Knee Osteoarthritis Drugs Market Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis, and Forecast 2025 - 2034

The Global Knee Osteoarthritis Drugs Market reached USD 6.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% from 2025 to 2034. This growth is primarily driven by the rising prevalence of knee OA due to an aging population, sedentary lifestyles, and increasing obesity rates, which have amplified the need for effective treatments. The market is also benefiting from growing awareness about early diagnosis and treatment, which encourages timely medical intervention. Additionally, advancements in drug formulations, including combination therapies and extended-release options, are enhancing treatment outcomes and boosting market growth. Higher usage of hyaluronic acid (HA) viscoelastic in orthopedics and sports medicine is further contributing to the market's positive trajectory.

Knee OA drugs primarily manage pain, inflammation, and disease progression in affected patients. These pharmaceutical options include NSAIDs, corticosteroids, viscosupplementation, analgesics, and other drug types aimed at alleviating symptoms and delaying the need for surgical interventions. Among these, NSAIDs generated the highest revenue, reaching USD 2.4 billion in 2024 and projected to grow to USD 5 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 7.7%. NSAIDs continue to dominate the market due to their widespread use as a first-line treatment for pain and inflammation. Medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib remain popular choices due to their efficacy, availability, and cost-effectiveness. The segment growth is further reinforced by advancements in safer and more effective formulations, such as topical options and COX-2 selective inhibitors.

By route of administration, the parenteral segment held the largest share of 51.3% in 2024, owing to its rapid onset of action, higher bioavailability, and extended duration of pain relief compared to oral and topical options. Parenteral administration includes injectable corticosteroids, viscosupplementation (HA injections), and various biologics, which are commonly used for moderate to severe OA cases where oral treatments prove inadequate. The segment growth is also driven by an increasing preference for minimally invasive techniques and long-acting injectables. Further advancements in regenerative therapies, including sustained-release formulations, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and stem cell therapies, are expected to boost segment growth.

The market is segmented by age group into 18-44, 45-64, and above 65, with the above 65 segment projected to maintain a prominent position, growing at a rate of 7.6% and reaching USD 6 billion by 2034. Aging reduces joint flexibility, increases inflammation, and leads to cartilage degeneration, which contributes to the rising prevalence of OA. As a result, increased life expectancy, rising awareness about treatment options, and higher healthcare spending are fueling the demand for knee OA drugs within this demographic. Additionally, the preference for long-acting and minimally invasive solutions continues to strengthen demand across the market.

In 2024, the U.S. maintained a leading position in the North American knee OA drugs market, with a valuation of USD 2.6 billion, up from USD 2.4 billion in 2023. The high prevalence of knee OA, an aging population, and a growing preference for minimally invasive treatments have fueled the demand for advanced therapies, contributing significantly to market expansion.