Decoding Myelofibrosis: From Pathogenesis to Personalized Medicine

Health Apr 24, 2025 18 Add to Reading List

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a rare type of blood cancer characterized by the buildup of scar-like tissue in the bone marrow, which interferes with the normal production of blood cells. It is part of a broader group of conditions called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), where the bone marrow makes too many blood cells in an abnormal manner. When MF occurs without any previous blood disorder, it's called primary MF. However, when it develops as a progression of other MPNs such as polycythemia vera (PV) or essential thrombocythemia (ET), it’s known as secondary MF—often referred to as post-PV or post-ET MF.

Myelofibrosis Epidemiology: 2020–2034 in the 7MM

Epidemiological assessments break down MF cases across various dimensions:

Total Prevalence and Diagnosed Cases

Distribution by MF Type (Primary vs. Secondary)

Risk-based Classification

Age-wise Prevalence

Prevalence Based on Genetic Mutations (e.g., JAK2)

Transplant-Eligible vs. Ineligible Populations

Key Epidemiological Insights

In 2023, approximately 56,000 individuals across the seven major markets (7MM) were living with myelofibrosis, and the numbers are projected to rise through 2034.

Among the EU4 and the UK, Germany had the highest number of diagnosed cases, while the UK had the lowest.

In the United States, a majority of the 2023 diagnosed population fell under the high-risk category.

Primary MF made up about 75% of U.S. cases.

The most affected age group was 70 years and older, accounting for around 12,000 cases.

Approximately 60% of U.S. patients had JAK2 mutations, a common genetic alteration seen in MF.

Explore more trends and stats in this Myelofibrosis Infographic.

Market Overview of Myelofibrosis

In 2023, the Myelofibrosis market in the 7MM reached a valuation of around USD 1.8 billion, with a strong outlook driven by new treatment options and growing awareness.

Growth Drivers

OMJJARA has gained significant traction for being approved in both newly diagnosed and previously treated patients, boosting its clinical relevance.

The approval of VONJO for patients with low platelet counts has opened treatment access for a previously underserved subgroup.

Barriers and Challenges

Diagnosing MF remains complex due to symptoms that mimic other conditions, like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

The market is becoming increasingly competitive with the emergence of therapies that claim to offer disease-modifying benefits.

For an in-depth market forecast and analysis, visit the Myelofibrosis Market Report.

Pipeline Spotlight: Emerging Therapies for MF

A range of new treatments is being developed to improve disease outcomes:

XPOVIO

Imetelstat

REBLOZYL