The global rheumatoid arthritis market is growing at a significant CAGR of around 5.2% during the forecast period (2019-2025). Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, autoimmune, systemic inflammatory condition characterized by joint swelling, stiffness, pain, joint destruction and disability. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect some other tissues across the body, which can cause problems in organs, such as the heart, lungs, and eyes. Some of the major factors that causes rheumatoid arthritis are sedentary lifestyle, which includes smoking, physical inactivity, leading to obesity. The urbanization and the fast-moving lifestyle have increased the sedentary lifestyle in developed and emerging economies. Therefore, the rheumatoid arthritis is expected to grow with the rise in sedentary lifestyle across the globe.

Moreover, there are several other pivotal factors that are driving the global rheumatoid arthritis market include the rising prevalence of diabetes. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the prevalence of diabetes across the globe is expected to reach 642 million in 2040, up from 415 million in 2015. The rapidly growing prevalence of diabetes accounted for around 12% of the global healthcare expenditure, around $673 billion in 2015, and this expenditure is projected to reach $802 billion by 2040. Such large prevalence of diabetes increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, around half of adults having diabetes also have rheumatoid arthritis. This, in turn, is offering growth to the global rheumatoid arthritis market. However, the high cost of biologics is a major factor that restraints the growth of the global rheumatoid arthritis market. 

Segmental Outlook  

The rheumatoid arthritis market is classified on the basis of treatment, which includes medication and surgery. The market for rheumatoid arthritis medications is further segmented into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and steroidal medications. Among these medications, DMARDs are one of the major medications prescribed by the rheumatologists for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Global Rheumatoid Arthritis Market Share by Treatment, 2018 (%)

Regional Outlook 

The global rheumatoid arthritis market is classified on the basis of geography, which includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World. North America contributes a significant share in the rheumatoid arthritis market. The growth of the region is due to the significant trend for sedentary lifestyle, including lack of physical activity and unhealthy dietary habits. In addition, a substantial prevalence of diabetes and obesity in the US, offers growth to the rheumatoid arthritis market in the region. The presence of key market players, such as AbbVie Inc. and Pfizer Inc., is another factor offering growth to the rheumatoid arthritis market in the region.

Global Rheumatoid Arthritis Market Growth, by Region 2019-2025

Asia-Pacific is expected to propel with a considerable growth rate in the global market

Asia-Pacific is estimated to project a considerable CAGR in the global rheumatoid arthritis market. Countries in Asia-Pacific that are contributing to the market growth include China, India, and Japan. The market in the region is largely driven by the surging aging population which increases the possible risk of diabetes. Diabetes may cause patients to develop rheumatoid arthritis. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), In 2019, an estimated 116 million adults in China were suffering from diabetes, which is putting the diabetic patients at risk of life-threatening complications. More than 65 million of these adults, are undiagnosed and, therefore, may be particularly at risk. Such projections for the high prevalence of diabetes is expected to drive the market growth in Asia-Pacific during the forecast period. 

Market Players Outlook

The key players in the rheumatoid arthritis market are contributing significantly by providing advanced technology-based products and through expanding their geographical presence across the globe. The key players operating in the global rheumatoid arthritis market include Amgen Inc., Pfizer Inc., AbbVie Inc., Sanofi SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. Apart from these market players, some other companies that are significantly contributing in the global rheumatoid arthritis market growth includes Eli Lilly and Co., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., UCB S.A., and Biogen Inc. These market players adopt various strategies such as product launch, partnerships, collaborations, merger, and acquisitions to sustain a strong position in the market. 

• In May 2020, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. and Celltrion Healthcare launched TRUXIMA (rituximab-abbs) injection for the rheumatoid arthritis patients. This injection is now made available in the US market. Such product launches are expected to offer growth to these companies in global rheumatoid arthritis market.
• In July 2019, GlaxoSmithKline PLC nnounces phase III start for its anti GM-CSF antibody, otilimab, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. 

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2018 and forecast to 2025.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global rheumatoid arthritis 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.