UK Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market Analysis

UK Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market Executive Summary

UK Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market was valued at $164 Mn in 2022 and is estimated to reach $263 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period.

Chronic cough refers to a persistent cough lasting more than eight weeks, distinguishing it from acute coughs associated with short-term conditions. Unlike short-term coughs often linked to infections, chronic cough can indicate a more enduring underlying health problem. Respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), postnasal drip, and certain medications commonly cause chronic cough. Identifying and addressing the root cause through a thorough medical assessment is essential for effective management. Chronic cough significantly impacts the quality of life, often requiring a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals such as pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists.

In 2023, the UK had a 6.2% prevalence of lifetime chronic cough and a 4.9% prevalence of chronic cough within the preceding 12 months. Chronic cough was more widespread among women, older individuals, and those with a smoking history. This condition was associated with heightened rates of anxiety and depression, poor sleep quality, decreased work productivity, and increased healthcare resource utilization in comparison to matched controls without chronic cough. Additionally, England and Wales observed a notable surge in whooping cough cases, colloquially known as the "100-day cough," with a roughly 230% increase compared to the previous year.

In a $2 Bn transaction, GSK declared its plan to buy Canadian drug company Bellus Health. Bellus Health focuses on the development of camlipixant, an experimental medication that is presently undergoing late-stage clinical studies for chronic cough. The subjects of these Phase 3 trials include those who have a chronic cough for whom there is no apparent reason or for which treatment for an underlying illness is ineffective. It is anticipated that the outcomes of these studies will be released in late 2024 and 2025, respectively.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Prevalence of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: About 12.7 Mn people, or 20% of the UK population, reported having a history of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory conditions. The increased prevalence of long-term respiratory disorders such as asthma, COPD, and interstitial lung diseases, which are often accompanied by persistent coughing, is driving the expansion of the UK Chronic Cough Therapeutics Market and creating a demand for effective treatment options.

Growing Aging Population: There is a higher-than-average incidence of chronic cough disorders in the UK among the older population. Approximately 18.6% of the population is 65 years of age or older, and projections indicate that this percentage will rise to 22% by 2030 and 27% by 2050. Given the heightened vulnerability of older people to respiratory problems, there is an increasing need for targeted therapeutics within the market.

Technological Advancements in Drug Development: Ongoing advancements in drug development technologies and the introduction of innovative therapeutic options for chronic cough contribute to market growth, attracting both patients and healthcare providers seeking improved treatment modalities.

Market Restraints

Cost of Treatment: The expense associated with certain treatments, especially with newer and cutting-edge therapies, can be substantial, creating barriers to access for certain patients, particularly those lacking comprehensive insurance coverage. The National Health Service (NHS) may restrict the adoption of costly medications based on considerations of cost-effectiveness, even in cases where these drugs exhibit superior efficacy.

Public Perception and Awareness: People often consider chronic cough to be a minor problem, which makes it difficult to properly diagnose and postpones seeking treatment. The market may benefit from campaigns that emphasize the possible severity of persistent cough, increase public awareness, and encourage early consultation with medical specialists.

Patient Compliance Issues: The effectiveness of chronic cough therapies relies on patients following their prescribed regimens. Conversely, challenges related to patient adherence, such as reluctance to long-term medication or adverse reactions, can diminish the efficacy of treatment plans and constrain market expansion.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for managing healthcare policies and regulatory oversight for treatment drugs in the UK. The MHRA ensures the safety, efficacy, and quality of medicines through processes such as marketing authorization, approval of clinical trials, and continuous pharmacovigilance. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) offers guidance on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of treatments, influencing the pricing and reimbursement of drugs. The interplay between these regulatory entities shapes the landscape for the development, approval, and accessibility of treatment drugs in the UK. The Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (SI 2012 /1916) set out a comprehensive regime for the authorization of products, for the manufacture, import, distribution, sale, and supply of those products, for their labeling and advertising, and for pharmacovigilance.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• GlaxoSmithKline
• Pfizer
• Reckitt Benckiser
• Boots
• Sanofi
• AstraZeneca
• Boehringer Ingelheim
• Chiesi
• Novartis
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries