Global Market Size, Forecast, and Trend Highlights Over 2025-2037
Asthma and COPD Drugs Market size was over USD 26.1 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 45.6 billion by the end of 2037, expanding at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast timeline, i.e., 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of asthma and COPD drugs is assessed at USD 27.4 billion.
The exceeding patient population of asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is creating a surge for therapeutics, offering instant relief and effective disease management. In this regard, the WHO reported that the number of people around the world with these two ailments reached 339.4 million and 384.2 million in 2024, respectively. In addition, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) calculated the net COPD incidences in Germany to be 5.9 million in 2025, exhibiting a 14.2% rise from 2018. On the other hand, the rising burden of comorbidities, such as air pollution, smoking, and aging, is amplifying this pool. This demography indicates the presence of sustainable demand for required medicines and hence propelling growth in the asthma and COPD drugs market.
The payers' pricing of available commodities in the asthma and COPD drugs market is witnessing significant inflation, which is overburdening patients with additional expenses. This can be displayed through the recent increases in key economic indicators. For instance, in 2024, the producer price index (PPI) for these formulations rose by 3.3% on account of increasing API costs and regulatory burdens, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Simultaneously, this upward trajectory also flew down to the consumer price index (CPI) in the same category with a 4.2% annual hike. Furthermore, the premium pricing of branded drugs is pushing biopharma companies to cultivate more affordable biologic therapies, such as biosimilars.
Asthma and COPD Drugs Sector: Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth Drivers
- Government investments and procurement: According to a study from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), published in 2022, the use of combination inhalers minimized the need for hospital admissions by 23.4%. As a result, this further saved USD 3.1 billion for the U.S. healthcare system, influencing authorities to accommodate more of these solutions from the asthma and COPD drugs market. Based on the improved patient outcomes and financial benefits, insurers are also showing interest in amplifying spending in this category. For instance, in 2023, the expenditure on associated biologics, such as Dupixent, by Medicare surpassed USD 12.5 billion.
- Extensive R&D activities and new findings: As the advancements in design and formulations enhance the efficacy and longevity of products, organizations are becoming keener to invest in further research-based explorations in the asthma and COPD drugs market. For instance, from 2020 to 2024, the National Institute of Health (NIH) dedicated a yearly USD 2.4 billion in funds to accelerate R&D in respiratory ailment management solutions. Besides, promotional activities, such as the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), are inspiring companies to outstretch their territory overseas to enhance public access to advanced care. Subsequently, this is fueling pipeline expansion, and adoption rate increment in this sector.
Historical Patient Growth (2010-2020) and Its Impact on Market Expansion
The fundamental transition in the dynamics of the asthma and COPD drugs market is highly attributable to the rapid expansion in the patient pool during the timeline from 2010 to 2020. Particularly, the significant increase in cases of breathing-related issues throughout the pandemic fostered a substantial surge in improving diagnostics and treatment adherence. Thus, it constructed a strong demand and distribution channel in this sector. Furthermore, the analysis of the demographic shift over the selected period highlighted a divergence in preferences and needs, widening the range of opportunities for product innovation and scalable production in this field. In addition, this underscored the untapped potential of emerging economies to become a lucrative landscape of business for pioneers.
Historical Patient Growth (2010-2020)
|
Country |
Asthma Patients (2010) (Million) |
Asthma Patients (2020) (Million) |
Growth (%) |
COPD Patients (2010) (Million) |
COPD Patients (2020) (Million) |
Growth (%) |
|
U.S. |
22.2 |
25.9 |
16.8 |
12.4 |
16.2 |
31.0 |
|
Germany |
5.3 |
6.2 |
17.4 |
4.9 |
5.8 |
18.9 |
|
France |
4.4 |
5.1 |
16.4 |
3.7 |
4.5 |
22.3 |
|
Spain |
3.2 |
3.7 |
16.2 |
3.0 |
3.6 |
20.8 |
|
Australia |
2.5 |
3.0 |
20.9 |
1.8 |
2.3 |
29.5 |
|
Japan |
7.9 |
9.3 |
18.0 |
6.6 |
8.2 |
24.7 |
|
India |
18.7 |
32.5 |
74.3 |
14.3 |
29.0 |
xx |
|
China |
28.4 |
45.8 |
61.6 |
35.7 |
58.3 |
63.6 |
Feasible Expansion Models Shaping the Future Asthma and COPD Drugs Market
The pathway of commercial operations in the asthma and COPD drugs market shifted towards region-specific business models under the influence of financial success gained by key players. As a result, their strategies for tackling major roadblocks and securing greater revenue generation hold the potential to guide new entrants and authorized individuals in making investments. For instance, pioneers in India scraped out a new approach to captivating the local demography by forming public-private partnerships and aligning with government-subsidized programs. This fostered a reliable channel of distribution for expanding this merchandise towards rural areas. Furthermore, their way of utilizing the current trend of value-based care delivery is inspiring more entities to participate in this sector.
Feasibility Models for Market Expansion
|
Region |
Model |
Revenue Impact |
Key Statistic |
|
India |
Local provider partnerships |
+12.4% (2022–2024) |
70.2 million undiagnosed patients |
|
U.S. |
Medicare Part D expansion |
+9.1% (2023) |
$12.5 billion govt. spending (2023) |
|
Germany |
COPD early intervention |
-18.2% hospitalizations |
$2.2 billion cost savings (2022–2025) |
|
China |
Pollution-linked subsidies |
+15,1% API demand (2023) |
58.1 million COPD patients (2024) |
Challenge
- Delays and complexities in fetching compliance: Tightening regulations around pharmaceutical components are making the process of commercialization in the asthma and COPD drugs market more time-consuming and expensive. As evidence, the stringent criteria of compliance with the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) cause a 6–12-month delay in the launch of new formulations. This imposes a notable financial loss for dedicated developers and producers, discouraging them from participating in extensive R&D. For instance, the FDA mandates for smart inhalers, as per the updated cybersecurity review, increase costs by USD 2.1 million, hindering growth in digital innovation.
Asthma and COPD Drugs Market: Key Insights
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
|
Base Year |
2024 |
|
Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
|
CAGR |
5.1% |
|
Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 26.1 billion |
|
Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 45.6 billion |
|
Regional Scope |
|
Asthma and COPD Drugs Segmentation
Drug Class (Bronchodilators, Anti-Inflammatories, Combination Therapies)
In terms of drug class, the combination therapies segment is expected to lead the asthma and COPD drugs market with a share of 38.5% by the end of 2037. The effectiveness of this type of medicine in managing persistent asthma has made it the first-line treatment. Its preference can further be displayed by the report from the NIH, identifying 42.4% of the total severe asthma patients to have eligibility and reliance on associated therapeutics, such as Symbicort and Advair. In addition, it is internationally recognized for being a better option than standalone SABAs for long-term asthma care, solidifying its dominance over other subtypes. Moreover, the proven efficacy of combination therapies in controlling inflammation and bronchoconstriction helps this segment generate greater revenue for this sector.
Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies)
Based on distribution channels, the retail pharmacies segment is predicted to capture the largest share of 47.2% in the asthma and COPD drugs market throughout the discussed timeframe. These dispensing entities are considered to be the most convenient portals for better community access, securing a lucrative cash inflow for this sector. The importance of ongoing maintenance therapies as a personal asset for combating severe events underscores the significance of neighborhood pharmacies in enabling adequate supply. Thus, the combined effect of ensuring consistent patient access to both acute rescue medications and long-term controller drugs is strengthening the presence of retailing ends in this field.
Our in-depth analysis of the asthma and COPD drugs market includes the following segments:
|
Drug Class |
|
|
Disease Type |
|
|
Distribution Channel |
|
Vishnu Nair
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Asthma and COPD Drugs Industry - Regional Synopsis
North America Market Analysis
North America is predicted to capture the highest share of 34.3% in the global asthma and COPD drugs market over the assessed period. The enlarging patient pool, provincial government spending, and strong reimbursement structure are accumulatively consolidating the region's leadership. Testifying this, the WHO reported that more than 40.2 million incidences of asthma were recorded across North America in 2024. Furthermore, the well-polished domestic and international operations of local manufacturers maintain the region's control over the global trade in this category. As evidence, in 2023, the International Trade Commission (ITC) highlighted the dominance of the U.S., besides Europe, on global exports of respiratory drugs (65.2%).
The U.S. is dominating the regional asthma and COPD drugs market by holding a large proportion of the patient pool and biologics innovations. Additionally, the presence of a strong Medicare & Medicaid infrastructure and a favorable regulatory framework is also fueling the country's predominant augmentation. One of these growth factors is further displayed in the calculated population of asthma and COPD patients, which crossed 25.2 million and 16.1 million, respectively, according to the CDC. Alongside, the expansion in Part D coverage by Medicare enlisted 80.3% of COPD medicines, showcasing a 60.3% rise from 2020 to 2024. This creates a favorable atmosphere for securing greater profit margins.
Canada is also following the region's pathway of growth in the asthma and COPD drugs market with a universal healthcare-driven approach. This, coupled with the amplifying government investments in elder care, is propelling the country's progress in this sector. For instance, from 2021 to 2024, the 18.2% expenditure increase helped the governing bodies of Ontario avail treatments to an additional 200,010 residents. Additionally, the frequent prevalence of wildfires is raising the volume of the patient pool, driving the count of COPD cases by 12.2% in 2023. Furthermore, similar to the U.S., Canada is also focusing on broadening patient access to related products, such as inhalers.
APAC Market Statistics
Asia Pacific is projected to propagate the asthma and COPD drugs market with the highest CAGR by 2037. Rapid urbanization, aging, and sedentary lifestyle adoption are the key growth drivers in the associated patient pool. Particularly, in emerging economies, such as India and China, air pollution is becoming an international environmental issue, which is propelling the number of afflictions. In addition, the gap in accessibility creates new business opportunities for both domestic and foreign companies, attracting them to participate. For instance, in Japan, the count of citizens with uncontrolled asthma crossed 3.3 million, and 40.2% of this demography faces disparity in accessing expensive biologics, which embarks the growing demand for affordable biosimilars.
China is augmenting leadership over the APAC asthma and COPD drugs market with its predominant captivity in API production, supply, and explorations. In addition, the country is home to the largest consumer base and payers, where the number of asthma and COPD patients surpassed 45.8 million and 58.2 million in 2024. This is dragging the focus of national healthcare associations for investing in respiratory medications. Testifying this, the National Health Commission in China, calculated the yearly government expenditure on the same category, from 2019 to 2024, to be USD 5.2 billion and exhibit a 15.2% rise. Furthermore, the nation's ambitious goal of achieving a forefront position in producing maximum biologics is empowering its regional dominance.
According to a report from the WHO, the volume of asthma and COPD patients in India reached 32.5 million and 29.0 million in 2024. This demonstrates a sustainable demand and reliable consumer base for this merchandise. Moreover, the steady capital influx from governing bodies and foreign investors to improve the nation's healthcare system and accessibility is procuring a progressive environment for the asthma and COPD drugs market. As evidence, in 2023 alone, the government spending on healthcare totaled USD 1.9 billion, reflecting an 18.2% rise from 2018.
Companies Dominating the Asthma and COPD Drugs Landscape
The collective financial output of GSK, AstraZeneca, and Boehringer Ingelheim tends to control a majority revenue share of 46.3% in the asthma and COPD drugs market. Their approach of prioritizing biologics expansion, emerging market penetration, and digital health integrations is leading to a prosperous future for this sector. Additionally, continuous investment and engagement from them in developing and commercializing next-generation immunotherapies signal intense R&D competition in the cohort of solidifying market leadership. Furthermore, the utilization of tech-based advances in escalating outcomes is also helping them attain lucrative success.
Top contenders of such key players are asthma and COPD drugs market:
|
Company Name |
Market Share |
Industry Focus & Key Products |
|
GSK |
18.1% |
Leader in inhalers (Advair, Ventolin), biologics (Nucala) |
|
AstraZeneca |
16.3% |
Symbicort, Fasenra, digital inhaler partnerships |
|
Boehringer Ingelheim |
12.1% |
Spiriva, Stiolto, COPD-focused R&D |
|
Sanofi/Regeneron |
10.5% |
Dupixent (biologic for severe asthma) |
|
Novartis |
8.2% |
QVAR RediHaler, COPD biologics pipeline |
|
Pfizer |
xx% |
Xeljanz (off-label COPD use), generics |
|
Merck & Co. |
xx% |
Keytruda (COPD trials), legacy inhalers |
|
Teva Pharmaceuticals |
xx% |
Largest generic albuterol supplier (60% market share) |
|
Chiesi Farmaceutici |
xx% |
Foster, Trimbow (COPD triple therapy) |
|
Cipla |
xx% |
Low-cost inhalers (Seretide generics), APAC dominance |
|
Sun Pharma |
xx% |
Affordable generics for emerging markets |
|
Lupin |
xx% |
Generic Advair, API manufacturing |
|
Hikma Pharmaceuticals |
xx% |
Generic inhalers for Middle East/NA markets |
|
Mylan |
xx% |
Wixela (generic Advair), now part of Viatris |
|
Glenmark |
xx% |
Ryaltris (allergic rhinitis/asthma combo) |
|
Menarini |
xx% |
European-focused COPD therapies |
|
Hanmi Pharma |
xx% |
Olodaterol (COPD), APAC regional player |
|
Pharmaniaga |
xx% |
Government-backed inhaler supplier for ASEAN |
Recent Developments
- In March 2024, Sanofi and Regeneron achieved a significant milestone with the EMA approval of Dupixent (dupilumab) for COPD, marking it as the first biologic approved for uncontrolled COPD with type 2 inflammation. This expansion broadens Dupixent’s addressable patient pool by 2.5 million in Europe.
- In January 2024, AstraZeneca made history with FDA approval for its Airsupra (albuterol/budesonide) as the first rescue inhaler combining a SABA bronchodilator with an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid. This formulation captured 8.2% of the U.S. rescue inhaler market within just 1st quarter from the launch.
- Report ID: 4116
- Published Date: Jun 10, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
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