Egypt Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market Analysis

Egypt Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market Executive Summary

Egypt's Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market was valued at $18 Mn in 2022 and is estimated to reach $37 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period.

A chronic cough is characterized by its persistence for more than eight weeks, setting it apart from short-term coughs associated with temporary conditions. In contrast to transient coughs typically linked to infections, a chronic cough may indicate a prolonged underlying health issue. Conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), postnasal drip, and certain medications are common culprits behind chronic cough. It is crucial to identify and address the underlying cause through a comprehensive medical evaluation for effective management. Chronic cough can significantly impact the quality of life, often necessitating a holistic, multidisciplinary approach that involves healthcare professionals like pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists.

Chronic cough stands out as a significant health concern in Egypt, marked by enduring coughing lasting beyond 8 weeks. Contributing factors in the country encompass respiratory infections, environmental pollutants, smoking, occupational exposures, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and the prevalence of tuberculosis. Notably, within the context of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 76% of patients in Egypt reported experiencing a chronic cough. In the case of cystic fibrosis, chronic cough was prevalent in 32 out of 36 patients. Expanding the scope to the Middle East and North Africa, the age and gender-adjusted prevalence of symptoms, including persistent chronic cough, was documented at 14.3%. Furthermore, the prevalence of chronic bronchitis, which encompasses chronic cough and sputum production, was found to be 2.2% in the region, with Algeria exhibiting the highest prevalence at 2.9%. These findings underscore the significance of chronic cough as a widespread health issue in Egypt and the broader Middle East and North Africa region.

Neurokinin-3 (NK3) receptor antagonists, designed to target the NK3 receptor within cough reflex pathways, represent a significant focus in the pharmaceutical industry. Companies such as Merck and Boehringer Ingelheim are actively engaged in Phase II/III trials with these agents, demonstrating promising results. Concurrently, P2X3 receptor antagonists, which aim to block another contributor to cough hypersensitivity, are gaining attention. Early-stage development of these drugs is underway, led by companies like Roche and AstraZeneca. The exploration of both NK3 and P2X3 receptor antagonists reflects the pharmaceutical industry's dedication to advancing innovative solutions in the treatment of cough-related conditions, potentially providing more effective and targeted therapeutic options for patients in the future.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Changing Lifestyles and Environmental Factors: Changing lifestyles, urbanization, and increased exposure to environmental pollutants are driving the rise in respiratory disorders, leading to an increased need for chronic cough therapeutics.

Rising prevalence of chronic cough: The incidence of chronic cough is on the rise in Egypt, attributed to factors such as escalating air pollution, smoking, and an aging demographic. Various underlying conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can contribute to the onset of chronic cough and expansion of the chronic cough therapeutics market.

Growing awareness of chronic cough: Increasing awareness of chronic cough in Egypt has resulted in a rising number of individuals actively pursuing diagnosis and treatment. This trend is fuelled by various factors, including government-led public health initiatives, extensive media coverage, and the ready accessibility of health information online.

Market Restraints

Limited Healthcare Expenditure: The limited allocation of funds for public healthcare in Egypt restricts patients' accessibility to newer and potentially more costly treatments for chronic cough. This financial constraint serves as a market restraint for the chronic cough therapeutics market in Egypt, as it impedes the widespread adoption of advanced and expensive cough treatments by the general population. The low public healthcare spending may result in a significant portion of patients being unable to afford or access innovative therapies, limiting the overall market growth and the reach of these treatments to those in need.

Complex and Lengthy Drug Registration Process: Navigating regulatory barriers for new drug registration is costly and time-consuming for pharmaceutical companies, causing delays in introducing innovative therapies to the market. The extended regulatory process not only hinders timely access to advanced treatments for patients but also increases expenses for companies, impacting market strategies and potentially limiting innovation in the chronic cough therapeutics market.

Cultural Beliefs and Traditional Medicine: The market for chronic cough therapeutics is constrained by people's inclination toward traditional treatments and their reluctance to use modern medicine. This conduct impedes the uptake of pharmaceutical remedies and impedes the expansion of the market. This tendency is exacerbated by cultural beliefs, skepticism, or a preference for familiar treatments, which makes advanced medical interventions for chronic coughs less widely accepted.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

The Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) is the primary regulatory authority in Egypt responsible for overseeing the approval, importation, manufacturing, and distribution of pharmaceuticals, including therapeutic medications. It plays a pivotal role in setting healthcare policies and providing regulatory oversight for these drugs. The Central Administration for Pharmaceutical Affairs (CAPA), tasked with regulating drugs, licenses, and quality control, collaborates closely with the MOHP. Working in conjunction with the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), CAPA ensures the efficacy and safety of drugs. Both the MOHP and the EDA have established regulations governing clinical trials for therapeutic medications, and manufacturers are required to adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines to ensure product quality. Additionally, the MOHP exercises control over pharmaceutical import and export, as well as pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Pfizer
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Johnson & Johnson
• Novartis
• Sanofi
• Merck & Co.
• AstraZeneca
• Abbott Laboratories
• Bayer AG
• Chiesi Farmaceutici