Mexico Asthma and COPD Therapeutics Market Analysis

Mexico Asthma and COPD Therapeutics Market Analysis: Executive Summary

The Mexico Asthma and COPD Therapeutics Market is at around US $501 Mn in 2022 and is projected to reach US $766 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.45% during the forecast period.

Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are persistent respiratory conditions that impact the airways, resulting in difficulties breathing. Asthma is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, often triggered by allergens, irritants, or physical activity. Common symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, with risk factors such as a family history and respiratory infections. COPD encompasses chronic bronchitis and emphysema, leading to obstructed airways, with smoking identified as a primary risk factor. Observable COPD symptoms include a lingering cough, increased mucus production, and fatigue. Treatment for both asthma and COPD involves the use of bronchodilators to alleviate airway constriction and anti-inflammatory medications to address inflammation. Pharmaceuticals manufactured by companies like GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, and Boehringer Ingelheim are commonly prescribed for these conditions. Ongoing advancements in therapeutic approaches for asthma and COPD focus on innovative anti-inflammatory agents, bronchodilators, and targeted therapies.

COPD affects around 9% of the population, whereas the prevalence of asthma ranges from 6% to 8% across age groups 6–15 in Mexico. These estimates are closely linked to high rates of smoking, air pollution, and occupational exposures within the population. The primary factors driving the market are the increase in the aging population and the subsequent rise in asthma and COPD, demand for effective therapeutics, and supportive government policies. However, high costs of advanced treatment, limited access to healthcare, and limited public awareness are a few factors that limit the market's potential.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Surge in prevalence: The prevalence of COPD in Mexico is estimated to be approximately 9% in the age group 35 years and above. Subsequently, the prevalence of asthma is estimated to be around 6% in the age group 6-7 years and around 7.5% in children between 13 and 15 years. The contributing factors include elevated smoking rates, air pollution, and occupational exposures. The growing elderly population in Mexico is becoming more vulnerable to chronic respiratory conditions like COPD. The rising patient population leads to the growth of the market.

Growing demand for effective medications: Current medications for asthma and COPD frequently face limitations related to side effects, adherence, and long-term efficacy. This creates a need for new and more precisely targeted therapies. Advances in inhaler technology, biologics, and personalized medicine present encouraging possibilities for enhancing the management of these conditions.

Supportive government policies: The rise in government and private healthcare expenditures enables expanded access to advanced medications and treatment choices. Market growth is further fuelled by public health initiatives such as the Global Asthma Network Mexico, which targets increased awareness, enhanced diagnosis, and improved access to treatment.

Market Restraints

Cost of treatment: Inhalers, along with other delivery devices and newer biologic therapies, may pose a financial challenge for a considerable segment of the population, especially those lacking sufficient health insurance. This financial barrier can result in non-adherence to medication regimens and, subsequently, less favourable treatment outcomes.

Limited access to healthcare: The uneven distribution of healthcare facilities and staff, particularly in rural areas, establishes obstacles to access for numerous patients. Extended wait times and difficulties in transportation additionally hinder prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Lack of awareness: A lack of adequate knowledge about asthma and COPD, encompassing their symptoms and management approaches, among both patients and healthcare providers, can result in delays in diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Additionally, the stigma linked to respiratory conditions may discourage individuals from seeking assistance.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

Mexico's healthcare policy and regulatory landscape are directed by the Ministry of Health (Secretaría de Salud, or SSA), which serves as the central governing body responsible for crafting and executing health policies at the federal level. The SSA takes on a pivotal role in overseeing healthcare services, ensuring their quality, and addressing public health concerns. Additionally, individual states in Mexico, numbering 32 in total, maintain their own health departments, contributing to the broader healthcare framework while tailoring policies to suit regional requirements.

Securing a healthcare license in Mexico entails a multi-faceted process regulated by diverse authorities. Healthcare professionals, spanning physicians, nurses, and allied health practitioners, typically need to graduate from accredited institutions and successfully pass field-relevant examinations. Oversight related to pharmaceuticals and medical devices is conducted by the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios, or COFEPRIS). Licensing for healthcare professionals is often under the purview of specific councils or boards tied to each profession, such as the Mexican Council of General Medicine or the Mexican Nursing Council.

These regulatory entities ensure that healthcare practitioners meet the requisite standards and adhere to ethical and professional guidelines, contributing to the overall safety and quality of healthcare services in Mexico.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• GlaxoSmithKline
• AstraZeneca
• Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals
• Novartis
• Pfizer
• Abbott Laboratories
• Merck
• Roche
• Tetherex Pharmaceuticals
• Verona Pharma