side effects.

GlaxoSmithKline -

Headquartered in Brentford, United Kingdom. The company was established on 27 December 2000. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a major pharmaceutical company involved in the research and development of treatments for various diseases, including blood cancer. GSK's primary focus in blood cancer research is on multiple myeloma, the third most common blood cancer globally.

GSK is particularly focused on developing new treatments for multiple myeloma, the third most common blood cancer globally. They are currently conducting several clinical trials of new drugs, including Blenrep, which recently showed positive results in a head-to-head trial against another drug.

In 2023, GSK received EU approval for their drug Omijara, which treats a rare type of blood cancer called mantle cell lymphoma.

Summing Up -

In 2023, several key players in the field of pancreatic cancer are at the forefront of research, diagnostics, and treatment. These players include established pharmaceutical companies like Roche and AstraZeneca, who are dedicated to developing innovative therapies for blood cancer. Leading medical research and developmental companies like AbbVie Inc. and GlaxoSmithKline continue to provide treatment for early detection and monitoring. Moreover, research-driven organizations like Celgene, now part of Bristol Myers Squibb, have been contributing to advancing the understanding of blood cancer and its treatment. These players collectively contribute to improving the outlook for blood cancer patients by developing cutting-edge therapies, diagnostic technologies, and advocating for better patient care and support.