U.S. Asthma Drugs Market Size, Share, and Trends 2024 to 2033

The U.S. asthma drugs market size was valued at USD 8.36 billion in 2023 and is expected to hit around USD 13.76 billion by 2033, poised to grow at a CAGR of 5.11% from 2024 to 2033.

Key Takeaways

• By medication, the quick relief medications segment dominated the market in 2023, the segment is observed to witness a notable growth during the forecast period.
• By mode of administration, the inhalers segment dominated the U.S. asthma drugs market in 2023. The segment is observed to sustain the position during the forecast period.
• By organization type, the public segment is expected to sustain its dominance throughout the forecast period.
• By application, the adults segment was observed to dominate the U.S. asthma drugs market in 2023.
• By application, the pediatric segment is expected to show substantial growth during the forecast period.

U.S. Asthma Drugs Market Overview

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. It is a common condition, and its severity can vary from person to person. Management of asthma often involves the use of various medications, including bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs.

The U.S. asthma drugs market is composed of key players, regulatory authorities, marketing agencies, and entities involved in the research and development of asthma treatments. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, asthma affects 7.7% of Americans, approximately 24.9 million of them comprise 4.6 million children and 20.2 million adults. More than 900,000 ER visits and 94,000 hospital inpatient stays were recorded by asthma patients. An estimated $50 billion is spent on asthma-related expenses each year. Nearly one-third of the more than 3,500 individuals who die from asthma each year are 65 years of age or older. The rising prevalence combined with growing costs of treatment is a major aspect of the U.S. asthma drug market.

Growth Factors

• Growing asthma prevalence and rising pollution levels are the main factors driving the U.S. asthma drugs market.
• The growing use of biologics for the treatment of asthma and the rising prevalence of psychiatric illnesses both significantly fuel market expansion.
• Both adults and children with asthma have worse results when exposed to air pollution.
• The U.S. asthma drugs market is expected to expand as a result of the increasing prevalence of respiratory conditions such as pleural effusion, emphysema, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The introduction of new products and the rising need for medications used to treat asthma are driving market expansion.

U.S. Asthma Drugs Market Scope

U.S. Asthma Drugs Market Dynamics

Driver: Growing prevalence of asthma and government initiatives

The U.S. prevalence of asthma has been on the rise, contributing to a growing patient population. This increase in the number of asthma cases is a significant driver of the demand for asthma drugs. According to an AAFA article from September 2022, there are over 25 million asthmatics in the United States. Additionally, about 15 million persons in the U.S. suffer from COPD, according to an NIH paper from March 2022. Besides, the rising initiatives by the government also propelled the market expansion in the country.

• In March 2022, a proposal that provides 8.5 billion U.S. dollars to maintain funding for CDC asthma initiatives was released by U.S. government health programs. Thirty million dollars are included for the National Asthma Control program.

Restraint: High cost

One major issue affecting the U.S. asthma drugs market is the high cost of its services and products. Many patients, particularly those with inadequate insurance coverage or those belonging to low-income communities, may find the expense of drugs, including inhalers and oral medications, to be an overwhelming burden. Subpar asthma management may result from access to essential drugs and preventative measures being restricted due to the high cost of therapy.

The research and manufacturing process of drugs is one of the factors contributing to the high cost of asthma therapy. The total cost is increased by clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and research and development. The high cost is also influenced by the ongoing need for innovation and the release of newer, more potent treatments. Thus, hampering the market growth.

Opportunity: Growing FDA approvals

The discovery of novel drugs is critical for pharmaceutical research and development and patient treatment. Repurposing existing drugs that may have anticipated effects as a potential candidate is one way to meet this vital goal. The subsequent increasing FDA approvals of these new as well as repurposed drugs is expected to offer a lucrative opportunity for the asthma drugs market growth over the forecast period.

• In February 2023, in the US, Tezspire (tezepelumab), a product of AstraZeneca and Amgen, is authorized for self-administration by patients with severe asthma who are 12 years of age or older. With its authorized label including no phenotypic (e.g., eosinophilic or allergic) or biomarker constraint, Tezspire is the only biologic licensed for severe asthma.

Medication Insights

the quick relief medications segment held the largest share in 2023. Quick-relief medications, also known as rescue medications, are a crucial component of asthma management. They provide rapid relief from acute asthma symptoms by bronchodilating and easing airway constriction. Common quick-relief medications include short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs).

Advances in inhaler technologies, such as the development of smart inhalers, aim to enhance patient adherence and monitor medication usage. Smart inhalers may have the potential to impact the market by improving the management and tracking of quick-relief medication use. Thereby driving the segment growth.

Mode of Administration Insights

The inhalers segment dominated the U.S. asthma drugs market in 2023. The segment is observed to sustain the position throughout the forecast period. The segment expansion is attributed to the increasing advancements in inhaler technology, including smart inhalers. The integration of digital technology into inhalers, known as smart inhalers, has been a growing trend. These devices may include sensors to track medication usage, provide reminders, and offer insights into asthma management.

• In June 2023, the Handilhale® smart inhaler, developed by OPKO Health Inc., features a built-in sensor and a mobile app to measure medicine consumption and give patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) individualized insights.

Organization Type Insights

The public segment dominated the U.S. asthma drugs market in 2023. Public organizations often launch health education campaigns to raise awareness about asthma, its symptoms, triggers, and the importance of proper management. These campaigns may influence public perception and encourage individuals to seek appropriate medical care, potentially impacting the demand for asthma drugs.

Application Insights

The U.S. asthma drugs market is segmented into pediatric, adults, and adolescent. The adults segment dominated the market in 2023 and the segment is observed to sustain the dominance in the market during the forecast period. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the prevalence of asthma is greater in adults (8.0%) than in children (6.5%). Such disparity promotes greater efforts for the treatment of asthma in the demographic, greatly driving the growth of the adult segment in the U.S. asthma drugs market.

The pediatric segment is expected to grow at the highest growth during the forecast period. Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in children. The prevalence of pediatric asthma has been increasing in the U.S. The high incidence of asthma in children contributes to the demand for asthma medications specifically designed for pediatric use.

Recent Developments

• In January 2023, in the United States, Airsupra (albuterol/budesonide), formerly known as PT027, received recognition as a preventive or as-needed treatment for bronchoconstriction, as well as to lower the risk of exacerbations in individuals with asthma who are 18 years of age or older. The FDA's clearance was granted based on the outcomes of the Phase III studies for MANDALA and DENALI.
• In July 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic version of AstraZeneca's Symbicort®, BreynaTM (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol. The drug is a result of a collaboration between Viatris Inc., a global healthcare company, and Kindeva Drug Delivery L.P. It is recommended for certain people who suffer from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• In December 2023, an exclusive license agreement was announced to develop a potential novel antibody-based therapy for the treatment of asthma and atopic dermatitis by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. and Biolojic Design Ltd., a biotechnology company that turns antibodies into intelligent medicinal solutions using computational biology and artificial intelligence.

U.S. Asthma Drugs Market Companies

• GlaxoSmithKline
• Pfizer
• Vectura Group
• Boehringer Ingelheim
• Roche
• Novartis
• Merck
• AstraZeneca
• Teva Pharmaceutical

Segments Covered in the Report

By Medication

• Quick Relief Medications
• Long-term Control Medications
• Others

By Mode of Administration

• Tablets and Capsules
• Liquids
• Inhalers
• Injections
• Sprays and Powders

By Source

• Environmental
• Generic

By Organization Type

• Public
• Private

By Application

• Pediatric
• Adults
• Adolescent