Impact of COVID-19 on Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) Treatment in Healthcare Industry
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and, thus, being a novel cause of sepsis. COVID-19 is a type of ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) that originated in Wuhan, China.
Due to its highly infectious nature, this disease is still spreading throughout the world. Although vaccines are now available in the market, due to various challenge (large scale manufacturing of novel vaccine, national vaccination protocol, availability of the vaccine, new variants of COVID-19, lesser quarantine strictness), it has not been able to slow down or stop the virus from spreading globally. In the treatment of COVID-19 patients with ARDS, Prostacyclin (a vasodilator), primarily known for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), has shown promising results in many studies.

Impact on Demand
There is no specific and approved treatment to treat the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), apart from prevention by social distancing and, now, using vaccination. However, inhalation of prostacyclin vasodilator has been shown to work synergistically with COVID-19 medication to recover ARDS patients on ventilators. Coupled with the uncapped spread of the virus.
For instance:
• Hamad Medical Corporation - Inhaled Iloprost (Phase II) for Suspected COVID-19 Respiratory Failure (ILOCOVID)
Moreover, the geriatric population is more prone to PAH and associated diseases owing to reduced immune function. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), about 80% of the population aged 65 and above have at least one chronic condition: high cholesterol, diabetes, heart or kidney disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Hence the market for global PPH treatment is speculated to boom in the forecasted period.

Impact on Supply Chain
COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown have affected the supply chain of all manufacturing firms globally. Prostacyclin (Europe and Asia-Pacific) primary manufacturer was under complete lockdown, causing manufacturers to shut down (temporarily) supply chains.
For instance:
• By the end of July 2020, nearly 90 countries had introduced export restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the WTO. Since January 2020, countries have taken more than 197 actions banning or limiting the export of certain products, according to Global Trade Alert
• Overall, the U.S. exports to the world were down USD 8.47 billion when comparing the first two months of 2021 to the same period of 2019
To tackle these unique challenges, manufacturers are looking for innovative ideas and complete re-thinking of supply chains. Remote work has been another unique restraint put forth by mandatory lockdown, which requires a completely novel approach towards supply chain processes.

Price Impact
COVID-19 pandemic has a huge impact on every market globally. The cases of PAH are rising in the range of 100,000 to 200,000 per year. However, in the past few years, PAH has been increasing due to risk factors such as alcohol/tobacco consumption, HIV, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and other idiopathic conditions. Increasing yearly demands and using Prostacyclin in the treatment of ARDS (COVID-19) patients has affected all major manufacturers of the drug.
For instance:
• Remodulin (Treprostinil) a drug sold by United Therapeutics Corporation. A standard single dose of 20 milliliters 1 mg/ml Remodulin cost has gone from USD 45 (2017) to USD 69.94 (2021)
Prostacyclin manufacturing leaders (United Therapeutics Corporation, Janssen, GlaxoSmithKline, and Sandoz) worldwide face export restrictions that directly affect the product's market cost. An additional increase in demands due to COVID-19 treatment is anticipated to impact significantly the forecast period.
Strategic Decisions for Manufacturers
Sudden demand surge and lockdown caused temporary roadblocks. The shutdown of international transport and supply chains also requires immediate remedies. Manufacturers, to combat challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, devised various ideas. New product launches, remote working environment, recommencing supply chain manufacturing with social distancing restrictions are some strategic decisions made by manufacturers
For instance:
• Beth Rhodes, Vice President, Global Supply Chain & Alliance Management at United Therapeutics said, “We are excited to bring to market the first subcutaneous pump designed specifically for PAH patients. Remunity is a small, discreet pump that delivers Remodulin in prefilled cassettes that are delivered directly to patients, offering significant improvements over current subcutaneous pumps” -

CONCLUSION
Moreover, technological advancement in treatment & diagnosis and growing genetic mutation-related disorders also boost up market growth. But adverse effects related to the treatment, unknown causes behind the disease, and difficulty in diagnosis of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) treatment may hamper the global Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) treatment market.
It is predicted that COVID-19 has a major impact on the primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) treatment market. Increased PPH drugs (Remodulin, Flolan, Veletri, Ventavis) and strict trade policies globally have pushed manufacturers into considering new and compatible market strategies. However, increase the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension, robust drug pipeline, and changing lifestyle, drives the global primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) treatment market. Read more COVID-19 Impacts on different types of Market