The global osteoarthritis therapeutics market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. Some pivotal factors encouraging market growth include a significant prevalence of arthritis and the increasing number of sports injuries. As per the Arthritis Foundation, in the US, nearly 54.4 million adults (22.7% of all adults) had doctor-diagnosed arthritis during the period, 2013-2015. By 2040, an estimated adult aged 18 years and older with doctor-diagnosed arthritis will be 78.4 million (25.9% of the estimated total adult population) in the US. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. 

Analgesics are used for pain treatment; however, they don’t treat inflammation. This drug class works by stopping signals in the body that creates pain. Instances of analgesics include Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Duloxetine (Cymbalta). Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over the counter (OTC) analgesic that can be administered orally as a tablet, gel capsule, or liquid concentration. Duloxetine is utilized for the treatment of depression; however, it is also utilized off-label for the treatment of chronic pain reported due to osteoarthritis. Another class of drugs is known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are also used for the treatment of pain. As compared to analgesics, NSAIDs also support the prevention of joint damage and painful inflammation. These drugs are regarded as a suitable choice to treat osteoarthritis patients as they are non-sedating and effective. 

NSAIDs are available in topical and oral forms and some are available OTC. Some instances of NSAIDs include Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin), Naproxen sodium and naproxen (Aleve), and Diclofenac (Zorvolex, Voltaren). Another class of drugs is Corticosteroids, referred to as steroids that are often used briefly for severe osteoarthritis flare-ups. However, corticosteroids have several risks if they’re utilized for long-term therapy. Like NSAIDs, it also decreases inflammation however, these are hard on the stomach. As compared to NSAIDs, corticosteroids do not cause kidney problems and therefore, corticosteroids may be a safe alternative for patients suffering from kidney disease. Some corticosteroid drugs for osteoarthritis treatment include prednisone (Deltasone, Sterapred, Liquidpred), cortisone, methylprednisolone (Methacort, Depopred, Predacorten), triamcinolone acetonide (Zilretta), and prednisolone. 

Market Segmentation

The market is segmented based on anatomy and drug type. Based on anatomy, the market is classified into the knee, ankle, hip, hand, and spine. Based on drug type, the market is segmented into NSAIDs, viscosupplementation agents, corticosteroids, and analgesics. 

Viscosupplementation Agents Finds Significant Application in Osteoarthritis Treatment

Viscosupplementation agents are expected to have significant application for the treatment of osteoarthritis. During the viscosupplementation procedure, hyaluronic acid, gel-like fluid that is a naturally occurring lubricant, is injected into the knee joint. Hyaluronic acid facilitates the smoother movement of joints. It has less concentration in patients having knee osteoarthritis. Patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis who have not shown reduced pain and increased mobility with nonsurgical treatments including pain relievers and physical therapy may be suitable candidates for viscosupplementation. Patients with knee osteoarthritis receive 1 to 5 shots of hyaluronic acid during the course of several weeks. Excess fluid will be removed earlier injection if any swelling occurs during the procedure. 

Global Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Share by Drug Type, 2019 (%)

Regional Outlook

In 2019, North America osteoarthritis therapeutics market is primarily driven by the rising incidences of osteoarthritis, favorable reimbursement policies, and rising cases of sports injuries.  As per the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2019, bicycling accounted for nearly 417,000 injuries, while basketball represented 404,000 injuries, and football, with 292,000 injuries, ranked third and fourth. Any trauma to a joint including a sports injury can trigger osteoarthritis, primarily injuries that comprise dislocated joints, ligament injuries, or torn cartilage. Trauma to the knee, including ACL strains or tears, can certainly augment the risk of developing osteoarthritis. This, in turn, is expected to accelerate the demand for medications that are used for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the region. 

Global Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Growth, by Region 2020-2026

Market Players Outlook 

Some prominent players in the market include Pfizer Inc., Bayer AG, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., Sanofi S.A., and GlaxoSmithKline plc. The market players are using some key strategies to increase their market share. For instance, in February 2020, GlaxoSmithKline plc declared the US FDA approval of Voltaren Arthritis Pain (diclofenac sodium topical gel, 1% (NSAID). It is an arthritis pain relief available as an OTC product to temporarily provide relief from arthritis pain in the knee, elbow, hand, ankle, wrist, or foot, in adults (18 years and older).  With the approval of the US FDA, Voltaren Arthritis Pain becomes the first and only prescription-strength, NSAID topical gel for arthritis pain available OTC in the US. This approval will offer approximately 30 million Americans suffering from osteoarthritis OTC access to the topical treatment option.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2019 and forecast to 2026.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global osteoarthritis therapeutics market. Based on the availability of data, information related to pipeline products, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.