South Africa Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market Analysis

South Africa Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market Executive Summary

South Africa Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market was valued at $41 Mn in 2022 and is estimated to reach $84 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.33% during the forecast period.

A chronic cough is defined by its duration of more than eight weeks, distinguishing it from short-term coughs associated with temporary conditions. In contrast to transient coughs typically related to infections, a persistent cough may signal an enduring underlying health issue. Conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), postnasal drip, and specific medications commonly contribute to chronic cough. It is essential to identify and address the root cause through a thorough medical assessment for effective management. Chronic cough can significantly impact the quality of life, often requiring a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals like pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists.

In South Africa, several factors contribute to chronic cough, including respiratory disorders, environmental pollution, and tuberculosis. At primary healthcare clinics across the nation, 35% of patients have a chronic cough, which is a significant prevalence rate. In rural South African communities, the prevalence remains substantial at 13.8%, and among adults aged 40 years and older in Southern Africa, it stands at 11.8%. The incidence of chronic cough in South Africa has been related to environmental factors, such as air pollution and occupational exposure, which have been connected to chronic respiratory diseases. This emphasizes the multifaceted nature of chronic cough in the region and underscores the importance of addressing both infectious and environmental contributors for effective healthcare interventions.

Veritas announced the successful completion of a Phase 2a clinical study investigating their experimental medication, ensifentrine, designed for chronic cough treatment. Significantly, the trial exhibited favorable results, showcasing the drug's ability to reduce both the frequency and intensity of coughing. Buoyed by these positive outcomes, Veritas has outlined plans for additional trials to delve deeper into the drug's effectiveness and its potential in managing chronic cough.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

High Prevalence of Chronic Cough: The market for chronic cough therapeutics is growing as a result of South Africa's notable prevalence of chronic cough. The need for effective treatment solutions is growing as a significant proportion of the population struggles with chronic coughing. The market for chronic cough remedies is growing as a result of this increased demand. Pharmaceutical companies will have opportunities to meet the growing demand and address a major healthcare concern in the region as a result of the substantial and widespread need for effective treatments, which highlights the market's growth potential.

Increasing Awareness and Diagnosis: The growing awareness of chronic cough and its potential causes, including respiratory disorders and environmental factors, leads to an increase in diagnoses and a corresponding demand for treatment. This pattern drives demand for therapeutic interventions targeting chronic cough because people are more proactive in seeking out effective solutions as a result of growing awareness, which in turn propels market growth in the chronic cough therapeutics sector.

Environmental Factors: The recognition of environmental pollution as a contributor to chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic cough, has the potential to drive market growth for chronic cough therapeutics. Therapeutics intended to treat respiratory illnesses are expected to be in greater demand as a result of growing awareness of the environmental factors affecting respiratory health. Due to people's increased awareness, there may be a greater demand for therapeutic solutions as they look for efficient treatments for chronic cough.

Market Restraints

Limited Healthcare Expenditure: The limited allocation of funds for public healthcare in South Africa 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 South Africa, 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

In South Africa, the oversight of healthcare policies and regulations for treatment drugs is managed by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). SAHPRA is responsible for tasks such as overseeing the registration, licensing, and post-market surveillance of health products, including pharmaceuticals. The Department of Health (DoH) plays a key role in shaping healthcare policies, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards is essential for pharmaceutical manufacturers to guarantee the quality and safety of treatment drugs. SAHPRA sets regulations for clinical trials, and the ongoing introduction of the National Health Insurance (NHI) in South Africa could influence financing and reimbursement policies for specific drugs.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Aspen Pharmacare
• Pfizer
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Johnson & Johnson
• Novartis
• Sanofi
• Merck & Co.
• AstraZeneca
• Abbott Laboratories
• Chiesi Farmaceutici