COUGH SUPPRESSANT DRUGS MARKET ANALYSIS

Cough Suppressant Drugs Market- Insights

A cough is a very common symptom of various upper and lower respiratory tract infections. It is a reflex response to mechanical, chemical, or inflammatory irritation of the tracheobronchial tree, which is conveyed by sensory neurons in the airways reflexly through neurons present in the brainstem. Antitussives, also known as cough suppressants, are widely used to relieve the symptoms of cough. Cough suppressant works by reducing the activity of cough reflex and suppresses the urge to cough. Dextromethorphan and Codeine are the two most common cough suppressant drugs widely used in the treatment of cough.

Frequent approvals and launch of new cough suppressant drugs and high prevalence of cough is expected to drive the market growth

In March 2018, Perrigo Company plc. received the FDA approval for the brand OTC equivalent of Mucinex DM Maximum Strength (Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide Extended-release Tablets, 1200 mg/60 mg). Mucinex DM Maximum Strength is indicated to control coughs and to break up mucus, making coughs more productive. Approval and launch of such new drugs in the market is expected to drive the cough suppressant drugs market growth over the forecast period.

High prevalence of cough is also expected to be a major factor for rising demand for cough suppressant drugs, which drives the market growth. For instance, according to the data published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information in 2014, cough is the most common reason for visits to primary care physicians globally, accounting for around 8% of all consultations. According to the same source, the annual prevalence of cough in the general population is reported as approximately 10–33% globally.

The global cough suppressant drugs market size was valued at US$ 1100.4 Mn in 2017 and is expected to witness a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period (2018 – 2026).

North America is expected to hold dominant position, owing to frequent approvals of new cough suppressant drugs by FDA

North America cough suppressant market is expected to show good growth over the forecast period, owing to frequent approvals to novel drugs by the FDA. For instance, in 2015, Vernalis plc and Tris Pharma Inc. received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the New Drug Application (NDA) for Tuzistra XR (codeine polistirex and chlorpheniramine polistirex) extended-release oral suspension, CIII (DEA Schedule III). Tuzistra XR is a codeine-based extended-release oral suspension for cough-cold treatment.

Figure 1. Global Cough Suppressant Drugs Market Share (%) Analysis, By Region, 2026

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Source: Coherent Market Insights Analysis (2017)

Key players in the market are involved in strategic mergers and partnerships, in order to develop, manufacture, and sell novel cough suppressant drugs and to gain major market share.

For instance, in 2015, Tris Pharma, Inc. entered into a license, supply, and distribution agreement with Pfizer Consumer Healthcare (a part of Pfizer Inc.). According to the agreement, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare will commercialize Tris’ extended release dextromethorphan cough syrup under the Robitussin Brand. In exchange, Tris will provide the U.S. branded rights to its protected intellectual property for an extended release dextromethorphan formulation to Pfizer Consumer Healthcare and Tris will receive an upfront payment, milestone payments, and sales-based royalties.

Figure 2. Global Cough Suppressant Drugs Market Share (%) Analysis, By Distribution Channel, 2026

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Various new players are entering lucrative cough suppressant drugs market by partnering with other manufacturers. For instance, in November 2018, Aytu BioScience, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, entered into the cough suppressant drugs market with an exclusive license of FDA-approved Tuzistra XR from Tris Pharma Inc. Along with Tuzistra XR, Aytu BioScience, Inc. also has a licensed complementary antitussive product with pending FDA approval.

However, stringent regulations against the use of cough suppressant is expected to affect the global cough suppressant drugs market growth over the forecast period.

For instance, in February 2018, the Therapeutic Goods Administration reclassified codeine as prescription only medicine in Australia, which was previously available as over-the-counter medication. This reclassification was made, as regular use of medicines containing codeine may lead to its addiction.

In January 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration made safety labeling changes to limit the use of codeine or hydrocodone containing prescription opioid cough and cold medicines in children younger than 18 years old to protect kids from serious risks of opioid ingredients containing cough treatment drugs. After the safety labeling changes, these products will no longer be indicated for treatment of cough in pediatric population and will be labeled for use only in adults aged 18 years and older.

Key players operating in the global cough suppressant drugs market include Perrigo Company plc, Vernalis plc, Tris Pharma Inc., Pfizer Inc., Aytu BioScience, Inc., Acella Pharmaceuticals LLC, Mayne Pharma Inc., Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Aurobindo Pharma Ltd, and GlaxoSmithKline plc.