Alzheimers Drugs Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Drug Class (Cholinesterase Inhibitors, NMDA Receptor Antagonist, Combination Drugs, and Others), By Application (Disease Progression and Symptom Management), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy & Drug Stores, and Online Pharmacy), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The global Alzheimer’s drugs market size was valued at USD 3.52 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 3.69 billion in 2023 to USD 5.21 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period. North America dominated the global market with a share of 51.42% in 2022.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive neurodegenerative disorder, which is characterized by loss of memory and functional cognitive decline of the brain system. This is a fatal disease that results in degeneration and death of brain cells. Alzheimer’s disease is considered the most common cause of dementia, which severely affects a person's ability to function.

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease amongst the geriatric population is increasing.  This has resulted in the growing demand for effective therapies to treat the symptoms of this disease. Owing to this, pharmaceutical companies, as well as research institutes, are focusing on creating a strong pipeline for drug development.

• For instance, as per the article published in May 2023 in the journal Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, as of January 2023, the number of clinical trials assessing the treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is 187. This drug development pipeline is growing significantly with the inclusion of advancing agents directed at a variety of target processes.

Some of the other significant factors that are responsible for the market growth include the advancements in neuroscience research, increasing funding by private as well as government entities and the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Additionally, increasing awareness regarding the disease symptoms and treatment is also estimated to drive the Alzheimer’s drugs market growth in the future.

Furthermore, the growing geriatric population is anticipated to increase the demand for treatment and management of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

• For instance, according to National Center for Health Statistics, the number of Americans aged 65 years and above, increased by roughly 25% from 2003 to 2013 and is expected to increase by another 50% by 2040. Also, from 2018 to 2038, the number of Americans aged 85 years and above is expected to be more than double from 6 million to 14.6 million

COVID-19 IMPACT

Decreased Number of Patients Treated During Pandemic Resulted in Slower Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the market growth, resulting in slower growth. This is majorly due to the decreased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-treated patients during 2020 as well as the significant impact on the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

• For instance, according to a study published in August 2023 in NCBI, in 2020, the incidence rate of Alzheimer’s disease was 118.4 per 100,000. The rate was decreased from 148.1 per 100,000 in 2019.

Furthermore, factors such as the suspension of outpatient clinics to contain the spread of the disease, a high number of COVID-19-related deaths in Alzheimer’s patients living in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and other challenges related to the management of patients with Alzheimer’s disease also has affected the market growth.

Hence, the market witnessed a comparatively lower growth rate in 2021 and 2022. Also, the market was anticipated to witness slower growth in 2023. However, with the increasing number of patients and growth rate expected to reach the pre-pandemic level, the market will witness significant growth in the coming years.

Alzheimer’s Drugs Market Trends

Advancements in Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Patients Identified as a Significant Market Trend

In recent years, with the growing patient population of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers are focused on the introduction of innovative devices and therapies for better understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease. The researchers are utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality, as well as machine learning technology to find innovative ways to analyze data and speed up clinical trials.

• For instance, using machine learning & artificial intelligence, scientists can develop algorithms for the analysis of large datasets that can be used for Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials.

Furthermore, the researchers are involved in the development of new technologies to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at the pre-symptomatic stage.

• For instance, as per the data published by medRxiv in November 2021, researchers have conducted a study and employed an artificial intelligence (AI) based approach to interpreting the relationship of digital measures (DMs) to questionnaire-based cognition and functional activity scores. The study results indicate that DMs have the potential to act as a critical measure in the early diagnosis and staging of AD.

Alzheimer’s Drugs Market Growth Factors

Rising Awareness Regarding Alzheimer’s Disease and its Treatment Boosts Market Growth

There has been an increasing awareness regarding Alzheimer's disease (AD) globally in recent years, with more people becoming aware of the symptoms and seeking medical attention. This has led to an increase in the diagnosis rates of Alzheimer's disease, which in turn drives the demand for Alzheimer’s drugs used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.

Furthermore, healthcare organizations arranged several health campaigns to increase awareness regarding the disease.

• For instance, as per the data released by MULLIN in June 2023, the Alzheimer's Association Oklahoma Chapter provides educational training to recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s disease. It also involves connecting patients with community resources to get disease-related information, advice, and support.

Moreover, Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month (June) is a global healthcare event initiated by President of the U.S., Ronald Reagan, in 1983 to raise public awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. This awareness month highlights the importance of early diagnosis and also aims to urge the local authorities and private organizations to donate funds that aid in further research and care. As a part of this event, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages people to wear the purple ribbon representing the fight against Alzheimer’s disease to support individuals and families affected by the disease.

Thus, the rising awareness regarding this disease and treatment is further increasing the usage of Alzheimer’s drugs to diagnose patients effectively and is anticipated to bolster the market growth during the forecast period.

Increase in Government Funding and Initiatives to Propel Market Growth

With the growing number of Alzheimer's patients globally, there is an increasing burden on healthcare providers to manage the patient pool. Thus, the demand for effective treatment for Alzheimer’s is significantly growing. Owing to this, governments in various countries are undertaking various initiatives and providing funds for research in order to help reduce the burden of Alzheimer's disease.

• For instance, in March 2023, the Mayo Clinic received federal funding of USD 41 million for research related to Alzheimer's disease. This research program is aimed at identifying the next generation of precision medicine biomarkers and potential novel therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Similarly, according to an article published in April 2023, the U.S. National Institute on Aging (NIA) announced the funding of USD 300.0 million for a project to build an enormous Alzheimer's research database that can track the health of Americans for ten years and enable researchers to gain new insights on the brain-wasting disease. Such initiatives are anticipated to improve early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, which in turn drives the market growth. The accelerated development of therapeutics that would prevent, stop, or inverse the course of Alzheimer's disease is expected to increase, which is anticipated to increase the demand for Alzheimer's drugs.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Rate of Clinical Trials Failure to Limit Market Growth

Even though the number of candidates for Alzheimer’s disease in clinical trials is continuously increasing, the high failure rate of these trials is anticipated to restrain the market growth up to a certain extent. The failure, uncertainty, and discontinuation of Alzheimer's drugs clinical trials results in the limited availability of Alzheimer’s drugs to treat the disease. This also increases the cost of research & development, in turn hampering the market growth.

• For instance, in December 2022, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd announced the closing of the clinical trial for its experimental Alzheimer's drug gantenerumab. The candidate failed to show promising results in slowing the disease progression in two drug trials.

Furthermore, the high cost of Alzheimer’s disease treatment also slows down the market growth. Alzheimer’s is a significant and growing public health issue with staggering costs, mostly due to the burden of informal, unpaid caregiving, and lost productivity.

• For instance, according to data published by the Joint Economic Committee in July 2022, over 6.0 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease, which cost the U.S. economy an estimated USD 321.00 billion in 2022. By 2050, the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is projected to reach 12.7 million, bringing the total cost to nearly USD 1.0 trillion annually.

Alzheimer’s Drugs Market Segmentation Analysis

By Drug Class Analysis

Highest Number of Approved Products Coupled with High Usage Boosted the Cholinesterase Inhibitors Segment Growth

On the basis of drug class, the market is categorized into cholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonist, combination drugs, and others.

The cholinesterase inhibitors segment captured the highest global Alzheimer’s drugs market share in 2022. This can be attributed to the high number of drugs approved under this segment coupled with high usage of these drugs for Alzheimer’s treatment. At present, donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine are a class of medications that are currently approved for the treatment of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). Several studies have proven their efficacy for the treatment of the disease.

On the other hand, the others segment is anticipated to witness significant growth over the forecasted years. Increasing regulatory approvals for Alzheimer’s drugs is one of the key factors driving the segment’s growth during the forecast period.

• For instance, the U.S. FDA approved ADUHELM in June 2021. This is an anti-amyloid antibody treatment to control disease progression.

Furthermore, Namenda (Memantine) is the only drug approved under the class NMDA receptor antagonist. Similar to majority of the other approved drugs, this is also used to treat the symptoms associated with the disease. NMDA receptor drugs are used to treat cognitive and memory deficits.

Combination drugs used to treat the disease include NAMZARIC. It is a combination of memantine hydrochloride extended-release and donepezil hydrochloride. This segment is anticipated to witness a comparatively slower growth over the forecast period.

By Application Analysis

Symptom Management Segment Led the Market Due to Comparatively Significant Market Presence over the Years

Based on application, the market is segmented into disease progression and symptom management.

The symptom management segment accounted for a dominating market share in 2022. This can be attributed to the fact that the majority of the currently approved drugs for the disease are focused on the management of the disease symptoms. As of now, there is no cure available for Alzheimer’s disease. The approved drugs treat cognitive symptoms as well as non-cognitive symptoms.

The disease progression segment is estimated to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the expected high demand for Alzheimer’s drugs to manage disease progression.

The segment accounted for very less market share in 2022. Key factors responsible for this low share include the availability of a limited number of approved products for the management of Alzheimer’s disease progression. Currently, there are only two drugs that the U.S. FDA has approved.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Higher Consumption of Therapeutics from Hospital Pharmacies led to Hospital Pharmacy Segment Growth

By distribution channel, the market is categorized into hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy & drug stores, and online pharmacy.

The hospital pharmacy segment led the global market in 2022 with the highest market share. The key factor responsible for the high market share includes the increasing procurement of prescription therapeutics from hospital pharmacies. Additionally, the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus further supplemented the segment growth due to increased hospitalizations and the use of these drugs in Alzheimer’s patients infected with COVID-19.

Alternatively, the online pharmacy segment is anticipated to grow considerably during the forecast period. This is majorly due to the increasing adoption of online digital platforms by consumers. The online pharmacy platforms make it easier for the individual to receive the medication at the doorstep.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Based on region, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.

North America held the highest market share in 2022, generating a revenue of USD 1.81 billion. The region is anticipated to dominate the market throughout the forecast period. Key factors driving the regional growth include the high prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S., recent new drug approvals by regulatory bodies, and the availability of advanced healthcare systems in the region.

• For instance, in February 2023, Health Canada accepted a New Drug Submission (NDS) for Eisai Co., Ltd. & Biogen Inc.’s lecanemab as a treatment for early Alzheimer’s disease.

Moreover, increasing healthcare expenditure to support Alzheimer’s disease care in the region further supports the market growth. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, in the U.S., the disease is estimated to cost around USD 345 billion in 2023. This cost is expected to rise to USD 1 trillion by 2050.

On the other hand, Europe captured the second-largest share of the global market. Increasing efforts by the different governments to improve the quality of care as well as increase awareness amongst the general population have driven the European market growth.

• For instance, in November 2023, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved Alzheimer’s Drug PRI-002 to enter a phase II trial. This drug was developed at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) and Forschungszentrum Jülich.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest-growing region in the global market. Factors contributing to the highest growth include the rapidly growing prevalence of the disease in Asian countries coupled with increasing awareness among the people.

• For instance, according to data provided by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in February 2022, to reduce the risk of dementia, the Government of India is supporting the execution of the District Mental Health Programme in around 704 districts of India for the detection and treatment of mental disorders.

List of Key Alzheimer’s Drugs Market Companies

Biogen Inc. and Eisai Inc. to Boost Market Growth with Strong Product Portfolio

The market space for Alzheimer’s drugs reflects a consolidated structure, with key players, such as Biogen Inc. and Eisai Inc., accounting for a significant market share in 2022. These companies have a substantial number of product approvals and are actively engaged in the development of innovative therapies for the management of Alzheimer’s disease.

• For instance, in June 2021, Eisai Inc. and Biogen Inc. announced multiple initiatives with the aim to help patients with AD. These programs are intended to help patients with Alzheimer’s disease access ADUHELM.

Furthermore, other prominent players, such as Novartis AG, H.Lundbeck A/S, and others, are also adopting several growth strategies such as collaborations & partnerships, new product launches, and others, in turn contributing to the growing competition in the market. These firms are also focusing on increasing their R&D expenditure in order to develop new products to treat the disease.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• EISAI CO., LTD. (Japan)


• Novartis AG (Switzerland)


• Biogen Inc. (U.S.)


• H. Lundbeck A/S (Denmark)


• Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Japan)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• July 2023 – The U.S. FDA granted regulatory approval for Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.


• December 2022 - Eisai Co. Ltd. and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis formed a research collaboration to develop new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.


• March 2022 - Adlarity (donepezil hydrochloride), a cholinesterase inhibitor developed by Corium Inc., was approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of patients with mild, moderate, or severe dementia of Alzheimer's type.


• March 2022 - Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc. amended their collaboration agreement. Through this, Eisai received a tiered royalty based on the net sales of ADUHELM rather than sharing global profits and losses.


• June 2021 - Aduhelm (aducanumab) manufactured by Biogen Inc. was approved by the U.S. FDA using the accelerated approval pathway.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global Alzheimer’s drugs market report provides an in-depth analysis of the industry. It focuses on market segments, such as drug class, application, and distribution channel. Besides this, it offers the global Alzheimer’s drugs market forecast in relation to the current market dynamics, the impact of COVID-19, and latest market trends. Additionally, the report consists of several factors that have contributed to the market’s growth. The report also provides the competitive landscape of the market along the pipeline analysis.

Report Scope & Segmentation

ATTRIBUTE	DETAILS
Study Period	2019-2030
Base Year	2022
Estimated Year	2023
Forecast Period	2023-2030
Historical Period	2019-2021
Growth Rate	CAGR of 5.1% from 2023-2030
Unit	Value (USD Billion)
Segmentation	By Drug Class Cholinesterase Inhibitors NMDA Receptor Antagonist Combination Drugs Others
By Application Disease Progression Symptom Management
By Distribution Channel Hospital Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy & Drug Stores Online Pharmacy
By Region North America (By Drug Class, Application, Distribution Channel, and Country/Sub-Region) U.S. Canada Europe (By Drug Class, Application, Distribution Channel, and Country/Sub-Region) Germany U.K. France Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia Pacific (By Drug Class, Application, Distribution Channel, and Country/Sub-Region) China Japan India Australia Rest of Asia Pacific Rest of the World (By   Drug Class, Application, Distribution Channel)