Canada Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market Analysis

Canada Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market Executive Summary

Canada's Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market was valued at $504 Mn in 2022 and is estimated to reach $940 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period.

Chronic cough is a persistent cough that lasts for an extended period, typically lasting more than eight weeks. Unlike acute coughs, often associated with infections or other short-term conditions, chronic cough can be a symptom of an underlying, more persistent health issue. Common causes of chronic cough include respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), postnasal drip, and certain medications. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of chronic cough through a thorough medical evaluation is important, as treating the root issue is crucial for effective management. Chronic cough can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and may require a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals such as pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists for comprehensive care.

In Canada, rates of chronic cough are notably high, ranging from 15.8% to 18%, and they vary depending on geographic and ethnic characteristics. The baseline prevalence of chronic cough is 15.8%, however, at follow-up, it rose to 17.6%, indicating a variance between 10.4% and 17.1% across seven provinces. This disorder is more common in men and among current smokers, and it shows a rise with age. Furthermore, a persistent cough has been associated with a lower quality of life, which highlights the importance of treating and comprehending its effects on a range of demographic groups.

Veritas disclosed the successful conclusion of a Phase 2a clinical trial evaluating their experimental drug, ensifentrine, targeting chronic cough. Encouragingly, the trial demonstrated promising outcomes by effectively diminishing both the frequency and severity of coughing. Subsequent to these positive findings, Veritas has outlined plans for additional trials to further assess the drug's efficacy and potential for addressing chronic cough.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Aging population: Canada is experiencing a swift expansion of its aging demographic. The age group of 85 and above stands out as one of the most rapidly growing, witnessing a 12% surge since 2016, constituting 2.3% of the current population. With the ongoing aging trend in Canada, there is an elevated susceptibility to chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma, which are known to be associated with chronic cough.

Air pollution: As indicated in the "Health Impacts of Air Pollution in Canada 2021 Report," over 15,000 Canadians succumb annually to the effects of air pollution. The report further highlights that the projections for premature mortality related to air pollution were 42 per 100,000 Canadians in 2016, as opposed to 41 per 100,000 Canadians in 2015. Exposure to air pollution, encompassing factors such as second-hand smoke and particulate matter, is a contributing factor to the development of chronic cough.

Rising Awareness and Enhanced Diagnosis: The increased recognition of chronic cough as a medical condition, coupled with improved diagnostic methods, results in a higher number of individuals seeking medical intervention.

Market Restraints

Cost and Accessibility Barriers: The high costs associated with cutting-edge diagnostic tools and modern cough treatments can restrict accessibility for certain patients, contributing to healthcare disparities. Limited insurance coverage for cough treatment may compel patients to opt for less effective or more affordable alternatives.

Limited Effectiveness of Current OTC Medications: Although existing over-the-counter (OTC) cough suppressants provide temporary relief, they often prove ineffective in managing chronic cough symptoms over prolonged periods. This dissatisfaction contributes to a hindrance in market growth.

Misinformation and Overuse of OTC Medications: Public misconceptions about chronic cough, coupled with self-medication using OTC medications, can result in overuse and potential adverse effects. Insufficient awareness regarding the importance of seeking professional diagnosis and appropriate treatment further complicates the issue.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

In Canada, various authorities are responsible for regulating and overseeing the management of therapeutic drugs. Health Canada, through its Pharmaceutical Drugs Directorate and Health Products and Food Branch, plays a crucial role in supervising both pre-approval and approval processes for new pharmaceuticals, as well as conducting post-market safety monitoring and pre-market evaluations. Separately, the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board is tasked with regulating the market to ensure equitable pricing of patented medications. The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health provides evidence-based information on the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of medications. Additionally, individual provinces and territories maintain their own drug formulary, making decisions based on factors such as cost-effectiveness, safety, and efficacy to prevent the excessive pricing of patented medications.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• GlaxoSmithKline
• Pfizer
• McNeil Consumer Healthcare (Johnson & Johnson)
• Boehringer Ingelheim
• Procter & Gamble (P&G)
• Medtech Products Inc.
• Bionpharma Inc.
• A. Vogel Canada Inc.
• Jamieson Laboratories
• Hyland's Homeopathic