Singapore Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market Analysis

Singapore Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market Executive Summary

Singapore Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market was valued at $8 Mn in 2022 and is estimated to reach $15 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.7% 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.

In Singapore, chronic cough emerges as a prevalent reason leading to referrals to respiratory physicians, constituting the most frequent presentation in approximately 25% of general practitioner and polyclinic visits. Among the non-smoking adult population, the prevalence of chronic cough ranges from 14-23%. Significant contributors to chronic cough in this context include postnasal drip syndrome, postinfectious cough, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, and cough variant asthma. Less common triggers involve the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, smoker's cough, and non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis. While chronic cough is generally not life-threatening, it carries the potential for rare but serious complications, including pneumothorax, syncope, and cardiac arrhythmias.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have joined forces in a research collaboration for a $4.7 Mn project. This initiative aims to explore the role of the microbiome in respiratory diseases, with a specific focus on chronic cough.

The Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR) directs its efforts toward the advancement of new technologies dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases. Their research encompasses potential applications for addressing chronic cough, reflecting a commitment to innovative approaches in the field.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Aging population: As of 2022, 16.6% of Singapore's resident population comprises individuals aged 65 years and above. Projections indicate that this percentage is anticipated to increase to 23.8% by the year 2030 and further escalate to 36% by 2050. The aging demographic in Singapore is particularly vulnerable to chronic cough, primarily attributed to underlying health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This ongoing demographic shift toward an older population is foreseen to persist, contributing significantly to the continued growth of the market for chronic cough therapeutics.

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.

Awareness and Diagnosis Improvement: Heightened awareness regarding chronic cough symptoms and advancements in diagnostic capabilities lead to more accurate and timely identification of the condition, fostering the demand for therapeutic interventions.

Market Restraints

Cultural Perceptions and Traditional Remedies: In Singapore, 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.

Side Effects and Safety Concerns: Potential side effects or safety concerns associated with certain chronic cough therapeutics may raise apprehensions among both healthcare providers and patients. This could lead to a more cautious adoption of these treatments, impacting market growth.

Reliance on Symptomatic Treatment: The predominant use of symptomatic treatment approaches for chronic cough, rather than addressing the underlying causes, may limit the effectiveness of available therapeutics. This reliance on managing symptoms rather than curing the root cause can be a constraint in achieving long-term success.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA), as the primary regulatory body ensuring the safety and quality of health products, plays a crucial role in overseeing Singapore's regulatory landscape and healthcare regulations governing therapeutic pharmaceuticals. The Ministry of Health (MOH), in collaboration with HSA, is instrumental in establishing healthcare standards and policies. The Pharmacy Practice Act provides guidelines for drug distribution, overseeing both pharmacy practices and the sale of therapeutic products. The National Medicines Policy (NMP), integrated into the broader healthcare policy framework, guides the distribution and control of pharmaceuticals. Additionally, payment regulations may be influenced by health insurance coverage, such as the Central Provident Fund (CPF) and various health insurance plans, potentially impacting patients' access to specific treatment medications.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

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