Pulmonary Drugs Market Analysis & Forecast: 2026-2033

Pulmonary Drugs Market Size and Trends: 2026-2033

Pulmonary Drugs market is estimated to be valued at USD 56.6 Bn in 2026 and is expected to reach USD 96.5 Bn by 2033, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% from 2026 to 2033.

Key Takeaways             

• Based on Drug Class, the Inhaled Corticosteroids segment is expected to lead the market with 29% share in 2026, due to high adoption in asthma and COPD treatment.
• Based on Application, the Asthma & COPD segment has a higher market share of 42% in 2026.
• Based on Distribution Channel, the Retail Pharmacies segment is expected to lead with a share of 48% in 2026.
• By Region, North America is set to lead the pulmonary drugs market with 38% share in 2026. While, Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest growing region.

Market Overview

The global market for pulmonary drugs is expected to grow a lot by 2026. This is because conditions such as chronic respiratory problems like asthma, COPD, allergic rhinitis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension are becoming more prevalent because of issues like pollution in urban centers, the aging population, and lifestyle factors. It is true that medication delivery systems have improved, making them more potent and increasing compliance in patients. There also have been targeted and personalized approaches from pharmaceutical companies.

Current Events and Its Impacts on the Pulmonary Drugs Market

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How is product innovation driving growth in pulmonary drugs?

• Advanced Drug Delivery Systems: As part of this, advanced ‘smart’ inhalers, nebulizers, and combination inhalers will be developed.
• Biologics and Targeted Therapies: Monoclonal antibodies and targeted agents for severe asthma, COPD, and pulmonary hypertension.
• Oral and Non-Inhaled Formulations: New therapies, and alternatives to standard inhalers that some patients are unable to use.
• Digital Health Integration: Smartphones, which have the ability to track functions, medications, and uses, can be employed to promote patient-centric management.

Segmental Insights

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Pulmonary Drugs Market Insights, By Drug Class – Inhaled Corticosteroids dominate due to high adoption in asthma and COPD treatment

Based on drug class, the inhaled corticosteroids segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share of 29% in 2026, owing to its proven efficacy in managing respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD. Inhaled corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the air passages of the lungs and prevent the worsening of the disease.

For instance, in May 2025, Nucala (mepolizumab) was approved by the US FDA as an add-on maintenance treatment for adults with COPD characterized by an eosinophilic phenotype-a key biologic approval that complements inhaled corticosteroids in hard-to-control disease and underlines the rising role of targeted therapies in pulmonary care.

Pulmonary Drugs Market Insights, By Application – Asthma & COPD segment leads due to high prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases

By application, the asthma & COPD segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share of 42% in 2026. The prevalence of these respiratory diseases across the globe, coupled with increased pollution and lifestyle factors, contributes to the overall need to control these emerging diseases. Healthcare providers still focus significantly on treating and diagnosing the diseases, thereby fueling the overall adoption of medicines across pulmonary disorders.

For instance, January 2025, AstraZeneca announced plans to launch Breztri Aerosphere, a triple combination inhaler indicated for maintenance treatment to relieve symptoms and prevent exacerbations in COPD, in India, expanding the geographic availability of advanced COPD therapy options within emerging markets.

Pulmonary Drugs Market Insights, By Distribution Channel – Retail Pharmacies dominate due to wide availability and convenience

Based on distribution channel, the retail pharmacies segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share of 48% in 2026. Retail pharmacies ensure easy access to prescription and non-prescription pulmonary drugs, and patients can conveniently refill their drugs. They also offer counseling services for better utilization of inhalers.

For instance, March 2025, CVS announced plans to open over a dozen smaller, pharmacy‑only stores focused on full‑service pharmaceutical care, including prescription refills and respiratory drug access such as inhalers, to improve community access and localized healthcare services.

Regional Insights

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North America Pulmonary Drugs Market Analysis & Trends

North America is expected to contribute the highest share to the pulmonary drugs market in 2026, accounting for approximately 38% of the market share. The pulmonary market in the North American region can be driven by various factors, including developed infrastructure, the high prevalence of respiratory illnesses like asthma and COPD, the widespread use of innovative medicines like inhalers and biologics, and pharmaceutical sector R&D spends.

For instance, in July 2025, Merck & Co. announced a roughly $10 billion acquisition of Verona Pharma, a biotech focused on respiratory drugs, gaining access to Ohtuvayre, an FDA‑approved inhaled treatment for COPD, which has shown early commercial uptake in the U.S. and is expected to strengthen Merck’s portfolio and distribution reach in pulmonary therapies across North America.

Asia Pacific Pulmonary Drugs Market Analysis & Trends

Asia Pacific is likely to witness high growth in terms of pulmonary drugs due to an escalating rate of pulmonary diseases resulting from urban pollution, health awareness among people, increased disposable income, and accessibility of health care services. Domestic pharmaceutical companies, along with global players, are establishing business relationships, thus making innovative pulmonary drugs accessible, hence boosting growth.

For instance, in April 2024, GSK expanded the Asia‑Pacific reach of Trelegy Ellipta (a triple‑combination inhaled therapy for asthma and COPD) with regulatory approval in Singapore, allowing broader use of this maintenance treatment across respiratory indications in the region.

Pulmonary Drugs Market Outlook for Key Countries

Is the U.S. pulmonary drugs market growing due to innovation, prevalence, and healthcare infrastructure?

The U.S. pulmonary drugs market is growing at a rapid pace due to a high prevalence of chronic respiratory illnesses like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and pulmonary arterial hypertension, along with a strong healthcare infrastructure. For instance, in May 2025, GSK’s Nucala (mepolizumab) received

Is China’s focus on wellness and pollution control accelerating pulmonary drug adoption?

China’s heightened focus on health, wellness, and air quality initiatives is accelerating growth in the pulmonary drugs market. Higher pollution levels and the prevalence of diseases like asthma and COPD are boosting the demand for traditional inhalers and biologic drugs. For instance, in September 2024, Dupixent (dupilumab) was approved in China for adults with uncontrolled COPD and elevated eosinophils, marking a milestone in biologic therapy availability in Asia Pacific.

Market Report Scope

Pulmonary Drugs Market Driver

Rising prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases

The growing incidence rate of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergic rhinitis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension is fueling the pulmonary drugs market. The demographic features of a growing aging population, pollution, and lifestyle factors that predispose individuals to disease are contributing factors. As more individuals with one or more of these chronic diseases strive for better disease management, a strongly growing market for pulmonary drugs is witnessed.

Pulmonary Drugs Market Opportunity

Advancements in drug delivery and biologic therapies

The market has strong growth prospects in terms of the further evolution of next-generation drug delivery systems and biologic agents. For example, further innovation is expected to take place regarding smart inhalers, combination inhalers, and biologic agents. In addition, access to these technologies will increase in the emerging markets. Moreover, access to new agents for the treatment of underserved diseases will increase.

Analyst Opinion (Expert Opinion)

• The pulmonary drug market is undergoing transformative growth, driven not only by increased prevalence but also by a clear shift towards precision medicine and biologic therapy. For instance, recent FDA approvals of Nucala (mepolizumab) and Dupixent (dupilumab) for COPD patients with high eosinophil counts suggest pharmaceutical companies are increasingly targeting these niche populations, rather than relying on broad-spectrum treatments with steroids.
• Innovation in drug delivery systems is another game-changer. By creating smart inhalers with digital monitoring, adherence is improving by as much as 20-25%, as reinforced by clinical trials, which could create a major reduction in hospitalizations/exacerbations. The combination inhalers, such as Trelegy Ellipta, are now becoming standard of care in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in need of drug combination therapy.
• Regionally, North America remains at the top with favorable healthcare infrastructure, early use of biologics, and strong payer support. Asia-Pacific regions also hold huge potential, with China and Japan approving biologic agents like Dupixent, as well as expanding biologic access to combination inhalers. There is also strong support from regulators and patients, driven by increased awareness in regions with high pollution levels and incidences of asthma and COPD.

Top Strategies Followed by Pulmonary Drugs Market Players

• Established pharmaceutical companies focus heavily on R&D to drive innovation in advanced therapies. Leading companies like GSK, AstraZeneca, Sanofi, and Novartis spend billions of dollars each year in research, development, and testing of next-gen biologics, combination inhalers, and smart drugs. Trials are conducted on a large scale to ensure maximum benefit, adherence, and safety.
• Mid-tier companies compete through cost-effective production and strategic partnerships. These firms take advantage of contract manufacturing, global supply chains, and regional distribution agreements to provide cheaper inhalers, generic drugs, and pulmonary therapies in emerging markets in India, China, and Southeast Asia. This helps the mid-tier companies increase their market shares and expand the access to underserved populations.
• Small-scale and specialty biotech firms focus on niche segments. These organizations specialize in developing targeted biologics, rare diseases, or even innovative inhaled compounds. Digital health has also seen rising instances of its integration into the market, especially smart inhalers, as a measure to differentiate these drugs. Partnerships with academic institutions as well as technology startups are also contributing factors.

Emerging Startups in the Pulmonary Drugs Market

• Biotech startups are developing new biologics and pulmonary therapies. Firms like Verona Pharma (Ohtuvayre) are working on new therapies for COPD that can help improve lung function and reduce exacerbations of the condition.
• Digital health integration is proving to be innovative. Entrepreneurs are using technology such as smart inhalers, sensors, and mobile apps to track medication use, patient symptoms, and enabling healthcare professionals access to instant
• Focus on sustainability and accessibility in drug delivery. There are emerging companies currently that seem to be developing more eco-friendly drug inhalers with different propellants. This is not only beneficial for the environment but could be significant in reaching even more people at large.

Pulmonary Drugs Industry News

• In March 2025, Sanofi’s Dupixent (dupilumab) was approved in Japan as the first biologic for COPD in adults whose disease is inadequately controlled by existing therapies.
• In May 2025, AstraZeneca announced it would present latest clinical and real‑world data from its respiratory portfolio, including inhaled and biologic therapies for asthma and COPD, at the ATS International Conference, underlining continued focus on respiratory disease innovation.
• In July 2025, Merck announced a USD 10 billion acquisition of Verona Pharma, enhancing its respiratory medicines portfolio by adding Ohtuvayre, an FDA‑approved inhaled COPD drug with potential multi‑billion‑dollar peak sales.

Market Segmentation

• Drug Class Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2026 - 2033)
  • Inhaled Corticosteroids
  • Long Acting Beta-2 Agonists
  • Antihistamines
  • Vasodilators
  • Short Acting Beta-2 Agonists
  • Others
• Application Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2026 - 2033)
  • Asthma & COPD
  • Allergic Rhinitis
  • Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Others
• Distribution Channel Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2026 - 2033)
  • Hospital Pharmacies
  • Retail Pharmacies
  • E-Commerce
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2026 - 2033)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • Sanofi SA
  • Meda Pharmaceuticals
  • Circassia Pharmaceuticals Plc.
  • AstraZenca Plc.
  • GlaxoSmithKline Plc.
  • Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals Plc.
  • Cheisi farmaceutici S.p.A.
  • Zambon Company S.p.A.
  • Alaxia SAS
  • Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited

Sources

Primary Research Interviews

• Pulmonary Drug Manufacturers & Brand Managers
• Respiratory Disease Specialists & Clinicians
• Pharmacists & Hospital Formulary Heads
• Healthcare Providers & Pulmonologists
• Clinical Trial Researchers & Study Coordinators
• E-commerce & Retail Pharmacy Category Managers
• Regulatory Affairs Professionals
• Others

Databases

• Bloomberg Terminal
• Thomson Reuters Eikon
• PubMed
• ClinicalTrials.gov
• Others

Magazines

• Pharmaceutical Executive
• Pharma Times
• PharmaVoice
• Pharmaceutical Technology
• BioPharm International
• Others

Journals

• The Lancet Respiratory Medicine
• American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
• Journal of Asthma
• Respiratory Medicine
• European Respiratory Journal
• Others

Newspapers

• The Wall Street Journal
• Financial Times
• Bloomberg News
• Reuters Health
• USA Today (Health Section)
• Others

Associations

• American Lung Association (ALA)
• European Respiratory Society (ERS)
• Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
• World Health Organization (WHO) – Respiratory Programs
• Others

Public Domain Sources

• U.S. FDA – Drug Approvals & Regulatory Updates
• EMA – European Medicines Agency Publications
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) – Respiratory Disease Statistic
• WHO – Global Health Observatory Data on Pulmonary Diseases
• ClinicalTrials.gov – Registered Pulmonary Drug Trials
• Others

Proprietary Elements

• CMI Data Analytics Tool
• Proprietary CMI Existing Repository of Information for the Last 8 Years