The Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD) Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 21.42 Bn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.6% over the forecast period 2028 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.

Market Overview:
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are a class of drugs that are used to reduce pain, inhibit or slow disease progression and damage, and improve physical function in rheumatoid arthritis and other types of arthritis. There are two main types of DMARDs - conventional synthetic DMARDs such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine; and biological DMARDs which are injected or infused drugs that target specific proteins or cells involved in the immune system process. DMARDs help reduce inflammation and prevent further joint damage by slowing progression of arthritis.

Market key trends:
The global DMARD market is driven by increasing incidences of arthritis. According to Arthritis Foundation estimates, over 60 million adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis and over 300,000 children live with the condition. Additionally, the rising geriatric population is also expected to fuel the market growth as arthritis is more common in older people. Moreover, increasing awareness about the disease and advanced treatment options available is also facilitating the adoption of DMARD drugs. Furthermore, advent of novel biologics and targeted therapies have allowed treatment of patients who were previously refractory to classic DMARDs, thus supporting overall market expansion over the forecast period. However, stringent regulations and high costs involved in drug development are some of the factors expected to pose a challenge to market growth.

Porter’s Analysis

Threat of new entrants: Low capital requirements and existing patents on drugs pose barriers for new entrants.

Bargaining power of buyers: Large pharmacy benefit managers and hospitals have significant bargaining power over drug prices.

Bargaining power of suppliers: Major players like Sanofi, Pfizer control the supply chain and have significant bargaining power over prices.

Threat of new substitutes: Limited threat as DMARDs have fewer side effects than other drugs for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Competitive rivalry: High as key players actively compete on drug innovation and pricing.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths: Effective treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis with fewer side effects. Large patient pool drives market growth.

Weaknesses: High development costs. Generic competition erodes prices of older drugs.

Opportunities: Rising arthritis incidence due to sedentary lifestyles and aging population. Potential in emerging markets.

Threats: Patent expires of blockbuster drugs. Biosimilars challenge high priced biologics.

Key Takeaways

The global DMARD market is expected to witness a CAGR of 3.6% over the forecast period, due to increasing prevalence of rheumatic disorders worldwide. It was valued at US$ 21.42 Bn in 2023.

Regionally, North America dominated the market and accounted for over 40% share in 2023 owing to the rising arthritis burden. Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness fastest growth owing to growing elderly population & healthcare spending in China and India.

Key players operating in the DMARD market are Sanofi., Pfizer, F. Hoffman-La Roche AG, Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie Inc., Eli Lilly & Company, Amgen Inc., Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, UCB S.A., Gilead Sciences, Inc., and Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. Major players are focusing on developing novel biologics targeting specific disease pathways to combat patent cliffs of blockbuster drugs and gain market share.