Philippines Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market Analysis

Philippines Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market Executive Summary

Philippines Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market was valued at $14 Mn in 2022 and is estimated to reach $27 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.6% 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.

The prevalence of chronic cough in Asian countries ranges from 2% to 7%, with a reported rate of 6.22% in adults. The occurrence of chronic cough in Asia is significantly influenced by exposure to environmental pollutants and irritants, particularly in regions undergoing rapid industrialization. In some Asian populations, infection, such as pulmonary tuberculosis or paragonimiasis, constitutes a notable risk factor for persistent cough. Allergic comorbidities also play a crucial role in chronic cough, with allergic inflammation potentially leading to heightened sensitivity of afferent neurons. The overall prevalence of chronic cough in Asia is estimated to be 7.11%, affecting more than 90 Mn individuals. In the general population, the prevalence is 3.6%, with an increase in occurrence with age from 2.4% in individuals aged 20-49 years to 6.0% in those aged 50 years or older. Additionally, men exhibit a higher prevalence of chronic cough compared to women. These findings underscore the diverse factors contributing to chronic cough in the Asian population and highlight the need for targeted interventions and awareness campaigns.

Boehringer Ingelheim, disclosed encouraging findings stemming from Phase 2 trials of their novel drug, BI 1467338. These pharmaceutical targets the P2X3 receptor and hold promise as a prospective treatment for refractory cough.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Changing Lifestyles and Environmental Factors: Evolving lifestyles, urbanization, and exposure to environmental pollutants contribute to the escalation of respiratory disorders, necessitating a higher demand for chronic cough therapeutics.

Prevalence of Smoking: In the year 2021, 19.5% of adults aged 15 and above were actively using tobacco, with 34.7% being men and 4.2% being women. The notable prevalence of tobacco use emphasizes smoking as a major contributor to respiratory problems, particularly chronic cough. As awareness of the detrimental health effects of smoking-related cough increases, there is a rising need for a variety of therapeutic approaches to address chronic cough.

Rising Elderly Population: In 2020, approximately 9.2 Mn Filipinos were aged 60 and above, constituting 8.5% of the total population. Projections indicate a surge to 23.6 Mn by 2050, making up nearly 20% of the population. The growing number of elderly individuals enhances the probability of encountering chronic health problems, including respiratory issues associated with chronic cough. The aging demographic frequently seeks therapeutic remedies, thereby stimulating the expansion of the market.

Market Restraints

High Treatment Cost: The high expenses linked to imported and branded cough medications present a financial hurdle for a substantial portion of the population, making effective treatment unaffordable for many. This cost barrier extends to consulting pulmonologists or specialists for chronic cough diagnosis and management, making access to proper care a costly endeavor. This financial strain poses a significant obstacle to the growth of the chronic cough therapeutics market.

Cultural Perceptions and Traditional Remedies: In the Philippines, people might turn to homeopathic or traditional remedies influenced by cultural attitudes and preferences, impacting their perception of persistent coughs. Encouraging the acceptance of modern treatment alternatives among both healthcare professionals and patients could present a challenge for the industry.

Regulatory and Reimbursement Hurdles: The adoption of new and advanced treatments may encounter challenges because of lengthy drug approval processes and strict registration requirements. These stringent conditions could potentially slow down the introduction of innovative therapies into healthcare. Moreover, financial accessibility is limited due to constraints in insurance coverage, both publicly and privately. Incomplete coverage of significant medication costs places a substantial financial burden on patients, affecting their ability to access and afford potentially transformative treatments.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

In the Philippines, the regulatory framework and healthcare policies governing therapeutic drugs are supervised by key entities, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and quality of pharmaceuticals through the processes of registration and post-market monitoring. The Department of Health (DOH) is instrumental in setting standards and regulations for healthcare and collaborates closely with the FDA. The selection and procurement of essential medications are influenced by the DOH's Philippine National Drug Formulary (PNDF). Additionally, the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) evaluates the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of health technology, including medications, while the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) manages coverage and payment guidelines.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Pfizer
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Johnson & Johnson
• Merck
• Novartis
• AstraZeneca
• Boehringer Ingelheim
• Teva Pharmaceuticals
• Hikma Pharmaceuticals
• Abbott Laboratories