China Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market Analysis

China Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market Executive Summary

China's Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market was valued at $506 Mn in 2022 and is estimated to reach $1054 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period.

Chronic cough refers to a persistent cough lasting more than eight weeks, distinguishing it from acute coughs associated with short-term conditions. Unlike short-term coughs often linked to infections, chronic cough can indicate a more enduring underlying health problem. Respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), postnasal drip, and certain medications commonly cause chronic cough. Identifying and addressing the root cause through a thorough medical assessment is essential for effective management. Chronic cough significantly impacts the quality of life, often requiring a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals such as pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists.

The prevalence of chronic cough in China is a matter of public health concern, with a reported rate of 7.11%, encompassing 6.22% in adults and 7.67% in children. According to this, more than 90 million people in China are suffering from a persistent cough. The prevalence of chronic cough appears to rise with age, according to an intriguing demographic trend. Among individuals aged 20–49 years, the prevalence is 2.4%, but it substantially rises to 6.0% in those aged 50 years or older. Furthermore, there are gender disparities, with men having a greater frequency of 4.6% compared to women's 2.6% prevalence in all age categories. China has a far lower prevalence of chronic cough than North America and Europe, where greater prevalence rates have been observed.

Chiesi China initiated Phase 3 clinical research with the objective of evaluating the safety and effectiveness of AF-059, a P2X3 receptor antagonist, which is specially designed to treat chronic cough in Chinese patients. The encouraging results of the Phase 2b study, which were released earlier this year, are being built upon by this critical trial. The Phase 3 trial's start demonstrates Chiesi China's dedication to developing possible treatments for chronic cough.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Cough: A persistent cough afflicts over 90 Mn individuals in China. The increasing prevalence of chronic cough in the country serves as a key catalyst for the expansion of the therapeutics market. The elevated occurrence of chronic cough is attributed to factors such as environmental pollution, smoking, and respiratory infections, generating a need for efficacious treatment solutions.

Aging Population: As of the year 2023, more than 260 Mn individuals, constituting 18.9% of the Chinese population, are aged 65 and above. Projections indicate that this percentage is expected to escalate to 32% by 2040 and further to 41.9% by the year 2060. The increasing proportion of elderly individuals in China augments the probability of people encountering chronic health ailments, such as respiratory issues. Chronic cough, frequently linked to age-related conditions, becomes a contributing factor to the expansion of the market.

Rising Awareness and Diagnosis: Growing awareness among both healthcare professionals and the general population regarding the impact of chronic cough on quality of life is leading to increased diagnosis. As awareness improves, more individuals seek medical attention for their chronic cough symptoms, driving the demand for therapeutic interventions.

Market Restraints

Regulatory Hurdles: Stringent regulatory requirements and approval processes in China can present difficulties for pharmaceutical companies aiming to introduce new treatments for chronic cough to the market. Navigating complex regulatory frameworks may result in delays in product approvals and market entry.

Healthcare Infrastructure Challenges: In certain regions of China, the healthcare infrastructure may have limitations, including access to specialized diagnostic facilities and healthcare professionals. This can impact the diagnosis and management of chronic cough, hindering the adoption of advanced therapeutics.

Affordability and Reimbursement Issues: Economic factors and varying levels of insurance coverage may affect the affordability of chronic cough therapeutics for some segments of the population. Limited reimbursement options could discourage patients from seeking or continuing treatment.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

In China, the oversight of healthcare policies and regulations pertaining to therapeutic drugs is primarily carried out by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), previously known as the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA). The NMPA assumes a crucial role in the assessment and approval of pharmaceutical marketing, ensuring the safety, effectiveness, and quality of these products. Obtaining regulatory approval from the NMPA is also mandatory for conducting clinical trials, emphasizing adherence to ethical and safety standards. Furthermore, the NMPA is responsible for enforcing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to uphold the quality and uniformity of pharmaceutical manufacturing. The pricing and reimbursement of therapeutic drugs in China are shaped by the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA), reflecting the government's active participation in negotiating and establishing pricing and reimbursement policies.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Hengan Group
• Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Holdings
• Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical
• Beijing Tongrentang Group
• Merck
• AstraZeneca
• Boehringer Ingelheim
• Chiesi
• Novartis
• GlaxoSmithKline