PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1933381
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1933381
The global gastrointestinal (GI) therapeutics market is witnessing consistent growth, driven by the rising prevalence of digestive disorders, increasing awareness, and continuous innovation in drug development. Gastrointestinal therapeutics include medications for conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), GI cancers, and other functional GI disorders. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global gastrointestinal therapeutics market was valued at USD 80.60 billion in 2025, highlighting the significant demand for effective digestive health treatments worldwide.
Market Size and Forecast
In 2026, the global market is projected to grow to USD 89.11 billion, supported by increasing diagnosis rates, strong demand for acid suppression therapies, and expanding use of biologics for chronic GI conditions. Over the long term, the market is expected to reach USD 140.98 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 5.09% during the forecast period.
North America dominated the global gastrointestinal therapeutics market in 2025, accounting for a 42.32% market share, owing to high disease prevalence, strong healthcare infrastructure, and early adoption of advanced therapies.
Market Drivers
One of the key drivers fueling market growth is the increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases globally. Lifestyle changes such as unhealthy diets, sedentary behavior, rising alcohol consumption, and stress have significantly contributed to the growing burden of GI disorders. This expanding patient population has increased demand for effective therapeutic solutions and advanced diagnostic procedures.
According to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, between 1.6 and 3.1 million people in the U.S. were living with inflammatory bowel disease as of June 2023, underscoring the need for long-term disease management and driving pharmaceutical innovation.
Market Restraints
Despite steady growth, the market faces restraints due to the high cost of advanced therapies, particularly biologics and targeted treatments. These therapies require extensive R&D investment, making them expensive and less accessible, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Limited insurance coverage further increases the financial burden on patients.
For example, the bundled cost of a 5 mg/kg dose of infliximab was reported at approximately USD 2,634 in the U.S., limiting affordability and slowing adoption of advanced therapies.
Market Opportunities
The rising focus on biologics and targeted therapies presents significant growth opportunities. Unlike conventional drugs that offer symptomatic relief, biologics target specific inflammatory pathways, providing improved efficacy and long-term remission, particularly in IBD patients. Additionally, the development of biosimilars and next-generation oral therapies is expected to improve affordability and market penetration.
In June 2024, the U.S. FDA approved SKYRIZI (risankizumab-rzaa) for moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis, reflecting the growing momentum in biologic drug adoption.
Market Trends
A prominent trend shaping the market is the increased emphasis on early screening and preventive diagnostics. Healthcare systems are focusing on early detection of GI cancers and chronic conditions through molecular diagnostics, biomarker testing, and AI-enabled endoscopic imaging. These advancements improve patient outcomes while supporting demand for integrated therapeutic and diagnostic solutions.
Market Challenges
A major challenge limiting market expansion is the risk of adverse drug reactions and long-term safety concerns associated with commonly used GI medications. For instance, prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has been linked to kidney disease, nutrient deficiencies, bone fractures, and infections. Regulatory warnings and cautious prescribing practices have moderated growth in certain traditional drug segments.
By product type, small molecules and conventional drugs dominated the market, holding a 71.36% share in 2026, driven by affordability and widespread availability.
By therapy type, acid suppression therapies led the market with a 23.84% share in 2026, supported by high GERD prevalence and strong OTC demand.
By route of administration, the oral segment dominated with a 70.41% share in 2026, due to convenience and high patient adherence.
By application, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) accounted for the largest share, driven by high treatment costs and rising patient awareness.
By distribution channel, retail pharmacies and drug stores led the market, holding 50.9% share in 2025.
North America led the market with USD 35.80 billion in 2025 and USD 37.69 billion in 2026, driven by strong R&D activity and high disease burden.
Europe reached USD 21.81 billion in 2025, while Asia Pacific recorded USD 20.95 billion in 2025, supported by improving healthcare infrastructure in China and India.
Latin America and Middle East & Africa showed moderate growth, with valuations of USD 3.44 billion and USD 1.26 billion respectively in 2025.
Competitive Landscape
The global market is semi-consolidated, with key players such as AbbVie Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Pfizer Inc., and Bristol Myers Squibb leading due to diversified portfolios, strong pipelines, and global distribution networks. Continuous product approvals and biologic innovation support their dominance.
Conclusion
The global gastrointestinal therapeutics market is set to grow steadily from USD 80.60 billion in 2025 to USD 140.98 billion by 2034, driven by rising prevalence of GI disorders, expanding use of biologics, and growing focus on early diagnosis and preventive care. Although high treatment costs and safety concerns pose challenges, continuous R&D investments, targeted therapies, and biosimilar development are expected to enhance treatment accessibility and long-term disease management. Overall, the market will continue to evolve as a critical component of global healthcare, addressing the increasing burden of digestive diseases worldwide.
Segmentation By Product Type
By Therapy Type
Acid Suppression Therapies
By Route of Administration
By Age Group
By Application
By Distribution Channel
By Region
North America (By Product Type, Therapy Type, Route of Administration, Age Group, Application, Distribution Channel, and Country)
Europe (By Product Type, Therapy Type, Route of Administration, Age Group, Application, Distribution Channel, and Country/Sub-region)
Asia Pacific (By Product Type, Therapy Type, Route of Administration, Age Group, Application, Distribution Channel, and Country/Sub-region)
Latin America (By Product Type, Therapy Type, Route of Administration, Age Group, Application, Distribution Channel, and Country/Sub-region)
Middle East & Africa (By Product Type, Therapy Type, Route of Administration, Age Group, Application, Distribution Channel, and Country/Sub-region)