UK Mouth Ulcer Therapeutics Market Analysis

UK Mouth Ulcer Therapeutics Market Executive Summary

The UK Mouth Ulcer Therapeutics Market is at around $39.5 Mn in 2023 and is projected to reach $45.1 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 1.9% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are classified into three main types: minor aphthous ulcers which are the most common small oval lesions, major aphthous ulcers that are larger and deeper causing more pain, and herpetiform ulcers which start as multiple small ulcers that can merge into one large ulcer. While the exact cause is unknown, several risk factors have been identified including stress, anxiety, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, zinc), certain medical conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and HIV/AIDS, as well as trauma from dental work, braces, or ill-fitting dentures. In most cases, mouth ulcers are self-limiting and resolve within 1-2 weeks without treatment. However, complications can arise such as secondary infection, severe pain affecting one's ability to eat or drink properly, and potential scarring in cases of severe recurrent ulcers. Prevention involves reducing stress, avoiding potential food triggers like citrus fruits, nuts, and chips, using soft-bristled toothbrushes and waxed dental floss, and replacing toothpaste if it seems to be a trigger. Treatment involves symptomatic relief with topical gels containing anesthetics, antiseptics, and antibiotics, as well as supportive care with multivitamins or vitamin supplements, antipyretics, and antibiotics. Medications include antibiotics, oral painkillers, oral steroids, antiseptics, chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash, and sucralfate. Home care includes good oral hygiene, avoiding trigger foods, warm saline gargles, ice packs, and a balanced diet. Medical attention is necessary if the ulcers fail to heal within a week or two, are unusual, spreading, or large, or if there is severe pain, fever, or difficulty while chewing, talking, or swallowing.

According to the British Dental Association (BDA), recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), which involves the development of painful mouth ulcers, affects approximately 20-25% of the UK population. The market therefore is driven by significant factors like increasing prevalence of mouth ulcers in the country, advancements in dental care and changing lifestyle factors, however, factors such as limited awareness in certain set of population, availability of OTC treatments, and presence of complementary medicines limit market growth.

One recent advancement made by a pharmaceutical company in the field of mouth ulcer treatment is the development of a world-first tablet by UK-based Quest Pharm in partnership with Aston University. Other major key players in the market include 3M, Blistex Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Company, Church & Dwight, Inc., GSK among others.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Increasing Prevalence: Mouth ulcers are a common oral health problem in the UK, affecting a significant portion of the population, with alarming prevalence rate around 20%-25%. The high prevalence drives the demand for effective treatment options.

Advancements in Dental Care: The UK has advanced dental care facilities and a strong focus on oral health research. Advancements in diagnostic techniques and treatment options for mouth ulcers contribute to market growth by offering improved solutions.

Lifestyle Factors: Factors such as stress, dietary habits, and certain medical conditions can increase the risk of developing mouth ulcers. As these lifestyle factors become more prevalent, the demand for effective treatments is likely to rise.

Market Restraints

Availability of Over-the-Counter (OTC) Options: The availability of various OTC treatments and home remedies for mouth ulcers provides affordable alternatives to prescription medications, potentially limiting the growth of the pharmaceutical market segment.

Limited Awareness in Certain Populations: Despite overall awareness efforts, there may still be segments of the population with limited knowledge about mouth ulcers and the importance of seeking proper treatment. This lack of awareness can hinder market growth in those specific segments.

Competition from Complementary and Alternative Therapies: Some individuals may prefer to explore complementary and alternative therapies, such as herbal remedies or natural treatments, for managing mouth ulcers. This preference can pose competition to mainstream pharmaceutical treatments.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is the UK regulatory body responsible for ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of pharmaceutical products. The MHRA regulates medicines, medical devices, and blood components for transfusion in the UK, working closely with other bodies to protect and improve public health. Key responsibilities of the MHRA include ensuring safety and quality, promoting innovation, and prioritizing patient safety through education and monitoring. The UK government has implemented various reimbursement policies to help the healthcare industry grow and satisfy the needs of common citizens. These policies include NHS reimbursement for prescription medicines and medical devices, the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) to manage the price of branded medicines, the Accelerated Access Review to speed up access to innovative medicines and medical technologies, and the Early Access to Medicines Scheme to provide earlier access to innovative medicines for patients with serious or life-threatening conditions. These reimbursement policies ensure access to necessary medicines and medical devices while controlling costs, contributing to the growth of the healthcare industry and meeting the needs of the population.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the UK Mouth Ulcers Therapeutics Market:

• Pfizer, Inc.
• Bayer
• Sanofi
• GlaxoSmithKline plc.
• MSD
• Dr Reddy
• Cipla
• Pulse Pharmaceuticals
• Novartis
• Mylan