High pollution may boost demand for respiratory drugs
air pollution continues to wreak havoc, the respiratory segment is expected to grow further in the coming months. While the domestic pharma market is largely driven by anti-diabetics and cardiac therapies, respiratory therapies are expected to lead the growth in November, December and January, pharma experts said.
According to market research firm Pharmarack, the respiratory segment is valued at ₹16,413 crore, growing at a compound annual rate of 12%. The anti-asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) products have grown from ₹6,094 crore MAT (moving annual turnover) value in October 2021 to ₹9,960 crore in October 2024. Likewise, the cough and cold market has grown from ₹2,926 crore MAT value to ₹4,129 crore during the same period.
«The respiratory market shows the normal seasonal trend for the anti-asthma and cough and cold segment,» said Sheetal Sapale, VP, commercial, Pharmarack. «There were fewer reported cases in October 2024 compared to October 2023, hence there is de-growth in the market. The market peaks in December and January and then gradually subsides as winter loses its intensity,» Sapale said.
The poor air quality and severe cold conditions are making the situation apt for illness. Doctors say even after patients recover from the acute phase, the cough will persist for a couple of days to weeks.
Sandeep Budhiraja, group medical director, Max Healthcare and senior director, Institute of Internal Medicine, said elderly patients, patients with comorbidities, people who have underlying
