The Global Lichen Planus Market is estimated to be valued at USD 150.1 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 251.2 million by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2024 to 2031. The prevalence of lichen planus is increasing globally which is driving the need for effective treatment options. Biologics and newer therapeutic approaches are being evaluated which can potentially address unmet needs and help more patients achieve remission.

The market is witnessing positive trends with growing awareness about the condition and its treatment. Advancements in therapeutics with more targeted drugs in the pipeline are likely to push the market growth during the forecast period. Moreover, rising healthcare spending in developing countries will also create new opportunities. However, high treatment cost and lack of drugs specifically approved for lichen planus may restrain the market to a certain extent over the coming years.

Market Driver - Increasing prevalence of lichen planus

One of the prominent drivers for the growth of the global lichen planus market is the rising prevalence of this inflammatory skin condition across various regions of the world. Lichen planus can affect people of any age group but is most frequently diagnosed in middle-aged individuals, especially those between 30-60 years of age. The exact causes behind its development are unknown but it has been seen linked to certain autoimmune conditions, viral infections, and oxidative stress. Studies show that the annual occurrence rates vary from less than 1% to over 2.6% across global populations.

The prevalence is found higher amongst people belonging to the Asian demographic compared to other ethnicities. Countries like India, Japan, China, and certain parts of the Middle East have reported sizable patient pools suffering from lichen planus over the years. Even developed regions in North America and Europe are witnessing an uptick in the patient numbers. A research survey conducted across 12 European nations estimated an average annual prevalence rate of over 0.22% among the adult inhabitants. With more public awareness and improved diagnostic capabilities, many such previously unreported cases are now being clinically identified.

Besides the natural aging and genetic factors that increase one's susceptibility, certain lifestyle behaviors are implicated as well. For example, consumption of tobacco and alcohol, excessive sun exposure, poor oral hygiene, dental amalgam fillings, and usage of certain medications like antihypertensives have demonstrated associations with lichen planus onset and exacerbation. With expanding urbanization and adaptations of unhealthy lifestyle habits on a global scale, it is expected that the disease prevalence will continue escalating in the future years unless corrective measures are taken. This growing patient base will surely drive greater demand for effective lichen planus treatment options like topical corticosteroids and retinoids in the worldwide market.

Growing awareness about lichen planus treatment

Another key driver for the global lichen planus industry is the rising awareness regarding the availability of various treatment methodologies and management approaches for this chronic condition. While there is no definitive cure, many different prescription medications and alternative therapies have proved useful in controlling symptoms, induction of remission, and improving patients' quality of life. Earlier, due to lack of understanding, lichen planus was often dismissed as a self-limiting skin problem with minimal implications. But now, more efforts are underway to educate people about its clinical significance and the importance of timely therapy initiation.

Various government agencies, dermatologists' associations, support groups, and pharmaceutical companies have taken initiatives to spread awareness through multiple channels. Information portals and web-based resources provide in-depth guidance on lichen planus causes, presentation patterns, available treatment options from topical corticosteroids to immunomodulators, expected outcomes, supportive self-care practices, signs to watch out for, and when to seek medical help. Public awareness programs are regularly conducted while print and visual mass media are also leveraged for creating awareness.

The empowered patients are no more hesitant to discuss their condition openly with doctors. They actively participate in treatment decisions and adherence. This has led to improved health seeking behavior. Even alternative medicine is gaining acceptance among some as adjunct orstandalone options. All such developments are encouraging appropriate clinical management of more patients worldwide. Greater awareness directly translates to increased product usage and market revenues over the coming years. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are reactively expanding their product portfolios and strengthening global distribution networks to tap into the unmet needs of this growing patient segment.

Market Challenge - High cost of treatment

The high cost of treatment poses a major challenge for the global lichen planus market. Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes itchy, scaly rashes on the skin, scalp, nails, and mucous membranes inside the mouth. Currently, treatment options for lichen planus include topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, or systemic medications like corticosteroids or retinoids. However, these treatment options can be quite costly, especially for low and middle-income patients in developing countries where healthcare access and insurance coverage is limited. The expensive cost of medications and therapies makes long-term treatment unaffordable for many patients suffering from lichen planus. This high cost of treatment acts as a barrier to the growth of the global lichen planus market. Manufacturers will need to focus on developing more affordable generics and biosimilars to make treatment accessible to a wider population and drive market growth.

Market Opportunity- New Drug Approvals and Pipeline Drugs

The lichen planus market is expected to see significant opportunities due to the rising drug development pipeline and new product approvals. There is a growing focus on developing novel drugs with improved efficacy and safety profiles. For instance, in 2020, the US FDA approved a new topical calcineurin inhibitor called tacrolimus 0.1% ointment for the treatment of non-gonococcal anterior urethritis. Several pharmaceutical companies are conducting clinical trials for new drugs to target the underlying disease pathophysiology. Some pipeline drugs under investigation include JAK inhibitors, anti-TNF biologics, apremilast, and IL-17 inhibitors. The successful approval and launch of these new drugs will provide better treatment options, reduce side effects, and drive market revenues. Furthermore, an increase in R&D activities and investments is expected to yield more innovation, which presents significant growth prospects for key players in the global lichen planus market.

Lichen planus (LP) is a persistent, pruritic, papulosquamous disease that commonly affects the skin and oral mucosa. Treatment varies depending on the severity and location of lesions. For mild cases affecting the skin, topical corticosteroids such as clobetasol propionate (Temovate) are usually prescribed as first-line treatment. If lesions are more widespread or severe, potent topical steroids like betamethasone dipropionate (Diprosone) or oral antidepressants like Amitriptyline may be used.

For moderate-severe LP affecting the skin and mucosa, oral corticosteroids like prednisone are prescribed. Typically starting at 30-60mg per day then tapering slowly over several weeks. However, side effects can limiting long-term use. Alternatively, immunosuppressants such as azathioprine (Imuran) may be tried, especially if frequent relapses occur on steroid therapy.

Advanced, refractory cases may require newer biologic therapies. The interleukin-12 and -23 inhibitor ustekinumab (Stelara) has shown promising response rates for cutaneous LP and is gaining acceptance among specialists. Other emerging options include the JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib (Jakafi), though more evidence is still needed before widespread adoption.

Success of treatment depends on various factors like disease severity and location. Close monitoring is important to gauge response and adjust medication plans accordingly. Tolerability of drug side effects also influences long-term adherence and treatment satisfaction.

Lichen planus has six stages based on disease severity - mild, moderate, severe, remission, chronic and malignant. Treatment depends on the stage.

For mild stages, topical corticosteroids like clobetasol or triamcinolone are first-line as they reduce inflammation and itching. If spots are widespread, medium-potency steroids under occlusion are used.

Moderate to severe stages may require potent topical steroids like clobetasol under occlusion or mometasone furoate cream. Oral corticosteroids like prednisone may be used short-term for rapid response. Their systemic side effects limit long-term use.

Retinoids like acitretin are alternative immunosuppressants with less side effects than steroids. They are preferred for resistant, long-standing or recalcitrant cases. Antivirals also reduce lichen planus severity but have minimal role.

For chronic cases, phototherapy with PUVA (psoralen + UVA radiation) or narrowband UVB irradiation helps by suppressing the abnormal immune response driving lichen planus. These are preferred over immunosuppressants due to better safety profiles.

Rare malignant transformations warrant surgery with tumor excision and lymph node assessment. Adjuvant therapies may consist of radiation, immunotherapy or chemotherapy depending on cancer severity, staging and patient factors.

In summary, potent topical steroids, retinoids and phototherapy constitute first-line options. Treatment is tailored based on individual manifestations, tolerability, comorbidities and disease severity for best outcomes.

Focus on developing new and improved treatment options: One of the biggest challenges in the lichen planus market has been lack of effective treatment options. To address this, leading players have invested heavily in R&D to develop novel drugs and devices. For example, Astellas Pharma invested over $100 million between 2010-2015 to develop its adhesive patch for topical tacrolimus. This patch received FDA approval in 2015 and has been a commercial success in treating mild to moderate lichen planus.

Expand indications: Many existing drugs used off-label to treat lichen planus. Companies are pursuing additional indications for their products. For instance, Pfizer's Enbrel was approved for generalized pustular psoriasis in 2016 based on positive phase 3 trials. While not FDA approved for lichen planus, Enbrel's anti-inflammatory mechanism makes it a viable treatment option. This allowed Pfizer to expand its market reach.

Strategic acquisitions: Large pharmaceutical players have acquired smaller biotech firms working on lichen planus therapies. For example, in 2012 GSK acquired Stiefel Laboratories, which gave it rights to Taclonex - a topical combination used off-label for lichen planus. By 2018, Taclonex sales from lichen planus indications grew over 20% and helped diversify GSK's dermatology portfolio.

Focus on emerging markets: While developed markets see stabilization, double-digit growth is expected in Asian and Latin American countries over the next 5 years. Leading suppliers like LEO Pharma and Almirall have expanded sales networks and conducted awareness programs in high potential emerging markets like China, India and Brazil to tap into future demand.

By Type - Skin Deep: The Prevalence of Cutaneous Lichen Planus

In terms of By Type, Cutaneous Lichen Planus contributes the highest share of the market with 50% in 2024 owning to its high prevalence over other forms of lichen planus. Cutaneous lichen planus manifests as a chronic inflammatory skin disease, usually presenting as violaceous papules and plaques on the wrists, legs and back. Its exact cause is unknown but is believed to be an autoimmune reaction targeting the basal layer of the epidermis. This makes it the most readily diagnosed form of lichen planus compared to oral or genital variants, which may be asymptomatic for longer periods. Given that skin disorders are usually among the first conditions noticed and treated, cutaneous lichen planus accounts for the majority of lichen planus cases diagnosed by dermatologists on a regular basis. Its characteristic lesions mean histopathological confirmation is straightforward. As a result, products for its topical management such as corticosteroids form a cornerstone of the LP treatment landscape.

By Treatment - Stemming the Tide of Topicals: Systemic Options Gain Ground

In terms of By Treatment, while Topical Corticosteroids continue contributing the highest share of the market with 35% in 2024 due to their first-line status, the segment is witnessing increased uptake of alternative therapies like Systemic Corticosteroids and Immunomodulators. This is driven by the reality that topical medications alone may not suffice for severe or recalcitrant cutaneous lichen planus cases spread over large body surface areas. Systemic agents deliver therapy over the entire body rather than acting locally at the site of application. Their ability to control internalizing disease factors translates to better clearance of lesions. Immunosuppressants are especially beneficial for LP associated with hepatitis C, by addressing the viral trigger. Growing research support for the efficacy and safety of immunosuppressants like mycophenolate mofetil is nudging physicians to opt for early add-on systemic treatment to topicals.

By End User- Specialists Lead the Way

In terms of By End User, Dermatology Clinics contribute the highest share of the lichen planus market with 40.2% in 2024 due to them being a patient’s most likely entry point into the healthcare system for skin issues. Skin specialists not only have the requisite training and experience for accurate LP diagnosis, but also offer ongoing monitoring during treatment. They are able to modify approaches promptly based on a patient’s response as opposed to general practitioners. While larger hospitals also manage lichen planus, their primary focus is often other specialities. Day-to-day dermatological management is more conveniently provided at clinics. They foster improved medication adherence through regular follow-ups. This ensures best outcomes, higher referral rates and repeat clinic visits over the long term, cementing their position as key drivers of segment growth.

Lichen Planus is a chronic inflammatory disease with significant unmet medical needs due to the absence of FDA-approved therapies. The current treatment landscape includes steroids and steroid-sparing agents, which are only partially effective. The market presents an opportunity for new entrants to develop therapies that address these gaps, particularly in the area of oral lichen planus, which affects millions of people in the United States alone. Emerging therapies like LP-310 by Lipella Pharmaceuticals show promise in offering targeted treatment, with ongoing clinical trials expected to shape the future of the market. The market outlook suggests a growing demand for effective treatments, driven by the increasing prevalence of the disease and the potential for new drug approvals in the coming years.

The major players operating in the Global Lichen Planus Market include Gilead Sciences, Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co., Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Mylan, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Sandoz (a Novartis division) and Bayer.

• On 22 August 2024, Lipella Pharmaceuticals, Inc.has launched an online Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) Patient Registry to support research and the development of new treatments for OLP, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the mouth's mucous membranes. Affecting about 6 million Americans, OLP is characterized by burning pain, white patches, swollen tissue, and open sores, with no FDA-approved therapies currently available.

On March 2024, A first-in-human study presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting revealed that patients with lichen planus treated with the Janus kinase inhibitor baracitinib experienced almost complete improvement. Angelina Hwang, BS, a fourth-year medical student at Mayo Clinic Arizona, highlighted the need for new therapies with better long-term side effect profiles, as no disease-specific medications currently exist for lichen planus.

• By Type
  • Cutaneous Lichen Planus
  • Oral Lichen Planus
  • Genital Lichen Planus
  • Lichen Planopilaris
  • Others (e.g. Esophageal Lichen Planus)
• By Treatment
  • Topical Corticosteroids
  • Systemic Corticosteroids
  • Immunomodulators
  • Phototherapy
  • Others (e.g., Biologics, Laser Therapy etc.)
• By End User
  • Dermatology Clinics
  • Hospitals
  • Specialty Clinics
  • Aesthetic Clinics