UK Asthma and COPD Therapeutics Market Analysis

UK Asthma and COPD Therapeutics Market Analysis: Executive Summary

The UK Asthma and COPD Therapeutics Market is at around US $0.868 Bn in 2022 and is projected to reach US $1.117 Bn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.20% during the forecast period.

Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are persistent respiratory conditions that impact the airways, leading to difficulties in breathing. Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and constriction, often triggered by allergens, irritants, or physical activity. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Risk factors encompass a family history of respiratory issues and susceptibility to respiratory infections. Conversely, COPD comprises chronic bronchitis and emphysema, resulting in obstructed airways. Smoking is a predominant risk factor for COPD, with observable symptoms including a lingering cough, heightened mucus production, and fatigue. Treatment for both conditions involves bronchodilators to alleviate airway constriction and anti-inflammatory medications to address inflammation. Commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals for Asthma and COPD are produced by companies like GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, and Boehringer Ingelheim.

Approximately 3 million individuals are estimated to be affected by COPD, and over 8 million adults currently reside with Asthma in the UK. These estimates directly correspond to the increased risk factor of smoking and genetic susceptibility within the population. The market is being driven by factors such as the rising prevalence of Asthma and COPD, demand for effective treatment, advancements in treatments and others. However, high treatment costs for long term management, complex regulatory environment and poor patient adherence are few factors that limit the market's potential.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Rising prevalence: The increasing occurrence of COPD is influenced by both an aging population and persistent smoking habits, resulting in approximately 3 million diagnosed cases of COPD. In the UK, Asthma presently impacts more than 8 million individuals, and its prevalence is anticipated to persist at increased levels due to factors such as air pollution and genetic predisposition. This translates into a pool of patients requiring regular treatments.

Demand for effective treatment: Patients are actively seeking treatment options that are not only more effective but also convenient, including long-acting inhalers, combination therapies, and biologics for severe cases. The ongoing progress in technology is driving the creation of innovative inhaler devices and drug delivery systems, aiming to enhance medication adherence and overall efficacy.

Supportive government initiatives: Assistance from the National Health Service (NHS) to associations such as the Asthma and Lung UK aids in managing respiratory diseases and facilitating access to medications. Government financial backing for the research and development of novel treatment alternatives is increasing. Supportive reimbursement policies for therapies that are both innovative and cost-effective propel the market further.

Advanced treatments: The progress in developing enhanced therapeutics includes innovations such as long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs), inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), and biologics. Advancements in drug delivery devices, such as metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs), contribute to improving medication effectiveness and promoting patient compliance.

Market Restraints

High treatment costs: Effective management of both Asthma and COPD involves the extended use of medications such as inhalers, corticosteroids, and biologics. The cost of these treatments can pose a financial burden on both patients and healthcare systems. Moreover, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK rigorously assesses cost-effectiveness, which may potentially limit access to newer and more expensive drugs.

Complex regulatory landscape: Introducing novel drugs for Asthma and COPD in the UK requires navigating through a complicated regulatory framework. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) enforces rigorous approval procedures, which can be both time-consuming and costly.

Poor patient adherence: Effectively handling COPD and Asthma often requires the daily use of inhalers and other medications, presenting difficulties for some patients. Factors like forgetfulness, difficulties in correct inhaler usage, and potential side effects may contribute to less-than-optimal adherence, ultimately reducing the efficacy of the treatment.

Others: Increasing levels of air pollution, encounters with allergens, and occupational risks play a role in the frequency and intensity of these respiratory illnesses. It is essential to manage these environmental factors for effective, long-term disease control; however, this responsibility extends beyond the influence of the pharmaceutical market.

Notable Updates

August 2021, Lupin limited launched Luforbec, a dose pressurised metred dose inhaler for the treatment of adult Asthma after the approval of MHRA in UK.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

The healthcare policy and regulatory landscape in the United Kingdom are under the governance of various significant authorities and agencies. Central entities overseeing healthcare regulations and licensing in the UK include the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The MHRA is responsible for regulating medicines, medical devices, and associated services, while the CQC ensures the quality and safety of care delivered by healthcare providers in England.

Securing a license for healthcare products in the UK requires adherence to the regulations established by these authorities. Companies seeking registration and marketing authorization for pharmaceuticals and medical devices must obtain approval from the MHRA, involving the submission of technical and scientific data to validate the product's safety, quality, and efficacy.

The healthcare policy and regulatory framework in the United Kingdom involve a diverse array of authorities and agencies, with the MHRA and CQC holding pivotal roles in overseeing healthcare product regulations. Opportunities for companies in the healthcare industry are abundant in both the public and private healthcare sectors in the country.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• AstraZeneca
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals
• Novartis
• Merck & Co
• Pfizer
• Teva Pharmaceuticals
• Roche
• Chiesi Pharmaceuticals
• Abbott Laboratories