Despite advancements in Central Pontine Myelinolysis (CPM) care, access to treatments remains a significant challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). High costs, limited healthcare infrastructure, and a shortage of specialized clinicians create disparities that hinder market growth and worsen patient outcomes. Addressing these gaps is not only a humanitarian imperative but also a business opportunity, as expanding access unlocks underserved patient pools.

Economic barriers top the list. Novel neuroregenerative therapies, while promising, could cost upwards of $150,000 per treatment course, exceeding the healthcare budgets of many LMICs. Supportive care, including rehabilitation and sodium monitoring devices, also carries a high price tag—$10,000-$20,000 annually per patient—making it unaffordable for families in regions like Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. These costs are compounded by insurance limitations; only 40% of LMICs include CPM in their national health insurance plans, compared to 85% in North America.

Infrastructure and expertise shortages exacerbate the issue. Advanced MRI machines, essential for diagnosis, are concentrated in urban hospitals, leaving rural patients traveling hundreds of miles for scans. Similarly, fewer than 500 clinicians globally specialize in CPM, leading to long wait times for consultations. Initiatives like [TeleNeuro CPM], a telemedicine platform connecting rural patients to specialists, have reduced wait times by 60% in India. Additionally, partnerships between global firms and local governments—such as [BrainRepair Inc.]’s plan to establish 10 CPM clinics in Nigeria by 2025—are bridging infrastructure gaps. These efforts not only improve care but also drive demand for CPM products in previously underserved regions.

To achieve equitable access, stakeholders must prioritize affordability and infrastructure investment. Pricing models like pay-per-use for diagnostic devices or tiered pricing for therapies (lower costs in LMICs) could reduce financial barriers. Meanwhile, training programs for general clinicians in CPM basics would expand expertise. Market Research Future’s CPM Treatment Access and Equity Report outlines actionable strategies, including public-private partnerships and policy recommendations, to ensure no patient is left behind in the market’s growth.