Global Asthma Drugs Market - 2025 - 2032

The global asthma drugs market reached US$ 25.72 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 37.62 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period 2025-2032.

Asthma is a prevalent, chronic inflammatory condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It often leads to unplanned healthcare visits and results in missed school and workdays. Asthma is characterized by an inappropriate immune response, similar to environmental allergies, triggered by various factors. This response causes bronchial hyperreactivity, leading to airway constriction, smooth muscle remodeling, and increased mucus production in the airways.

To effectively manage chronic asthma and alleviate symptoms while reducing the frequency of exacerbations, several classes of medications are available beta-2 agonists, anticholinergics, inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs), leukotriene receptor antagonists, theophylline, cromolyn, zileuton, monoclonal antibodies and among others.

In cases of acute asthma exacerbations, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed to quickly reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Overall, a tailored approach utilizing these various treatment options can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals living with asthma. These factors have driven the global asthma drugs market expansion.

Market Dynamics: Drivers & Restraints

Increasing Prevalence of Asthma

The Increasing Prevalence of Asthma is significantly driving the growth of the global asthma drugs market and is expected to drive throughout the market forecast period.

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory disease affecting millions globally, with approximately 260 million people suffering from poorly controlled asthma. The increasing prevalence of asthma, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Asthma Epidemiology in the U.S.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology data in 2024, approximately 7.7% of Americans have asthma, translating to roughly 24.9 million individuals, of which 20.2 million are adults and 4.6 million are children. The prevalence of asthma is notably higher in adults, with an estimated 8.0% affected, compared to 6.5% in children. Additionally, asthma is more common among females (9.7%) than males (6.2%).

Patients with asthma experience significant healthcare utilization, reporting around 94,000 hospital inpatient stays and over 900,000 emergency department visits annually. The economic burden of asthma is substantial, with estimated costs reaching $50 billion each year. Asthma also poses serious health risks, resulting in more than 3,500 deaths annually, nearly one-third of whom are aged 65 or older. Recent statistics indicate that about half of individuals with asthma experience at least one asthma attack each year, with adults (39.6%) being more likely to have an attack than children (38.7%).

Asthma symptoms can be triggered by various factors, including allergens (such as pollen and dust mites), irritants in the air (like smoke and chemical fumes), extreme weather conditions, exercise, or respiratory illnesses. Alarmingly, about 60% of adults and 44% of children with current asthma have uncontrolled symptoms according to the CDC. All these factors demand the global asthma drugs market.

Global Asthma Drugs Market Clinical Trials

Furthermore, key players in the industry more focus on clinical trials and government initiatives that would drive this asthma drugs market growth. For instance, in May 2024, GSK plc announced positive results from the Phase III clinical trials, SWIFT-1 and SWIFT-2, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of depemokimab in adults and adolescents suffering from severe asthma characterized by type 2 inflammation, indicated by elevated blood eosinophil counts.

Also, in June 2022, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiated a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of a monoclonal antibody called dupilumab in reducing asthma attacks and improving lung function in children with poorly controlled allergic asthma. This trial specifically targets children living in low-income urban neighborhoods, who often face higher rates of asthma exacerbations. The study is titled Prevention of Asthma Exacerbations Using Dupilumab in Urban Children and Adolescents, or PANDA. All these factors demand the global asthma drugs market.

Moreover, the rising demand for advancements in biologics contributes to the global asthma drugs market expansion.

Adverse Effects of Drugs

The adverse effects of drugs will hinder the growth of the global asthma drugs market. While asthma medications are essential for managing the condition, they can also lead to adverse effects that may impact patient adherence. Inhaled corticosteroids are commonly prescribed for asthma management due to their effectiveness in reducing airway inflammation. These include oral thrush (candidiasis), hoarseness, sore throat, and cough. Oral thrush is a fungal infection that can cause white patches and soreness in the mouth.

LABAs are used to control asthma symptoms but come with potential risks including increased heart rate and palpitations. In rare cases, using LABAs without concomitant ICS can lead to severe asthma exacerbations. Leukotriene receptor antagonists mood changes and gastrointestinal symptoms. Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) increase heart rate, tremors, and hypokalemia (low potassium levels) can occur with excessive use. Thus, the above factors could be limiting the global asthma drugs market's potential growth.

Segment Analysis

The global asthma drugs market is segmented based on drug class, route of administration, distribution channel, and region.

Drug Class:

The inhaled corticosteroids segment is expected to dominate the global asthma drugs market share

The inhaled corticosteroids segment holds a major portion of the global asthma drugs market share and is expected to continue to hold a significant portion of the global asthma drugs market share during the forecast period.

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the FDA-recommended first-line treatment for preventing asthma exacerbations in patients with persistent asthma. Persistent asthma is defined by symptoms that occur more than twice a week, more than three nighttime awakenings per month, frequent use of short-acting beta-2 agonists for symptom control, or any limitations on normal activities due to asthma.

Regular use of ICS significantly reduces the frequency of asthma symptoms and bronchial hyper-responsiveness, lowers the risk of severe exacerbations, and enhances the overall quality of life for patients. This activity will explore the mode of action of inhaled corticosteroids, including their pharmacological mechanisms, potential adverse effects, eligible patient populations, monitoring requirements, and the essential role of the interprofessional healthcare team in managing patients with asthma.

Inhaled corticosteroids exert their effects by binding to glucocorticoid receptors in the airway epithelial cells. This binding leads to a cascade of anti-inflammatory actions, including the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, reduction of airway inflammation, and decreased mucus production. As a result, ICS helps restore normal airway function and reduce asthma symptoms.

Furthermore, key players in the industry product launches and approvals that would drive this asthma drugs market growth. For instance, in October 2023, Aiolos Bio, a newly launched biotechnology company, raised $245 million in a Series A financing round to develop a novel asthma treatment that requires administration only twice a year. This significant funding marks one of the largest venture capital rounds for a biotech company in recent months and positions Aiolos Bio as a promising player in the respiratory therapeutics market.

Also, in January 2023, Airsupra (albuterol/budesonide), formerly known as PT027, was approved by the FDA as the first and only rescue medication for asthma that can be used on an as-needed basis to reduce the risk of exacerbations. This innovative inhaler combines albuterol, a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA), with budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), providing a dual-action approach to asthma management. These factors have solidified the segment's position in the global asthma drugs market.

Geographical Analysis

North America is expected to hold a significant position in the global asthma drugs market share

North America holds a substantial position in the global asthma drugs market and is expected to hold most of the market share.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory condition that affects approximately 262 million people worldwide, including around 25 million in the United States. Patients with asthma often experience recurrent symptoms such as breathlessness and wheezing, which can vary significantly in severity and frequency over time. Regardless of the severity of their condition, adherence to treatment, or level of symptom control, these patients remain at risk for severe exacerbations.

Globally, there are an estimated 136 million asthma exacerbations each year, with about 10 million occurring in the U.S. These exacerbations can pose serious physical threats and have significant emotional impacts on patients, sometimes leading to fatal outcomes. The prevalence is particularly high among adults, with about 8.0% affected, and among children, where around 7.0% suffer from the condition. This high prevalence creates a substantial demand for effective asthma medications.

There is a growing awareness of asthma and its management among healthcare providers and patients. Increased education about asthma symptoms and treatment options has led to improved diagnosis rates, driving demand for asthma medications. Many patients are now more proactive in seeking treatment, leading to earlier intervention and better management of the disease.

The North American market is characterized by rapid advancements in asthma therapeutics, including the development of new inhaled corticosteroids, biologics, and combination therapies. Innovations such as monoclonal antibodies targeting specific inflammatory pathways have transformed asthma management, offering more effective options for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma.

Furthermore, in this region, a major number of key player's presence, well-advanced healthcare infrastructure, and innovative launches would drive this asthma drugs market growth. For instance, in July 2023, Viatris announced the launch of Breyna (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate) inhalation aerosol, marking it as the first FDA-approved generic version of Symbicort for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This launch is significant as it provides a more affordable option for patients managing these common respiratory conditions. Thus, the above factors are consolidating the region's position as a dominant force in the global asthma drugs market.

Asia Pacific is growing at the fastest pace in the global asthma drugs market share

Asia Pacific holds the fastest pace in the global asthma drugs market and is expected to hold most of the market share.

The increasing incidence of asthma in the Asia-Pacific region is a major factor driving market growth. Urbanization, environmental pollution, and lifestyle changes contribute to higher asthma rates, particularly in developing countries. The growing population and increased exposure to allergens and irritants amplify the demand for effective asthma medications.

Asthma affects over 34 million people in India, leading to thousands of deaths annually. According to the Global Burden of Disease report by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), asthma accounts for 27.9% of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in the Indian population. This statistic highlights a concerning trend, as asthma-related mortality in India is approximately three times higher and DALYs are twice as high compared to the global averages for asthma.

The report further reveals that India contributes significantly to global asthma fatalities, with around 46% of all asthma deaths occurring within the country. Approximately 200,000 individuals succumb to asthma-related complications each year, underscoring the urgent need for effective management and treatment strategies.

There has been substantial progress in developing new asthma therapies, including biologics and combination treatments that offer improved efficacy and safety profiles. The commercialization of biologics, which have demonstrated effectiveness in clinical trials with fewer side effects, enhances treatment options for patients with severe asthma.

Furthermore, key players in the region have innovative launches and government initiatives that would drive this asthma drugs market. For instance, in February 2024, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Sanofi announced that the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan has granted marketing and manufacturing authorization for Dupixent (dupilumab) for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in individuals aged 12 years and older whose condition is not adequately controlled with existing therapies. This approval marks Japan as the first country in the world to approve Dupixent specifically for CSU, highlighting its significance as a novel treatment option for patients with unmet medical needs.

Also, in June 2022, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of a novel fixed-dose combination (FDC) drug for patients with uncontrolled asthma in India. The new product, branded as Indamet, combines indacaterol and mometasone to provide an effective treatment option for individuals struggling to manage their asthma symptoms. Thus, the above factors are consolidating the region's position as the fastest-growing force in the global asthma drugs market.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the asthma drugs market include AstraZeneca, GSK plc, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Merck & Co., Inc., Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sanofi, Amgen Inc., Covis Pharma, and Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. among others.

Key Developments

• In January 2024, AstraZeneca announced that AIRSUPRA (albuterol/budesonide) is now commercially available in the United States by prescription. This medication received FDA approval for the as-needed treatment or prevention of asthma symptoms and to help prevent sudden severe breathing problems, also known as asthma attacks, in individuals aged 18 years and older.

Why Purchase the Report?

• Pipeline & Innovations: Reviews ongoing clinical trials, and product pipelines, and forecasts upcoming advancements in medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
• Product Performance & Market Positioning: Analyzes product performance, market positioning, and growth potential to optimize strategies.
• Real-World Evidence: Integrates patient feedback and data into product development for improved outcomes.
• Physician Preferences & Health System Impact: Examines healthcare provider behaviors and the impact of health system mergers on adoption strategies.
• Market Updates & Industry Changes: Covers recent regulatory changes, new policies, and emerging technologies.
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• Market Entry & Expansion: Identifies optimal strategies for entering new markets and partnerships.
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• Supply Chain Optimization: Assesses supply chain risks and distribution strategies for efficient product delivery.
• Sustainability & Regulatory Impact: Focuses on eco-friendly practices and evolving regulations in healthcare.
• Post-market Surveillance: Uses post-market data to enhance product safety and access.
• Pharmacoeconomics & Value-Based Pricing: Analyzes the shift to value-based pricing and data-driven decision-making in R&D.

The global asthma drugs market report delivers a detailed analysis with 60+ key tables, more than 50 visually impactful figures, and 176 pages of expert insights, providing a complete view of the market landscape.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers: Pharmaceutical, Medical Device, Biotech Companies, Contract Manufacturers, Distributors, Hospitals.
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