UK Acne Therapeutics Market Analysis

UK Acne Therapeutics Market Executive Analysis

The UK acne therapeutics market size is at around $261 Mn in 2022 and is projected to reach $377 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, also referred to as the United Kingdom (UK or U.K.) or Britain, is an independent state located off the northwest shore of the European continent. The public health system in the UK is renowned worldwide. It is unique compared to the systems in many other nations and serves as an example for many more. The Chancellor announced that NHS England would receive an extra $3.52 Bn in funding in 2023–24 and 2024–25 in the Autumn Statement on November 17, 2022, in response to the significant pressures the health system is under. This comes after a number of financial boosts in recent years to help the NHS deal with the COVID-19 pandemic's challenges. Currently, NHS funding is returning to its pre-pandemic trajectory. If not for the $3.52 Bn in extra funding announced in the Autumn Statement, the NHS budget would have increased by less than 1% by 2024–25 compared to pre–pandemic plans.

Most people in the UK experience acne at some time in their lives, whether it be a relatively mild form that goes away quickly or a more severe condition. In either case, acne can be a factor in a variety of physical and mental health issues, ranging from pain and skin sensitivity to poor self-esteem and anxiety. 34 % of adults in the UK have experienced acne at some time in their lives. In the UK, 11.5% of adults presently have acne. Acne affects more women than men, but it tends to be a more severe issue for men, with 6.1% of men presently experiencing the condition compared to 2.5% of women. Propionibacterium acnes colonization of the follicles, altered follicular keratinization that results in comedones, increased and altered sebum production under androgen control, and complex inflammatory mechanisms involving both innate and acquired immunity are the four main pathogenic processes that cause acne lesions.

For mild-to-moderate acne, fixed topical drug treatment combos are advised (as first-line treatments); for moderate-to-severe acne, fixed topical drug treatment combinations, or oral antibiotics coupled with topical drug treatments, are advised. If other suggested first-line treatments are prohibited (for instance, during pregnancy) or are not the patients' preferences, benzoyl peroxide may be taken into consideration. Isotretinoin, a vitamin A-derived anti-inflammatory drug, lowers sebum production in the skin, which is believed to help reduce acne on the skin. A typical session of treatment lasts between 16 and 24 weeks, and at least 8 weeks must pass before beginning another course. Treatment with isotretinoin is recommended for children 12 years of age or younger, nursing mothers, individuals with high blood fat levels, etc. People with a history of depression, diabetes, kidney impairment, etc. should use isotretinoin with precaution.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

In the UK, especially among adults and teenagers, the prevalence of acne and related conditions has significantly grown over time. Both topical and oral revolutionary acne therapy options are being investigated in the UK. A number of campaigns are also being launched to increase general awareness of these solutions. Acne Awareness Month was organized by the skincare company Ditch the Label, located in the UK, to inform young people about acne. Such efforts will certainly boost the use of acne therapeutic products in the UK.

Market Restraints

One of the main factors that could limit the growth of the UK acne therapeutics market is the availability of alternative options to acne drugs and treatments provided by local players, the rising preference for homemade remedies, including the application of ingredients such as lemon juice, papaya, green vegetables, apple cider vinegar, etc.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Pharmidex (GBR)
• Genesis (GBR)
• Viramal (GBR)
• Chugai (GBR)
• Chatfield (GBR)
• Takeda
• Novartis
• Pfizer
• Amgen

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

In the UK, pharmaceuticals, blood establishments, advanced therapy medicinal products, and medical equipment are all governed by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) and the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) are also part of the MHRA's network of organizations that report to the Department of Health. The MHRA oversees a number of initiatives, including the Innovation Office, which assists innovators in navigating the regulatory processes to advance their products or technologies, as well as the Early Access to Medicines Scheme and the simplification of the Clinical Trials Regulations, which both aim to speed up patient access to innovative medicines.

The National Health Service, or NHS, is an all-inclusive healthcare program in the UK. The NHS is in charge of managing every element of the British healthcare system. Each region of the UK has its health care expenses standardized by the NHS. Many things are free, including hospital residents' prescription medications. Other healthcare services, such as cancer therapies, are heavily subsidized by the NHS. North Americans find many private healthcare options in the UK to be reasonably priced. For instance, the cost of IVF (in vitro fertilization) therapy is about 35% lower in the UK than it is in the US.