Asthma Drugs Market Research Report and Outlook by 2028

The asthma medication market is anticipated to grow significantly, reaching approximately US$ 34,136.10 million by 2028, up from US$ 24,239.17 million in 2021. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% from 2021 to 2028. The report outlines the prevailing trends and key factors propelling this market expansion. The increase in the asthma drug market is primarily linked to the rising environmental and genetic impacts of air pollution, heightened susceptibility among certain ethnic groups, increased exposure to coarse particulate matter, and a growing incidence of physiological disorders associated with asthma. Nevertheless, challenges such as unmet medical needs and issues with treatment adherence pose obstacles to market growth.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by intermittent airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation of the airways. A review titled "Impact of Air Pollution on Asthma Outcomes" by Tiotiu et al. indicates that air pollution adversely affects asthma outcomes in both adults and children. Key contributors to asthma development in children include air pollution from traffic, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and secondhand smoke (SHS). Exposure to outdoor pollution can trigger asthma symptoms, exacerbations, and a decline in lung function.

In the United States, air pollution remains a significant factor associated with asthma. This serious and potentially life-threatening chronic condition affects the quality of life for over 23 million Americans. Pollution can worsen asthma symptoms and provoke attacks, particularly in children, with approximately 6 million affected by asthma in the US.

A recent study funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explored the relationship between air pollution and asthma. While researchers have not pinpointed a single agent responsible for asthma due to pollution, evidence suggests that it may inhibit genes that help the immune system differentiate between allergens and harmful substances like viruses or bacteria. This miscommunication can lead to an overactive immune response, resulting in inflammation and asthma.

Researchers at Stanford University's Children's Center examined the impact of air pollution on two genes related to immune tolerance in children living in highly polluted areas. They found that both short- and long-term exposure to elevated levels of carbon monoxide (CO), NO2, and particulate matter (PM2.5) correlated with alterations in these genes, contributing to asthma development. These findings emphasize the epigenetic effects of air pollution and may pave the way for new preventive asthma treatments.

Such research enhances the understanding of asthma in children and provides vital insights to the EPA, which can be utilized to safeguard public health and the environment. Consequently, these studies are accelerating drug discovery and development for asthma, thereby propelling the asthma drug market forward.

The asthma drugs market is categorized based on medication types into quick relief and long-term control medications. In 2021, long-term control medications held a larger market share; however, the quick relief segment is expected to exhibit a higher CAGR during the forecast period. Additionally, the market is segmented by route of administration into inhaled, prefilled syringes/vials, and others. The inhaled segment dominated the market in 2021, but the prefilled syringes/vials segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR in the coming years. Distribution channels include online pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and retail pharmacies, with retail pharmacies holding the largest market share, while online pharmacies are anticipated to experience the fastest growth.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a significant public health and economic crisis globally. The initial phase of 2020 saw a considerable impact on a large portion of the population. Given that COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions faced a heightened risk of severe outcomes. In response, organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, the World Health Organization, and the European Respiratory Society issued guidelines for patient care, distinguishing COVID-19 from other respiratory illnesses, and advising asthmatic patients on preventive measures. Recommendations included ensuring an adequate supply of asthma medications to prevent shortages. The WHO noted that individuals with asthma, particularly those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or non-allergic asthma, were at greater risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. Furthermore, older adults and non-white individuals were identified as having increased vulnerability based on general population data. The European Respiratory Society also encouraged asthmatics to maintain their prescribed treatments to manage their condition and mitigate the risk of severe complications from COVID-19, which subsequently increased the demand for asthma medications. A 2021 study examined the correlation between asthma and lower respiratory tract involvement in children with COVID-19, revealing that approximately 1 in 7 children with COVID-19 experienced lower respiratory tract issues, with asthma and recurrent wheezing linked to more severe outcomes. This further fueled the demand for asthma medications, which were suggested to offer some protective benefits against the virus. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic positively influenced the asthma drugs market.

Companies in the asthma drugs market have adopted various organic and inorganic growth strategies. Organic strategies include product launches and approvals, while inorganic strategies involve acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships. These approaches enable market players to expand their operations and enhance their geographical reach, contributing to overall market growth. Additionally, acquisitions and partnerships help strengthen client relationships and broaden product offerings. Notable developments in the market include:

• In December 2021, AstraZeneca and Amgen's Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko) received US approval as an add-on maintenance treatment for severe asthma in patients aged 12 and older. Tezspire is a pioneering biologic that targets thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), significantly reducing asthma exacerbations across diverse patient populations.


• In November 2021, AstraZeneca transferred its global rights to Eklira (aclidinium bromide) and Duaklir (aclidinium bromide/formoterol) to Covis Pharma Group, ensuring continued access to these established treatments.

Key sources referenced in the preparation of this report include information bulletins, statistics, and press releases from the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Respiratory Society (ERS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).