Japan Anti-Rheumatic Drug Market Size, Share, COVID-19 Impact, Opportunities, And Trends By Type Of Disease (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Lupus, Others), By Drug Class (Disease-modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Corticosteroids, JAK Inhibitor, Others), And By Sales Channel (Prescription, Over-the-counter (OTC)) - Forecasts From 2022 To 2027

Japan’s antirheumatic drug market was valued at US$15,757.740 million in 2020. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.99% to attain a value of US$20,723.660 million by 2027. The market’s growth is being majorly driven by the continuously increasing elderly population in this country. According to the World Bank Group data, the percentage of the total population aged 65 and above, has increased from 16.98% in 2000 to 27.58% in 2018. The state-of-the-art healthcare system in this country is contributing to this growing number, which, as a result, is increasing the burden of diseases among this age group. According to data from the OECD, the country’s ageing population will continue to exert pressure on public spending on health, while spending on long-term care has continued to remain strong. The rising geriatric population in Japan will continue to drive the cases of rheumatoid arthritis higher than any other age group, and even if this happens earlier, symptoms usually begin to surface at this age.  The rising geriatric population in Japan will continue to drive the cases of rheumatoid arthritis higher than in any other age group, thus boosting the market growth of antirheumatic drugs in the country.

Furthermore, since Japan is one of the most developed economies in the world, the affordability of healthcare services among the population is already high. Although people tend to follow a healthy lifestyle, in order to shield themselves from diseases that are chronic in nature, the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in this country is significantly high. A high incidence of this disease is driving the consumption of anti-rheumatic drugs among people affected by it, thus propelling market growth. However, increasing awareness among people regarding the efficacy and safety of generic drugs in this country is steering some of them towards these drugs. The market for anti-rheumatic drugs is contracting as these drugs cost a fraction of what branded drugs do.  Yet, we expect good market growth for these drugs over the forecast period.

The Japan Antirheumatic Drugs market has been segmented based on the type of disease, Drug class, and sales channel. By type of disease, the market has been segmented as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, and others. By type of molecule, the Japanese antirheumatic drugs market has been classified into pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals. The market segmentation has also been done by sales channel as prescription and over-the-counter (OTC).

Key Developments in the Market:

• In November 2020, Japan-based Eisai Co Ltd and Gilead Sciences announced the approval of with prior regulatory approval Jyseleca®, a new once-daily, oral JAK (Janus kinase) inhibitor by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. The drug preferentially inhibits JAK1 and was launched in Japan on November 18 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Based on the co-promotion agreement signed by the duo, Gilead held the marketing authorization, while Eisai was responsible for the production of the drug across Japan. 
• In February 2021, the introduction of Hulio in Japan was announced by Fujifilm Kyowa Kirin Biologics and Mylan. For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, among other conditions, Hulio® is offered in a 40mg/0.8mL syringe and pen form and a 20mg/0.4mL syringe (indicated for juvenile idiopathic arthritis). This is the first biosimilar adalimumab product to be introduced in Japan.

COVID-19 Insights:

COVID-19 had a significant impact on Japan's antirheumatic drugs market. The region's drug demand is being driven by the rising number of adolescents and adults suffering from various rheumatic disorders. However, the pandemic caused many production facilities to close, which reduced productivity due to the rise in active cases and the use of severe measures, including lockdown and social isolation. Border restrictions also had a significant impact on regional imports and exports, which disrupted the supply chain. These elements restrained the market's expansion during the pandemic.

Segmentation

• By Type of Disease
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Lupus
  • Others
• By Drug Class
  • Disease-modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Corticosteroids
  • JAK inhibitor
  • Others
• By Sales Channel
  • Prescription
  • Over-The-Counter (OTC)