Market Overview

The global anti-inflammatory drugs market is projected to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.78% from 2022 to 2027, surpassing USD 153 billion by 2027, compared to USD 103 billion in 2021. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) play a crucial role in treating various common inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Inflammation serves as a defensive response of the body’s immune system against diseases and infections. It often manifests as the initial symptom in many infectious and non-infectious diseases, and if left untreated, it can lead to irreversible damage and even death. Moreover, inflammation is widely recognized as a major contributor to the development of chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and central nervous system-related disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and depression. Inflammation can occur in acute, sub-acute, and chronic forms.

The increasing prevalence of autoimmune disorders worldwide, such as rheumatoid osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, multiple sclerosis, as well as other conditions like gout and osteoarthritis, is driving the growth of the global anti-inflammatory market. These diseases can be effectively managed using anti-inflammatory drugs, which encompass NSAIDs, branded biologics, biosimilars, steroids, and other categories of drugs such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

Market Segmentation

The market is segmented based on various factors, including drug class, application, route of administration, and geography.

Segmentation by Drug Class
Biologics & Biosimilars
NSAIDs
Steroids
Others

Segmentation by Application
Autoimmune Diseases
Respiratory Diseases
Others

Segmentation by Route of Administration
Parenteral
Oral
Topical
Inhalation

Segmentation by Geography
North America – US, Canada
Europe – Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain
APAC – China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia
Latin America – Brazil, Mexico, Argentina
Middle East & Africa – South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey

The global market report on anti-inflammatory drugs provides a comprehensive analysis of the market size, share, and segments based on drug class, route of administration (ROA), application, and geography.

Biologics & biosimilars currently hold more than 60% of the market share and are expected to maintain their dominant position in the forecast period. Biologics offer better safety and efficacy compared to small-molecule drugs for treating inflammatory diseases. The introduction of biosimilars has resulted in significant cost savings in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, as they are cheaper yet equally effective alternatives to biologics. To date, regulatory authorities have approved 26 biosimilars, with approximately 11 available in the US market.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the second largest revenue contributor, while steroids represent around 12% of the market. NSAIDs function by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is responsible for converting arachidonic acid into eicosanoids like thromboxane, prostaglandins, and prostacyclin. The widespread use of NSAIDs in pain management and the treatment of cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases has led to increased consumption. NSAIDs are among the most commonly prescribed medications worldwide, with over 70 million prescriptions.

Steroids, such as corticosteroids, are also used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and can help induce remission or reduce morbidity in autoimmune disorders. While high doses of steroids may be administered for short periods, the goal is to achieve a specific outcome with the minimum effective dose. Patients requiring long-term treatment should be informed about the potential side effects of corticosteroids, including adrenal insufficiency, osteoporosis, and cataracts. Prednisone, an anti-inflammatory steroid, is used to treat inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

In 2021, autoimmune diseases accounted for over 65% of the global anti-inflammatory drugs market. This segment is expected to experience the highest growth during the forecast period, driven by the high prevalence of autoimmune diseases resulting from lifestyle changes and resistance to existing therapies.

The treatment of autoimmune disorders focuses on controlling the autoimmune response using immunosuppressive drugs. Corticosteroids can be used to suppress inflammation and modulate the immune system. Other drug options depend on the specific autoimmune disorder. For instance, biological agents are widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritis conditions. Asthma and COPD affect over 500 million individuals worldwide and represent persistent inflammatory diseases. Asthma affects 10%-12% of the adult population in Europe and contributes to significant healthcare expenses in the region, along with severe bronchial allergies. Standard corticosteroids are the primary treatment for mild-moderate bronchial allergies.

In 2021, the parenteral route of administration generated the highest revenue in the market, followed by oral, topical, and inhalation routes. Regulatory bodies worldwide have approved numerous new and generic anti-inflammatory drugs that can be administered through different routes. Biologics and biosimilars are typically administered via the parenteral route. NSAIDs are commonly available as oral tablets, and topical formulations are also available. Inhalation therapy is primarily used for acute or chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma. Inhaled anti-inflammatory agents offer localized effects on the airway smooth muscles with lower potential for systemic toxicity. The development of inhalation technologies has revolutionized the treatment approach for asthma and COPD.

North America dominated the anti-inflammatory drugs market in 2021, accounting for 40% of the revenue share. The US is a key contributor to the North American market due to increased awareness of the benefits of anti-inflammatory drugs in treating various autoimmune diseases and subsequent demand growth.

Europe is witnessing an increased demand for anti-inflammatory drugs due to factors such as population growth, the rise of autoimmune diseases, expanding pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical facilities, and the impact of COVID-19.

The APAC market is expected to experience rapid growth in the forecast period and become a major destination for the development and manufacturing of biosimilars, generics, and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for treating various inflammatory diseases.

Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are projected to experience moderate growth in the coming years, with pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies outsourcing their products to smaller manufacturers in these regions.

Competitive Landscape

Key companies profiled in this report include AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly & Company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co, Novartis, Pfizer, Actiza Pharmaceutical, Allergan, Antibe Therapeutics, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Aurobindo Pharma, Bayer, Bio-Thera Solutions, Cadila Pharmaceuticals, Cipla, Celltrion, CENTURION REMEDIES, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Eisai, Gilead Sciences, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Lupin, Medico Remedies, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Samsung Bioepis, Sanofi, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum, UCB, FUJIFILM KYOWA KIRIN BIOLOGICS, Teva pharmaceuticals.

Key Questions Answered

What is the size of the Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) market?

The Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) market is projected to reach a value of USD 27.65 billion by 2027.

What is the projected value of the global anti-inflammatory drugs market in 2027?

The global anti-inflammatory drugs market was valued at USD 104.07 billion in 2021, and it is expected to reach USD 154.24 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.78%.

What are the factors that are driving the growth of the Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) market?

The growth of the NSAIDs market is being driven by factors such as increased consumption for pain management, as well as for cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases. NSAIDs are widely used medications globally, with over 70 million prescriptions.

Which region is expected to witness the fastest growth in the global anti-inflammatory drugs market?

The Asia-Pacific region is projected to experience the fastest growth from 2022 to 2027.

What is the market share of the North American anti-inflammatory drugs market?

In 2021, North America dominated the global anti-inflammatory drugs market, accounting for nearly 40% of the revenue share. The United States is the key contributor to this market share.