Xerostomia Therapeutics Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Increasing prevalence of xerostomia linked to chronic conditions and aging: It has been witnessed that xerostomia is usually observed in patients with diabetes and Sjogren’s syndrome. According to data published by the World Health Organization in 2024, there are almost 830 million people in the world suffering from diabetes. Additionally, the global surge of the geriatric population is predicted to increase the burden of xerostomia. These demographic trends are ensuring that there will be a large pool of patients, making the xerostomia therapeutics a highly pertinent segment of the healthcare sector. 
• Rising cases of radiation-induced xerostomia in cancer survivors: With the surge in incidences of head and neck cancers, the need for xerostomia therapeutics is also rising. The radiation used in standard treatment damages the salivary glands, resulting in xerostomia that worsens the quality of life. According to data published by the Cleveland Clinic in 2024, about 4.5% of the cancer diagnoses globally are head and neck cancers. Additionally, the recognition of the radiation-induced xerostomia is acting as a catalyst for the market growth and bringing innovative methodologies in clinical trials.
• Growing role of digital health and diagnostics: The digital health technologies are emerging as a supportive driver for the market growth. The rising use of wearable devices, saliva sensors, and various other AI-enabled diagnostic biomarkers is aiding healthcare practitioners in detecting in a better way. For example, in cancer patients, the early detection of subclinical xerostomia enables the early commencement of preventive measures. Both the biotech and pharmaceutical firms are joining hands with IT companies in the health sector to amalgamate effective solutions into care pathways. These factors are encouraging the adoption of new products and propelling the market growth.

Challenge

• Barriers in regulatory procedures: The major challenge causing hindrance to the market is the delays in terms of the stringent regulatory frameworks. For example, PMDA in Japan and FDA in the U.S. backlog for medical devices such as electrostimulation tools pushed the launch to further years, making it challenging for xerostomia manufacturers to leverage the therapeutics.