Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report, By Drug (NSAIDs, Corticosteroids), By Anatomy (Knee Osteoarthritis, Hip Osteoarthritis), By Route of Administration, By Sales Channel, By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Trends

The global osteoarthritis therapeutics market size was estimated at USD 8.59 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.82% from 2024 to 2030. The osteoarthritis therapeutics market shows promising growth prospects, driven by factors such as the increasing prevalence of osteoarthritis, particularly among the aging demographic, and substantial investments in R&D for new therapies. As per CDC data released in June 2023, the U.S. alone has over 32.5 million osteoarthritis patients, underscoring the demand for effective treatments in the market. Continued advancements in understanding the disease and developing therapeutic solutions are expected to fuel market expansion.

Arthritis is a serious health crisis and OA is the most common form of arthritis. According to the revised report on OA Prevalence & Burden by the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance (OAAA) as of October 2023, the total economic burden attributed to OA in the U.S. amounts to USD 136.8 billion annually. Furthermore, according to arthritis health data published in January 2021, women aged 50 to 60 are 3.5 times more likely to develop hand OA, 40% more likely to develop knee OA, and 10% more likely to develop hip OA than men. Some of the main causes of high risk of developing OA in women are changes in hormone levels due to menstruation & menopause and differences in the musculoskeletal system. Moreover, according to National Institutes of Health, U.S. women are more likely to be obese than men; obesity increases the risk of OA. Data reveals OA as a prevalent and costly health crisis, with women at higher risk. Understanding demographic trends and risk factors notifies market expansion during forecast period, targeting effective solutions for affected populations.

Managing osteoarthritis is challenging due to its avascular, dense tissue structure. The introduction of intra-articular (IA) drug administration has accelerated targeted drug delivery development. Disease-modifying drugs and adaptive carriers are expected to boost R&D for novel OA treatments. Market players take various initiatives that further contribute to market expansion. For instance, in June 2022, OrthoTrophix, Inc. presented clinical data and a registration plan for TPX-100 for knee OA at BIO 2022. Additionally, key pharmaceutical companies and research institutes actively engage in R&D, particularly for disease-modifying OA drugs, in January 2024, BioSenic presented Phase 3 data at the 2024 OARSI World Congress, revealing JTA-004's efficacy in treating severe inflammatory knee osteoarthritis. The post hoc analysis concludes JTA-004 is safe and effective, offering targeted pain management for this specific subtype of condition. Such advancements in targeted drug delivery and disease-modifying drugs for OA, demonstrated by presentations and positive trial results, drive market expansion for novel treatments.

Furthermore, the introduction of personalized OA new medications such as Bisphosphonates (anti-resorptive drugs), Synvisc-ONE injection is propelling growth in the market. Moreover, pharmaceutical companies and research & academic institutes are involved in the development of personalized treatment and cell-based therapies for OA in the country. In December 2023, researchers at Columbia University discovered stem cells in adult mice that can help maintain healthy cartilage in the joints and cause OA when age and injury kill the cells. Investing in this sector enables companies to seize opportunities from evolving demands, gaining a competitive edge. Leading innovative medication development positions companies as frontrunners, consolidating their market presence. The introduction of personalized osteoarthritis medications and research into cell-based therapies drives market growth, positioning companies as market leaders.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market is currently in a growth stage, with accelerated expansion driven by innovation and technological advancements. Product approvals and advancements in clinical trials propel this evolution. Innovations in therapeutics aim to address unmet needs for joint pain and inflammation, supported by novel drug delivery systems. For instance, in September 2022, Alkem Laboratories, in collaboration with Stempeutics, launched "StemOne," India's first off-the-shelf cell therapy product for Knee Osteoarthritis (OA).

The market is also characterized by a moderately high level of merger and acquisition (M&A) and collaboration activity. The leading players such as Juniper Biologics, Smith+Nephew, and Avanos Medical, Inc. among others are involved in M&A activities. For instance, in April 2022, Juniper Biologics acquired licensing rights for TG-C LD, the world's first knee osteoarthritis cell-mediated gene therapy, from Kolon Life Science in a USD 600 million deal covering Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. This non-surgical treatment targets an estimated 300 million patients in these regions.

Regulatory trends for OA therapies are evolving towards stricter evaluation criteria, especially for disease-modifying drugs (DMOADs). Authorities stress the importance of demonstrating clinically significant improvements in symptoms and structural modification. Eligibility criteria in clinical trials are being refined, incorporating advanced imaging techniques like quantitative MRI analysis alongside traditional radiographic assessments. Precision medicine strategies, integrating biomarkers, genetic profiling, and advanced imaging criteria, are gaining traction to personalize treatments. Additionally, multicenter trials with larger sample sizes are increasingly common to ensure comprehensive clinical evaluation and regulatory approval.

Product substitutes for osteoarthritis therapeutics, particularly prevalent in Asia Pacific and developing countries such as India and China, include herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and ayurvedic remedies. However, some alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, thermal modalities, and therapeutic ultrasound, may offer limited effectiveness in reducing OA pain.

The market is expanding regionally, enhancing accessibility of therapeutics across diverse healthcare facilities nationwide. This strategy ensures wider availability across geographic areas, extending market presence and enabling patients in different regions to access a variety of OA treatments.

End-use Insights

Based on end-use, the hospital pharmacies segment held the market in 2023 with a largest revenue share of 47.64%. Data from an article published by NCBI in May 2023 highlights the significance of hospital pharmacies in osteoarthritis management, revealing a key 112.1% increase in osteoarthritis-related hospital admissions. This emphasizes hospital pharmacies’ role in effective osteoarthritis treatment monitoring and management. Moreover, direct patient access allows hospital pharmacies to promptly administer injections, which is particularly beneficial for patients requiring immediate symptom relief. In contrast, retail pharmacies’ indirect delivery process may introduce complexities and delays in injection administration, highlighting the critical role of hospital pharmacies in ensuring timely and effective osteoarthritis treatment delivery.

In addition, retail pharmacies serve as intermediaries between manufacturers and healthcare providers, purchasing osteoarthritis therapeutics in bulk and storing them until requested. While they may not handle the volume required for regular purchases, they are crucial in ensuring product availability to healthcare providers. With lower costs than hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies prioritize accessibility & convenience for patients, offering extended hours and personalized service to enhance satisfaction & adherence. However, they may lack specialized care and monitoring capabilities, posing limitations in comprehensive osteoarthritis management. Despite this, their accessibility and personalized service make them preferred options for several patients seeking convenience in obtaining medications.

Drug Type Insights

Based on drug type, the viscosupplementation agents segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 36.63% in 2023, due to their adoption and efficacy in managing OA symptoms. These agents are composed of hyaluronic acid which offer lubrication and cushioning to the affected joints, reducing pain and improving mobility. They provide a minimally invasive treatment option, particularly suitable for patients with mild to moderate OA who have not responded adequately to other therapies. Moreover, according to an NCBI published article in July 2021, Viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid injections effectively reduces pain and enhances functionality, delaying surgical intervention. Despite variable evidence, VS options offer a safe profile and demonstrate efficacy, contributing significantly to OA symptom management.

The analgesics segment is projected to grow at a moderate CAGR over the forecast period, due to their widespread use in managing pain associated with the condition. As a first-line treatment option, analgesics offer immediate relief from osteoarthritis symptoms, making them highly preferred by patients and healthcare providers alike. In addition, the availability of various forms of analgesics, including oral medications and topical creams, further contributes to their significant market share projection. Moreover, the aging population and the increasing prevalence of OA highlight the sustained demand for analgesics as a cornerstone of osteoarthritis management.

Anatomy Insights

Based on anatomy, the knee osteoarthritis (KOA) segment held a market with the largest revenue share of 41.96% in 2023. KOA is one of the most common forms of chronic articular disease and OA worldwide and is characterized by high disability & morbidity rates. This condition is associated with the aging population. According to the Population Reference Bureau, the number of people aged above 65 years is projected to increase from 58 million in 2022 to around 82 million by 2050. The 65 & older age group share of the total population is projected to increase from 17% to 23%.

Currently, available pharmacological therapies for KOA include Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs); however, they tend to reduce pain & inflammation, leading to delay in disease progression. In addition, the rising prevalence of the condition is expected to propel the need for the prevention and treatment of KOA in the older population to improve quality of life and decrease disability rates in the elderly population.

The hip osteoarthritis segment is projected to grow at a lucrative CAGR over the forecast period. According to an article from Arthritis Research and Therapy in January 2022, the age-standardized incidence rate for hip osteoarthritis has increased from 17.02 per 100,000 individuals to 18.70 per 100,000 individuals. The prevalence of hip osteoarthritis has risen over the last 30 years and is expected to surge in the coming decade, driven primarily by the increasing aging population. Furthermore, ongoing research to develop novel and advanced treatment solutions is another key factor anticipated to drive market growth. For instance, in August 2022, Cleveland Clinic Florida launched a phase 3 trial of orthobiologic for treating hip osteoarthritis. In addition, Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) is an emerging orthobiologic showing effective and promising results in treating early osteoarthritis. With the rising demand for effective therapies, the hip osteoarthritis market presents promising opportunities for growth and advancement in the coming years.

Route of Administration Insights

Based on route of administration, the parenteral route segment held the market with the largest revenue share of 39.94% in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.50% over the forecast period, due to its efficacy for certain therapies, better pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, ease of administration, and higher projected growth rate. These factors underscore its suitability for delivering complex formulations and highlight its potential for continued expansion in the market. Moreover, the increasing use of placental tissue matrix injections in treating osteoarthritis is expected to be driven by the growing evidence supporting their effectiveness. For instance, a study published by NCBI in June 2023 showed that the application of PTM injections led to reduced levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and increased levels of Interleukin-4 (IL-4) in a rat model of osteoarthritis, indicating the potential of these injections to alleviate symptoms of the condition.

The topical route segment is projected to grow at a moderately high CAGR over the forecast period, driven by its user-friendly nature, precise drug delivery capabilities, and widespread acceptance among patients and healthcare professionals. With advancements in dermal drug delivery technologies and a burgeoning market for topical drugs globally, this segment presents an attractive opportunity for industry players. Moreover, the rapid expansion of this market in the Asia Pacific region underscores its promising prospects for business expansion and investment.

Sales Channel Insights

Based on sales channel, the prescription drugs segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 47.64% in 2023. This supremacy is attributed to stringent regulatory oversight, necessitating healthcare professional involvement for administration. The approval process instills confidence in their efficacy and safety, fostering trust among consumers. Furthermore, prescription drugs offer long-term management strategies crucial for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. This reliance on prescribed therapeutics highlights the significance of healthcare providers in treatment decisions and ensures sustained market dominance for prescription drugs in the osteoarthritis therapeutics sector.

The over-the-counter (OTC) drugs segment is projected to grow at a moderately high CAGR of 5.38% over the forecast period. Factors driving this growth include the increasing prevalence of osteoarthritis, wide accessibility of OTC medications without prescription requirements, patient preference for convenient self-care options, cost-effectiveness compared to prescription drugs, growing awareness and education about osteoarthritis treatments, rising healthcare expenditures, and a shift towards patient empowerment and self-management of health conditions. These factors collectively contribute to the expected significant expansion of the OTC segment in the market.

Regional Insights

North America osteoarthritis therapeutics market dominated the market with the revenue share of 37.67% in 2023. The North American market's dominance is evident due to various factors, including the region's high prevalence of obesity and supportive government policies. Key market players such as Novartis AG, Pfizer, Zimmer Biomet, and GlaxoSmithKline plc further solidify its position. Strategic initiatives such as therapeutics study trials, mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships among pharmaceutical giants are actively shaping the competitive landscape.  For instance, in February 2024, Novartis announced further continuation of its study for biological interventions U.S., which are safety, tolerability and efficacy of intra-articular Canakinumab and LNA043 for patients with knee osteoarthritis

U.S. Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Trends

The osteoarthritis therapeutics market in the U.S. is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, due to the strong pharmaceutical industry, with leading players and innovators like Zimmer Biomet, Bioventus and Remedium Bio driving innovation in the field, particularly in the development of advanced therapeutics. In March 2023, Remedium Bio, a U.S. biotech company, formed a strategic collaboration with Exothera, a Belgian CDMO, focusing on advancing disease-modifying gene therapy, AAV2-FGF18, for osteoarthritis. This initiative aims to leverage expertise and resources for the development & enhancement of potential market presence of its innovative therapy.

Europe Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Trends

The osteoarthritis therapeutics market in Europe presents a lucrative opportunity for pharmaceutical companies, with significant growth potential in the region, driven by the rising prevalence of OA, particularly in aging populations. Pharmaceutical advancements and a growing focus on disease-modifying drugs contribute to market expansion. Regulatory trends emphasize stringent evaluation criteria for drug efficacy and eligibility criteria in clinical trials. Viscosupplementation agents dominate, offering effective symptom management. The market evolution involves precision medicine approaches and multicenter trials for robust evaluation.

The UK osteoarthritis therapeutics market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, due to several factors, such as ongoing studies and physiotherapy treatment for people with painful knee osteoarthritis (KOA). For instance, in January 2023, the University of Salford and Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust collaborated on physiotherapy research for KOA patients. Cognitive Muscular Therapy (CMT) aims to reduce muscle overactivity and integrate better movement habits into daily life. Early tests showed positive results, leading to a two-year grant for further studies. The feasibility study, starting in 2023, will compare CMT with usual care for KOA patients who haven't benefited from standard physiotherapy exercises.

The osteoarthritis therapeutics market in France is influenced by trends such as rising incidence due to the aging population and increasing obesity rates. Major players such as Sanofi are active, while COVID-19 initially impacted the market but is expected to rebound alongside ongoing research and development efforts.

The Germany osteoarthritis therapeutics market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Germany's osteoarthritis therapeutics market is driven by factors such as an aging population, increasing obesity rates, and rising injury incidents. Major players like Bayer AG focus on R&D to meet demand. The market is projected to grow, influenced by similar factors.

Asia Pacific Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Trends

The Asia Pacific osteoarthritis therapeutics market is expanding due to high prevalence, increased healthcare spending, population growth, medical advancements, regulatory support, and improved awareness. It's projected to experience significant growth, driven by aging populations and treatment innovation in countries such as China, Japan, and India. Pharmaceutical firms are investing in research. According to a study published by The Lancet in September 2023, globally, 595 million people had osteoarthritis in 2020, with the Asia Pacific region accounting for a prevalence of 8632.7 per 100,000. Such high figures indicate an increasing demand for therapeutics in the region.

The osteoarthritis therapeutics market in China is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, due to factors such as increasing prevalence, adoption of pain medications, a growing susceptible population, emerging markets, collaborations for product development, and a favorable regulatory scenario, driving demand for both symptomatic relief and disease-modifying treatments.

The Japan osteoarthritis therapeutics market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, due to rapidly expanding market, with Japanese pharma firms entering the space and observing growing demand due to lifestyle changes. For instance, in August 2022, Shionogi and Grünenthal collaborated to commercialize knee osteoarthritis treatment RTX in Japan. Shionogi holds exclusive distribution rights, Grünenthal manages development and manufacturing. The deal includes upfront payment, potential royalties exceeding USD 500 million.

Latin America Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Trends

The osteoarthritis therapeutics market in Latin America is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. According to an NCBI published article in January 2022, Limited evidence suggests weight-bearing osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant issue in Latin America, impacting health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and posing economic challenges. Gaps exist in understanding HRQoL and socioeconomic outcomes, emphasizing the need for further research, especially in regions with limited healthcare resources. Addressing this burden is crucial to improving patient outcomes, particularly in areas with restricted healthcare access. More research is needed to better understand its impact and find ways to alleviate the challenges faced by those affected in Latin America. Addressing the burden of weight-bearing osteoarthritis in Latin America presents an opportunity for market expansion by developing tailored solutions to improve patient outcomes and access to healthcare.

The Brazil osteoarthritis therapeutics market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. According to an NCBI article in 2019, osteoarthritis (OA) is highly prevalent in Brazil, being the third most common disease among those insured for Social Security, contributing to 65% of disability cases. With a 33% prevalence among Brazilian adults, the aging population, expected to triple by 2050, will likely exacerbate OA's prevalence and treatment demand.

MEA Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Trends

The osteoarthritis therapeutics market in MEA is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, due to an aging population, increased adoption of viscosupplementation, drug development innovations, regulatory approvals, anatomical segmentation focusing on knee osteoarthritis, and diverse distribution channels, reflecting a expanding landscape.

The Saudi Arabia osteoarthritis therapeutics market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Market players in the region are taking various initiatives to contribute to market expansion. For instance, in June 2023, Pennsylvania-based Levolta Pharmaceuticals entered into an exclusive licensing and distribution agreement with Saudi Arabia's Tabuk Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company to commercialize VOLTO1, a therapy for osteoarthritis, in the Middle East and Africa region, excluding South Africa.

Key Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Company Insights

Some of the leading players in the market include, Sanofi SA, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Pfizer Inc, Bayer AG, Zimmer Biomet, Novartis AG. Different strategies are taken by the players to strengthen their market positions. Companies are involved in expanding their market presence by signing agreements with other players in emerging economies. Product approval is another strategy adopted by these companies.

Emerging players such as Flexion Therapeutics, Inc., Arthrex, Inc., and Royal Biologics are taking different strategic initiatives such as collaborations & partnerships with key participants and other players in the industry to enhance their presence. Capturing niche areas of supply chain, such as distribution and delivery of products & solutions, to establish themselves.

Recent Developments

• In March 2023, Remedium Bio, a U.S. biotech company, formed a strategic collaboration with Exothera, a Belgian CDMO, focusing on advancing disease-modifying gene therapy, AAV2-FGF18, for osteoarthritis. This initiative aims to leverage expertise and resources for the development & enhancement of potential market presence of its innovative therapy

• In May 2023, Grünenthal revealed that its experimental non-opioid drug, resiniferatoxin (RTX), which is currently in Phase III clinical development, has been granted breakthrough therapy designation by the U.S.FDA. for treating knee osteoarthritis pain This recognition was driven by promising phase I & II clinical data, showcasing substantial pain relief and a favorable safety profile

• In January 2022, Merck, via its subsidiary Ares Trading SA, has recently engaged in an out-licensing agreement with TrialSpark/High Line Bio in the U.S. Currently, sprifermin is undergoing investigation for its potential benefits in patients suffering from OA

Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Report Scope

Report Attribute	Details
Market size value in 2024	USD 9.13 billion
Revenue forecast in 2030	USD 13.57 billion
Growth rate	CAGR of 6.82% from 2024 to 2030
Base year for estimation	2023
Historical data	2018 - 2022
Forecast period	2024 - 2030
Quantitative units	Revenue in USD million/billion and CAGR from 2024 to 2030
Report coverage	Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends
Segments covered	Drug type, anatomy, route of administration, sales channel, end-use, sales channel, region
Regional scope	North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; MEA
Country scope	U.S.; Canada; UK; Germany; Spain; Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France; Italy; China; India; Japan, Thailand, South Korea; Australia; Brazil; Mexico; Argentina; South Africa; Saudi Arabia; UAE, Kuwait
Key companies profiled	Sanofi SA; GlaxoSmithKline plc; Pfizer Inc; Bayer AG; Zimmer Biomet; Novartis AG; Anika Therapeutics; Assertio Therapeutics, INC.; Bioventus; Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Customization scope	Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analyst’s working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope.
Pricing and purchase options	Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options

 

Global Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global osteoarthritis therapeutics market report based on drug type, anatomy, route of administration, sales channel, end-use and region:

• Drug Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Viscosupplementation Agents

  • Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

    • Naproxen

    • Aspirin

    • Diclofenac

    • Ibuprofen

    • Celecoxib

    • Meloxicam

    • Piroxicam

    • Ketoprofen

    • Other NSAIDs

  • Analgesics

    • Duloxetine

    • Acetaminophen

  • Corticosteroids

  • Others

• Anatomy Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Knee Osteoarthritis

  • Hip Osteoarthritis

  • Hand Osteoarthritis

  • Others

• Route of Administration Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Parenteral Route

    • Hyaluronic Acid Injections

    • Corticosteroid Injections

    • Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

    • Placental Tissue Matrix (PTM) Injections

    • Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) Injections

    • Others

  • Topical Route

  • Oral Route

• Sales Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Prescription Drugs

  • Over-the-Counter Drugs

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Hospital Pharmacies

  • Retail Pharmacies

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • Spain

    • France

    • Italy

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • MEA

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait