PUBLISHER: Orion Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1826581
PUBLISHER: Orion Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1826581
Inhaler Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Type (Metered-dose, Dry powder, and Soft mist inhalers), by Disease Indication (Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Cystic Fibrosis, and Others), and by Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), Forecast Period (2025-2035)
Industry Overview
Inhaler market was valued at $36.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $71.4 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period (2025-2035). The global inhaler market is gaining strong momentum owing to the advancements in inhaler technology, rising prevalence of respiratory diseases, growing air pollution and allergens, increasing awareness and diagnosis, and expanding healthcare infrastructure in emerging markets. Asthma is a major contributor to the growth of the inhaler market, considering it is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of individuals globally and necessitates the use of inhalers regularly for effective treatment. Inhalers provide medication directly to the lungs, offering fast relief from symptoms and aiding in the control of asthma attacks. Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic non-communicable diseases, affecting over 334 million people and accounting for over 450,000 casualties annually across the globe, the majority of which are preventable.
Market Dynamics
Digital Health Integration and Smart Inhaler Adoption
The increasing integration of inhalers with digital health technologies, such as Bluetooth connectivity, mobile health (mHealth) applications, and AI-powered adherence tracking systems, is a rapidly expanding trend in the respiratory inhalers market. For chronic respiratory conditions, the combination is enhancing patient involvement, facilitating remote monitoring, and boosting treatment results. For instance, in August 2023, Teva UK launched GoResp Digihaler (an integrated digital inhaler system), which allows appropriate adult patients with asthma and COPD to help self-manage their condition and share their data with healthcare professionals. Budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate are combined in the GoResp Digihaler, an integrated device with sensors to identify and document objective data on the patient's use and proficiency with their inhaler, including the classification of inspiratory flow.
The High Price of Respiratory Inhalers Can Hamper the Inhalers Market Growth
The prevalence of respiratory disorders remains extremely high globally, and the cost of treatment has been steadily increasing. The high cost of inhalers makes it difficult for many people to afford prescribed treatments regularly. This is a major concern, particularly in nations where a large portion of the population lacks health insurance or the financial resources to pay for pricey prescription drugs out of pocket.
The price of asthma medication has increased in nations such as the US over the past decade and a half. The price increase, which can range from slightly more than $10 to nearly $100 for an inhaler, has made it difficult for patients in need of asthma-related treatments to obtain them. Others simply cannot afford them. Since 2009, CFC inhalers have been phased out and replaced by hydrofluoroalkane, or HFA, inhalers, which are more environmentally friendly but significantly more expensive. Patients with good insurance may pay little or nothing. However, uninsured patients confront high market prices, and as of 2023, there were more than 25 million uninsured Americans.
Market Segmentation
Asthma accounts for the largest share of the global inhaler market, driven by the high global prevalence of the condition and increasing patient awareness about early treatment to prevent exacerbations.
Asthma Statistics: Prevalence, Economic Impact, and Mortality Trends
Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs): A Key Segment in Market Growth
The metered dose inhaler is the leading segment in the market, driven by its widespread availability, affordability, and proven effectiveness in delivering quick relief for acute respiratory symptoms. MDIs are particularly common in low and middle-income nations since they are typically less expensive to manufacture and purchase. MDIs are widely used as they have been on the market for decades and are well-known to patients and healthcare providers.
The global inhaler market is further divided by region, including North America (the US and Canada), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN Countries, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).
North America Leading the Global Inhaler Market Growth
North America dominates the respiratory inhalers market owing to the easy-to-use inhalers with digital dose tracking and smart connectivity, a growing geriatric population susceptible to chronic respiratory conditions, and the presence of major pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca, GSK, Teva, Chiesi, and Sunovion, which provide the region with easy access to the most innovative portfolio of inhalers. Respiratory and immunology medications, such as inhalers, make up a large amount of these companies' annual revenue. For instance, in 2023, AstraZeneca's Breztri Aerosphere generated approximately. $383 million in US sales, a major inhaler revenue driver as a modern triple-therapy device.
Furthermore, the US market has recently seen the entry of numerous technologically upgraded inhalers that incorporate digital connectivity, environmental sustainability, and improved patient adherence. Currently, market players have been incorporating Bluetooth-enabled sensors attached to the inhaler, which track medication usage, including the inhalation patterns such as flow rate and duration, with date and time of actuations. For instance, the FDA has cleared the Hailie Smartinhaler for use with AstraZeneca's Airsupra (albuterol and budesonide) and Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) inhalation devices. The Bluetooth-enabled Hailie sensor is attached to the inhaler and then synced with the Hailie app. The system is intended to aid in treatment adherence by tracking medication consumption and alerting patients if a dose is missed.
Asia-Pacific Leads Inhaler Market Growth amid Rising Respiratory Disease Burden
The Asia-Pacific region maintains a strong market position in the inhaler industry owing to the growing burden of asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions, major investments by pharmaceutical companies, awareness campaigns & enhanced healthcare infrastructure, and rapidly aging populations, especially in markets like Japan. In 2023, India accounts for nearly 46% of global asthma-related fatalities, with an estimated 200,000 individuals succumbing to the disease each year. In India, asthma cases have been increasing rapidly, particularly in tier-I and II cities such as Hyderabad, Warangal, and Karimnagar. Over 1.8 million individuals in Telangana are living with asthma, with children and women being the most vulnerable groups. Pharmaceutical companies in the region are responding to the increased demand by increasing the availability and variety of inhalers, making them more accessible to patients. This trend is projected to continue as the prevalence of respiratory disorders increases, driving up demand for inhaler devices in Asia-Pacific nations.
The major companies operating in the global inhaler market include GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Cipla Ltd., Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., AstraZeneca PLC, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisition strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.
Recent Developments