UK Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Therapeutics Market Analysis

UK Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Therapeutics Market Executive Summary

The UK Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) therapeutics market was valued at $475 Mn in 2022 and is estimated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2022-30 and will reach $706 Mn in 2030. Unlike many other common chronic diseases, the prevalence of COPD has not decreased in recent years". NHS Data shows that in 2021, roughly 1.17 Mn people in England had been diagnosed with COPD, which is around 1.9% of the population.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a widespread respiratory disease that affects Mns of individuals worldwide, including millions in the United Kingdom. The COPD therapeutics market in the United Kingdom is a substantial component of the country's healthcare business, and it is likely to grow further in the future years. This increase can be ascribed to a number of variables, including an increase in the prevalence of COPD, technological developments, and the introduction of novel treatments. Bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and combination therapy containing both are the most widely recommended COPD medications in the United Kingdom. These medications are intended to assist control of COPD symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

The prevalence of COPD is expected to increase due to factors such as an aging population, air pollution, and smoking. According to a report by the British Lung Foundation, around 1.2 Mn people in the UK have been diagnosed with COPD, and it is estimated that there may be an additional 2 Mn undiagnosed cases. This presents a significant opportunity for growth in the COPD therapeutics market. The development of new technologies, such as inhalers with improved drug delivery systems and digital health solutions, is expected to drive growth in the UK COPD therapeutics market. For example, the use of smart inhalers that track medication usage and provide real-time feedback to patients and healthcare providers is expected to improve treatment outcomes and patient adherence. The introduction of new therapeutics, such as biologics and gene therapies, is expected to further drive growth in the UK COPD therapeutics market. For example, AstraZeneca's benralizumab, a biologic therapy that targets eosinophilic inflammation, has shown promising results in clinical trials and is expected to be approved for use in the UK soon.

Market Restraints

The market for COPD therapeutics is highly competitive, with several major pharmaceutical companies operating in the UK. As new therapeutics are introduced, companies must compete for market share, which can lead to pricing pressures and decreased profitability. The high cost of COPD therapeutics is a major concern for patients and healthcare providers, particularly as healthcare budgets are constrained. In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) evaluates the cost-effectiveness of new therapeutics and may restrict access to those that are deemed too expensive. The regulatory environment for COPD therapeutics is complex, and obtaining approval for new drugs can be a lengthy and expensive process. Additionally, regulatory requirements may vary across different countries, which can add to the complexity of bringing new therapeutics to market.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Verona Pharma
• GlaxoSmithKline
• AstraZeneca
• Chiesi
• Boehringer Ingelheim
• Teva Pharmaceuticals
• Novartis
• Pfizer
• Merck

Recent Updates

• In Jun 2021, Glenmark Pharma announced the launch of Tiotropium Bromide Dry Powder Inhaler, used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in the UK
• In Aug 2021, Lupin Ltd, a global pharmaceutical company, stated on Friday that its UK subsidiary, Lupin Healthcare (UK) Limited, has acquired permission from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to commercialize a generic version of Spiriva. This will aid in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

The healthcare policy and regulatory framework in the UK are designed to ensure that patients receive safe, effective, and high-quality care.  The Department of Health and Social Care is responsible for setting healthcare policies in the UK. This includes the development of policies related to the prevention, treatment, and management of diseases such as COPD.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating medicines and medical devices in the UK. The agency oversees the approval and licensing of new drugs and medical devices, as well as their safety and efficacy.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is responsible for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of new drugs and treatments in the UK. The agency provides guidance to healthcare providers and commissioners on which treatments should be made available on the National Health Service (NHS).

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is responsible for monitoring and inspecting healthcare providers in the UK. The agency ensures that providers meet certain standards of safety and quality, and takes enforcement action against those that do not.

In addition to these regulatory bodies, there are several policies and initiatives in place to improve healthcare outcomes in the UK. For example, the NHS Long Term Plan, which was published in 2019, outlines a range of measures aimed at improving the prevention and treatment of diseases such as COPD. These measures include increased funding for respiratory services, the development of new models of care, and the use of digital technologies to improve patient outcomes.

Reimbursement Scenario

In the UK, healthcare services are provided by the National Health Service (NHS), which is funded by taxes and provides healthcare services to all UK residents free of charge at the point of use. The NHS provides a range of services, including primary care, hospital care, and specialist care. The reimbursement scenario for COPD therapeutics in the UK is complex, as the cost of drugs is often shared between the NHS, patients, and pharmaceutical companies. The cost of drugs is determined by a variety of factors, including the cost of manufacturing, research and development costs, and the cost of distribution.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) plays a key role in determining which drugs and treatments are available on the NHS. NICE evaluates the cost-effectiveness of new drugs and treatments and makes recommendations to the NHS on which treatments should be funded. These recommendations consider the clinical effectiveness of the drug, as well as its cost-effectiveness compared to other treatments.