Number of pages: 100 | Report Format: PDF | Published date: June 23, 2023
Historical Years – 2021 | Base Year – 2022 | Forecasted Years – 2023-2031
Report Attribute |
Details |
Market Size Value in 2022 |
US$ 13.01 billion |
Revenue Forecast in 2031 |
US$ 19.12 billion |
CAGR |
4.37% |
Base Year for Estimation |
2022 |
Forecast Period |
2023 to 2031 |
Historical Year |
2021 |
Segments Covered |
Drug Class, Route Of Administration, Distribution Channel, and Region |
Regional Scope |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa |
According to the deep-dive market assessment study by Growth Plus Reports, the global nephrology drugs market was valued at US$ 13.01 billion in 2022 and is expected to register a revenue CAGR of 4.37% to reach US$ 19.12 billion by 2031.
Nephrology Drugs Market Fundamentals
Nephrology drugs, often known as renal pharmaceuticals, are medications used to treat kidney disease. These medications are frequently linked to high blood pressure and hypertension. It is used to try to improve kidney function and slow down illness, stopping it from causing more harm to the body. Antihypertensive medications, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, antidiabetic agents, and other pharmaceuticals are the most common types of drugs used in nephrology.
Nephrology Drugs Market Dynamics
Globally, the incidence and prevalence of renal failures, disorders, and illnesses are increasing. For instance, according to the 2019 NIH report, the global estimated prevalence of chronic kidney disease was 13.4% (11.7-15.1%), and patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) needing renal replacement therapy is estimated between 4.902 and 7.083 million. The expanding diabetic population, along with an unhealthy diet of ultra-processed, high-sugar foods and a lack of physical activity, promotes renal failure. Obesity is another major factor contributing to the growing number of renal disease patients. The increasing ease of meeting day to day needs has resulted in a dominant sedentary lifestyle characterized by a non-nutritious diet, little exercise, and sleep loss. Fast-paced lifestyle changes, in which individuals do not receive enough sleep or hydration, will also add to the growing patient pool.
Technological advances and scientific breakthroughs have improved our understanding of human physiology. The enhanced understanding of renal anatomy has allowed scientists to advance the detection of various kidney illnesses. Advances in pharma and biotechnology have a major role in producing useful treatments and therapies. For instance, in July 2021, Bayer's KERENDIA (finerenone) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes. Companies are investing more in pharmacological research and development to address the untapped needs in the market. These companies are also working to improve current pharmaceuticals, making them more effective, accessible, and inexpensive to millions of people.
However, the research endeavors need a significant investment of money and time. Most advanced machinery, equipment, technology, software, and gadgets are used to generate an effective treatment or prescription that can treat a certain disease or problem. The generated items must be submitted to the government for ultimate approval and distribution, which requires the use of numerous resources. Drug developers must break even to pay their R&D expenditures before their patent expires and they lose market exclusivity. The loss of exclusivity will result in competitors flooding the market with their products and the original producer losing market share. Furthermore, the manufacturing costs of renal treatments are usually high. Because nephrology medications are costly, they sometimes are out of reach for many people unless government involvement limits market development.
Nephrology Drugs Market Ecosystem
The global nephrology drugs market has been analyzed from the following perspectives: by drug class, route of administration, distribution channel, and region.
Nephrology Drugs Market by Drug Class
Based on the drug class, the global nephrology drugs market is segmented into ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), and others.
ACE inhibitors segment dominated the global market with nearly 55.7% revenue share in 2022. ACE inhibitors have a broad spectrum of indications in nephrology. They are commonly prescribed for the management of hypertension, proteinuria (excessive protein in the urine), diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage caused by diabetes), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). ACE inhibitors have reno-protective properties, meaning they can help protect and preserve kidney function. Their reno-protective effects make them a preferred choice for nephrologists in managing various kidney disorders. The established efficacy of ACE inhibitors contributes to their dominance in the market. Renal professional societies and clinical guidelines frequently recommend using ACE inhibitors as first-line or preferred agents in managing hypertension and certain kidney diseases. The use of ACE inhibitors in combination therapy further contributes to the market dominance of the drug class. Their established safety profile and tolerability contribute to their widespread use and dominance in the nephrology drugs market.
Nephrology Drugs Market by Route of Administration
Based on the route of administration, the global nephrology drugs market is segmented into oral, parenteral, and others.
Oral administration dominates the global market with more than 64.58% of revenue share in 2022. Oral administration is the most common and familiar route of drug administration for patients. Oral medications can be taken at home without the need for healthcare professional assistance, providing convenience and autonomy to patients managing their kidney conditions. Many nephrology drugs are available in oral formulations, including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics, phosphate binders, and immunosuppressants. Pharmaceutical companies often prioritize developing and producing oral formulations due to their ease of manufacturing, stability, and patient preference. Oral medications are designed to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and enter the bloodstream, ensuring systemic distribution. Oral medications generally have lower production and administration costs than other administration routes, such as injectables. This cost-effectiveness is advantageous for patients, healthcare systems, and payers, making oral administration a preferred choice for nephrology drugs. Oral administration offers convenience and simplicity, promoting patient adherence to treatment regimens. Patients are more likely to adhere to oral administration, leading to better disease management and improved clinical outcomes. This is especially important in nephrology, where long-term treatment is often required.
Nephrology Drugs Market by Distribution Channel
Based on the distribution channel, the global nephrology drugs market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies.
Retail pharmacies account for a sizeable revenue share in the global market. Retail pharmacies are widely accessible to patients and are in various neighborhoods and communities. The convenience of having a local pharmacy contributes to the dominance of this segment. Retail pharmacies typically stock a diverse range of medications, including nephrology drugs. This availability ensures patients can obtain the specific medications their healthcare providers prescribe without significant delays or difficulties. The wide selection of nephrology drugs contributes to the dominance of retail pharmacies in the market. Retail pharmacies are critical in filling and dispensing prescriptions for nephrology drugs. They have the necessary infrastructure and systems to receive and process prescriptions, verify insurance coverage, and provide medications to patients. This prescription filling and dispensing service make retail pharmacies a convenient and reliable source for nephrology drugs.
Nephrology Drugs Market by Region
Based on the region, the global nephrology drugs market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.
North America has a relatively high prevalence of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). According to the ‘American Kidney Funds’ report, it was noticed that presently affects more than one in every seven — or 15% — of American adults, with people of color being more vulnerable to kidney failure. In 2020 (the most current statistics available), around 130,000 Americans were newly diagnosed with renal failure. Various factors contribute to this, such as an aging population, high rates of diabetes and hypertension (leading causes of kidney disease), and lifestyle-related risk factors. The larger affected population in North America creates a significant market demand for nephrology drugs. This region boasts a well-developed healthcare infrastructure, including advanced medical facilities, research institutions, and specialized nephrology centers. This infrastructure supports kidney disease diagnosis, treatment, and management, including the availability and accessibility of nephrology drugs. The advanced healthcare system contributes to North America's dominance in the market. It is also the home to numerous leading pharmaceutical companies involved in the research, development, and manufacturing of nephrology drugs. These companies invest heavily in innovation, clinical trials, and marketing activities, resulting in a wide range of available nephrology drugs. The strong pharmaceutical industry in North America plays a pivotal role in its dominance in the market. North America has one of the highest healthcare expenditures globally, with significant pharmaceutical investments. The willingness to invest in healthcare and allocate substantial resources for drug development, prescription coverage, and reimbursement programs positively impacts the region's market growth of nephrology drugs. North America leads in nephrology research and development, with numerous academic institutions, research organizations, and clinical trial centers dedicated to advancing the field. The focus on research and development leads to the introduction of new and innovative nephrology drugs, further driving the dominance of North America in the global market.
Competitive Landscape
The prominent players operating in the global nephrology drugs market are:
Strategic Developments
Nephrology drugs, often known as renal pharmaceuticals, are medications used to treat kidney disease.
Pfizer Inc., Amgen Inc., and FibroGen Inc. are some of the major market players in the global nephrology drugs market.
The high cost of specialty drugs and stringent regulatory policies are some of the restraints obstructing the growth of the global market.
ACE inhibitors segment dominates the global nephrology drugs market.
Increased drug approvals and the rising prevalence of chronic kidney diseases among people across the globe are some of the major factors driving the global market.
*Insights on financial performance are subject to the availability of information in the public domain