Significant market potential
for arfolitixorin

The colorectal cancer treatment market is already substantial and is expected to continue growing, driven by the significant unmet need for more effective treatments in metastatic disease. Current standard of care with 5-FU-based chemotherapy is anticipated to remain the first-line treatment for the foreseeable future. This creates a favorable opportunity for drugs like arfolitixorin to enhance the efficacy of standard treatment, thereby delivering improved outcomes for a large patient population.

Unique market opportunity in first-line treatment

The global market for metastatic colorectal cancer treatment is estimated to reach approximately SEK 80 billion by 2032¹. The standard of care, consisting of 5-FU-based chemotherapy combined with folates such as arfolitixorin, is expected to remain the foundation of first-line therapy for the foreseeable future. While numerous innovations are at the forefront of cancer drug research, all are intended for use either as adjuncts to standard of care or in later lines of therapy. Arfolitixorin is therefore well-positioned to become a central component of future cancer treatment. A market analysis conducted in 2024 by the consulting firm Back Bay Life Science Advisors confirms Isofol’s projection that arfolitixorin has the potential to achieve blockbuster-level revenues of over SEK 10 billion in metastatic colorectal cancer in the US market alone. The analysis is based on an addressable patient population of approximately 60,000–70,000 annually in the US. The market survey also emphasizes the significant unmet medical needs and a strong willingness to pay for improved treatment options in first-line metastatic colorectal cancer treatment.

Multiple potential markets increase leverage

Beyond the significant commercial potential in the US market, substantial opportunities exist for arfolitixorin in other major geographic markets, including Japan, Canada, and Europe. Additional growth potential may be created through indication expansion. In colorectal cancer, arfolitixorin may eventually play a role in adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment as well. Since folate drugs are utilized in treating other cancer types, there is also potential for broader use across solid tumors, including pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and head and neck cancer, where arfolitixorin could enhance the efficacy of 5-FU-based chemotherapy.

If arfolitixorin demonstrates clear efficacy in clinical studies, the drug candidate could establish a central position as one of the few innovations in first-line cancer treatment.

Source: 1) Market research and analysis conducted by Back Bay Life Science Advisors on behalf of Isofol in 2024.