Rheumatoid Arthritis Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2024-2032)

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder primarily affecting joints, leading to painful swelling, stiffness, and potential joint deformity and erosion. It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues. RA can also affect other systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. This disease predominantly impacts individuals between the ages of 30 and 60, with women being more commonly affected than men. The prevalence of RA is increasing with the aging global population. As people live longer, the incidence of age-related conditions, including autoimmune diseases like RA, rises. For instance, as per the data of Census.gov, The number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to increase from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050, representing a 47% increase. This age group's share of the total population is also expected to rise from 17% to 23% by 2050.

The Rheumatoid Arthritis Market is expected to grow at a steady rate of around 7.5% due to rising prevalence of rheumatoid Arthritis, and increased awareness and diagnosis acting as major drivers for the growth of the market. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.3 million adults in the United States were living with RA as of 2021. Further, improved diagnostic methods and the development of biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have enhanced the management of RA. These advancements contribute to better patient outcomes and increased diagnosis rates.

Based on the route of administration, the market is segmented into oral and parenteral. Among these, the oral segment has dominated the market in recent years. Oral medications are generally easier to administer compared to parenteral treatments. Patients can take oral drugs at home without the need for a healthcare professional, which enhances convenience and compliance. This is particularly important for managing a chronic condition like RA, where long-term adherence to treatment is crucial.

Based on the Drug Class, the market is segmented into Disease-modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Corticosteroids, Uric Acid Drugs, and Others. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the primary contributors to revenue in the rheumatoid arthritis treatment market, and their growth is expected to be substantial over the forecast period. This growth is driven by increased awareness of the benefits of DMARDs, a rising prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis, a growing global population of obese and overweight individuals, and the widespread adoption of DMARDs as the first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. These factors collectively enhance the demand for DMARDs, propelling the market forward.

Based on the sales channel, the market is segmented into Prescription-based Drugs and Over-the-counter Drugs. The prescription-based drug segment holds the largest share in the global rheumatoid arthritis drugs market. This dominance is attributed to the benefits of prescription medications, such as ensuring patients receive the correct dosage, minimizing the risk of side effects, and preventing potential misuse of drugs. Conversely, the over-the-counter (OTC) drug segment is projected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the convenience of purchasing OTC drugs directly and the continuous innovations and advancements in these medications.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of Rheumatoid Arthritis, the market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in countries such as North America (U.S., Canada, and the Rest of North America), Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Rest of World. North America is dominating the market in the current scenario of 2023. This dominance can be attributed to several factors that drive the demand and development of RA therapeutics in the region, such as high disposable income, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and rising awareness. Some of the major players operating in the market include UCB S.A., F. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE LTD, Pfizer Inc, ABBVIE INC., Novartis AG, Eli Lilly and Company, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Inc., BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB COMPANY, Merck & Co., Inc., and JOHNSON & JOHNSON.