RESCUE INHALER MARKET ANALYSIS

The Rescue Inhaler Market size is expected to reach US$ 27.9 billion by 2030, from US$ 15.5 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period. Rescue inhalers, also known as reliever inhalers, provide quick relief from acute asthma attacks and exacerbations of other respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Rescue inhalers help relax the airway muscles and rapidly ease breathing difficulties within a few minutes. The key growth drivers of the market include the rising burden of respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD, growing geriatric population, increasing healthcare expenditure, and technological advancements. The rescue inhaler market is segmented by product type, indication, patient type, dosage form, end user, and region. By product type, the metered dose inhaler segment accounts for the largest market share owing to the compact size, fast action, and easier technique.

Rescue Inhaler Market Regional Insights

• North America is expected to be the largest market for rescue inhaler during the forecast period, accounting for over 41.3% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the market in North America is attributed to high respiratory diseases prevalence, favorable reimbursements, and the presence of key players.
• Europe is expected to be the second-largest market for rescue inhaler, accounting for over 23.1% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the market in Europe is attributed to rising healthcare expenditure and strategic developments by companies.
• Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing market for rescue inhaler, with a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period. The growth of the market in Asia Pacific is attributed to growing geriatric population, improving healthcare infrastructure, and expanding insurance coverage.

Figure 1. Rescue Inhaler Market Share (%), By Region, 2023

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Analyst’s View on global recue Inhaler Market:

The global rescue inhaler market is expected to grow at a steady rate over the forecast period. The rising prevalence of respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD worldwide will be a key driver for the rescue inhaler market. Easy availability of generic drugs and over-the-counter availability of some rescue inhalers will also boost market growth. However, strict regulations regarding the approval of new asthma medicines may restrain market growth to some extent.

Rescue Inhaler Market Drivers

• Rising prevalence of respiratory diseases: The rising prevalence of respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and allergic rhinitis is a major factor driving the growth of the rescue inhaler market. For instance, on March 16, 2023, according to the data published by the World Health Organization, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.23 million deaths in 2019. COPD is the seventh leading cause of poor health worldwide (measured by disability-adjusted life years).
• Increasing geriatric population: The growing geriatric population across the globe presents significant opportunities for the growth of the rescue inhaler market. According to United Nations projections, the global population aged 60 years or over is expected to grow more than double by 2050, reaching nearly 2.1 billion. Elderly people are more susceptible to developing chronic respiratory conditions like COPD due to their decreased immunity and lung capacity. Moreover, coordination issues make it difficult for them to use inhalers correctly. This is leading to a greater reliance on rescue inhalers to manage acute attacks. The rising geriatric population is therefore expected to be a key growth driver for the rescue inhaler market.
• Increasing product approval: Increasing product approval by regulatory authorities for respiratory disease is catalyzing the growth of the rescue inhaler market. For instance, on June 21, 2023, Lupin, a pharmaceutical company, announced that it had received an approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) for its Abbreviated New Drug Application for Tiotropium Bromide Inhalation Powder, 18 mcg/capsule, a generic equivalent of Spiriva HandiHaler (Tiotropium Bromide Inhalation Powder).
• Technological advancements: The rescue inhaler market growth is aided by continuous technological advancements leading to product innovations. The development of smart inhaler technologies is gaining significant popularity. Companies are integrating digital sensors to track inhaler usage and provide real-time feedback regarding technique. Other innovations include dry powder inhalers, breath-actuated metered dose inhalers, and e-cigarette style vaporizer inhalers. These advanced inhalers are more patient-friendly, improve medication delivery, and foster greater adherence.

Rescue Inhaler Market Opportunities

• High growth potential in emerging markets: The emerging markets represent significant growth opportunities for rescue inhaler manufacturers owing to the large underserved patient pool and improving healthcare provisions. The rescue inhaler market has huge scope for penetration in developing countries in Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. In 2022, According to the Forum of International Respiratory Societies, over 90% of COPD deaths occur in low and middle income countries. Moreover, the prevalence of asthma in developing nations ranges from 2% to 10%. The high disease incidence coupled with expanding healthcare infrastructure is expected to drive rescue inhaler adoption. Companies are likely to gain advantage by tapping into the unmet demand in emerging economies.
• Growing demand for home care settings: The increasing demand for home care settings presents lucrative prospects for growth of the rescue inhaler market. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the preference for at-home treatment due to risks of exposure at hospitals. Rescue inhalers are ideal for self-administration during acute attacks. Moreover, technological advancements have led to the availability of easy-to-use portable nebulizers for home care. Patients are being prescribed rescue medications to manage respiratory conditions without hospital visits. Training patients regarding proper inhaler technique can further boost home care. The trend of self-medication and reduced hospital visits is expected to spur the demand for rescue inhalers.
• Development of biologics for asthma: The emergence of biologics as a targeted treatment approach for severe asthma is opening new avenues of growth for the rescue inhaler market. Biologics such as monoclonal antibodies help reduce inflammation in patients unresponsive to conventional therapies. However, the high cost of these drugs has limited their widespread adoption. Rescue inhalers are being increasingly prescribed alongside biologics to provide quick relief during asthma exacerbations. Market players can leverage this factor by creating awareness regarding proper use of rescue inhalers with biologics. The synergistic effect of both therapies will support market expansion.
• Rising focus on telehealth for respiratory care: The implementation of telehealth solutions for chronic respiratory disease management presents an important opportunity for growth of the rescue inhaler market. Telehealth facilitates remote assessment of symptoms, lung function, and inhaler usage technique. It also enables real-time interventions during acute attacks which can improve outcomes. Access to virtual care improves adherence to controller medications and proper use of rescue inhalers. Training through teleconsultations can also help first time inhaler users. Players can collaborate with telehealth companies to increase rescue inhaler uptake. The convenience of virtual respiratory care is expected to propel the market growth.

Rescue Inhaler Market Trends

• Increasing adoption of smart/digital inhalers: A major trend stimulating the growth of the rescue inhaler market is the rising adoption of smart/digital inhaler devices integrated with technology. Smart inhalers can track medication usage, monitor technique errors, and share data with physicians for better disease insights. Companies like Propeller Health and Adherium provide sensor-enabled rescue inhalers that use mobile apps to provide audio/visual feedback to patients. Smart inhalers can improve technique and medication adherence. Market leaders are capitalizing on this trend by launching newer digitally enhanced rescue inhaler models. The growing consumer preference for smart respiratory devices is a key trend fostering market growth.
• Growing demand for portable nebulizers: There has been an increase in the demand for portable handheld nebulizer devices for self-administration of rescue medication. Conventional table-top nebulizers restrict mobility making them unsuitable for home use. However, portable nebulizers are more convenient and easy to use. These devices provide fast relief from acute attacks and are ideal for emergency purposes. Key manufacturers are focusing on miniaturization and improvements in battery life. With rising preference for home treatment, the market for rescue medication nebulizers is estimated to expand significantly.
• Rising awareness about respiratory diseases: Expanding public health efforts aimed at improving awareness regarding respiratory conditions are driving the adoption of rescue inhalers. Various private and public organizations conduct education programs to provide information on disease management and inhaler technique. Knowledge about the optimal use of controller and rescue medication enhances patient compliance. Social media campaigns also help in dissipating information to wider audiences. Activities during World Asthma Day and COPD Awareness month celebrated in November also boost awareness. With improving understanding about respiratory illness, patients are able to better utilize rescue inhalers.
• Increasing online sales: The availability of rescue inhalers through e-commerce channels and online pharmacies has improved access to these products. Online platforms offer convenience and affordable prices that drive consumer preference. Major players have tightened their digital presence by collaborating with prominent e-pharmacies and using targeted online marketing. The adoption of online medicine ordering escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic owing to quarantines and social distancing norms. Market entrants are likely to harness the scope of digital commerce to boost rescue inhaler sales.

Rescue Inhaler Market Restraints

• Stringent regulatory requirements: The rescue inhaler market growth is impeded by stringent regulatory requirements regarding safety and efficacy testing. Inhalers are classified as drugs and medical devices and hence necessitate exhaustive clinical evaluations before approval. Manufacturers need to comply with good manufacturing practices and demonstrate product quality consistency. Regulations differ across countries which restricts launch plans. Moreover, increased vigilance regarding adverse effects can lead to product recalls or restricted use recommendations. The complex and lengthy regulatory processes therefore hinder growth prospects.
• Product Recall: Increasing product recall by regulatory authority. For instance, on July 7, 2023, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, recalled 6 batches of Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol, 90mcg (200 metered inhalation) due to a container defect. The product was manufactured by Cipla Inc., a healthcare company. Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol is indicated for the treatment of acute asthma exacerbations. The container defect may result in the recommended dose of albuterol not being delivered, which may result in life-threatening consequences. Thus, Key market players are focused on manufacturing more efficient product to neglect the product recall

Figure 2. Global Rescue Inhaler Market Share (%), By Product Type, 2023

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Recent Developments

New product launches

• On August 16, 2023, Lupin, a pharmaceutical company, announced the launch of Tiotropium Bromide Inhalation Powder, 18 mcg/capsule, for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the U.S.
• On January 11, 2023, AstraZeneca, a pharmaceutical company, announced the launch of Airsupra rescue inhaler to reduce the risk of asthma exacerbations in adults
• In March 2021, PARI Pharma GmbH, a company focused on advanced aerosol delivery systems based on eFlow Technology, announced the authorization of the LAMIRA Nebulizer System for delivery of Insmed’s drug product ARIKAYCE (amikacin liposome inhalation suspension) in Japan. Insmed was granted approval for ARIKAYCE by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) on March 23, 2021. The approval of ARIKAYCE in Japan follows earlier approvals in the U.S. and Europe. LAMIRA is the first drug-specific eFlow Technology nebulizer registered beyond Europe and North America

Acquisitions and partnerships

• On June 23, 2023, Kindeva Drug Delivery, a contract manufacturing and development organization (CDMO), announced the acquisition of iPharma Labs, a CDMO focused on inhaled medicine, to increase the company’s inhalation formulation outsourcing capabilities
• On May 4, 2023, Hovion, a pharmaceutical company, announced a partnership with Presspart Verwaltungs GmbH., a pharmaceutical company, for the development of Presspart’s Sunriser Capsule-based dry powder inhaler platform. The companies plan to work together to develop the Sunriser Dry Powder Inhaler, which is flexible enough to address the challenges of carrier-based and spray-dried engineered formulations
• In December 2021, Lupin, a pharmaceutical company, announced the partnership with TTP plc, a technology company, to acquire the exclusive worldwide rights from TTP plc, to develop, manufacture and commercialize inhalation products using TTP’s soft-mist inhalation technology platform. Soft-mist inhalation (SMI) technology allows for delivery of inhalation drugs from a small, portable hand-held inhaler device without the use of propellants.

Top Companies in Rescue Inhaler Market

• GSK plc.
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• Cipla Inc.
• PARI Pharma GmbH
• Lupin
• AstraZeneca
• Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH.
• Novartis
• Pfizer
• Sunovion Pharmaceuticals
• 3M
• Omron Healthcare
• Koninklijke Philips N.V.
• Invacare
• Schiller
• Teleflex Incorporated

Definition: Rescue inhalers, also known as reliever inhalers, are portable handheld devices that provide rapid relief from acute asthma attacks, COPD exacerbations, and other respiratory distress situations. Rescue inhalers quickly relax constricted airways and aid breathing within a few minutes of use. They contain short-acting bronchodilators such as salbutamol, levosalbutamol, and terbutaline. Rescue inhalers are used only when required and provide temporary symptomatic respite until persistent inflammation is better controlled with maintenance inhalers and medications. They help prevent severe attacks and urgent hospital visits if utilized at the onset of worsening symptoms. Rescue inhalers are available in pressurized metered dose, dry powder, soft mist, and nebulized formulations.