DIGITAL DOSE INHALER MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

Market Size and Trends

Global digital dose inhaler market is estimated to be valued at USD 18.33 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 64.33 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.6% from 2024 to 2031.

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Global digital dose inhaler market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period due to rising prevalence of respiratory diseases worldwide and increasing adoption of digital healthcare. Advanced features of digital dose inhalers such as dose counters, humidity controls and integrated sensors are enhancing patient compliance. Moreover, integration of these devices with mobile applications is enabling remote monitoring of patients, thereby, improving health outcomes. Telehealth and remote monitoring are expected to contribute gains in the digital dose inhaler market over the next few years. However, lack of awareness regarding digital dose inhalers and their high costs may hamper the market growth over the forecast period.

Rising Prevalence of Respiratory Diseases

Growing prevalence of respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD across the globe is a major factor boosting demand for digital dose inhalers. Respiratory diseases have become one of the top causes of death and disability globally. According to the estimates, over 334 million people are suffering from asthma globally and 250,000 deaths are attributed to the disease each year. The condition is more prevalent among children as compared to adults. Growing environmental pollution levels and changes in lifestyle habits have contributed significantly to rising cases of asthma in both developing and developed nations. Respiratory infections are ranked as the greatest single contributor to the overall burden of disease in the world. According to the World Health Organization Data in May 2023, approximately 262 million individuals are estimated to be afflicted by asthma. As the number of people battling these chronic respiratory illnesses increases, it boosts sales of digitally operated inhalers which helps to effectively manage symptoms and ensure medication adherence.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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Increasing adoption of organic growth strategies such as product launch by key market players is expected to drive the growth of digital dose inhaler market over the forecast period. For instance, in September 2020, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., a pharmaceutical company, announced the launch of AirDuo Digihaler (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) inhalation powder and ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone propionate) inhalation powder, two digital maintenance inhalers for patients with asthma. AirDuo Digihaler is a prescription medicine that is used to control symptoms of asthma and prevent symptoms such as wheezing in people 12 years of age and older. ArmonAir Digihaler is a prescription medicine for the long-term treatment of asthma in patients 12 years and older.

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The high development costs associated with digital dose inhalers is a major factor restraining the market growth. Developing an inhaler that can precisely track dose usage, connect to a mobile app, and adhere to strict medical regulations is an expensive endeavor that requires significant investments in R&D. Digital dose inhalers uses sensors, connectivity modules, and complex software, and this drive up manufacturing costs as compared to conventional inhalers. Digital inhalers must undergo lengthy and rigorous clinical trials to prove their safety, efficacy, and consistency in drug delivery over traditional devices. This clinical trial process alone spans several years and costs millions of dollars. However, the lengthy patenting process also translates to delays in being able to generate revenues. This discourages many smaller companies from investing in this emerging field despite the potential benefits of digital monitoring and connectivity for patients. Moreover, due to the high prices necessitated by the development expenditures, digital inhalers may not be affordable or reimbursed for all patients. This could limit their widespread adoption, especially in developing countries.

Market Opportunities – The Digitization of Inhalers Presents a Major Opportunity for More Personalized Care

The digitization of inhalers presents a major opportunity for more personalized care. Detailed usage data provides insights into how treatment regimens are working in real-world settings. This data can help physicians better understand triggers for asthmatic episodes or COPD flare ups. It also enables remote monitoring that improves access and convenience for patients managing chronic conditions.

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Product segment is sub-segmented into metered dose inhaler (MDI), dry powder inhaler (DPI), and others. Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) segment is estimated to hold 39.4% share of the market in 2024 owing to its portability and simplicity of use. MDIs are small, lightweight devices that are convenient for patients to carry around wherever these go. The streamlined, one-press activation mechanism means patients can take their medication discreetly and easily with minimal effort. This is particularly important for conditions like asthma where symptoms can flare up suddenly. MDIs are also easier for some patients to use correctly as compared to other inhaler types. These do not require battery power, priming, or coordination of inhalation and activation. This makes them more suitable for children, elderly patients, and those with reduced motor functions or dexterity issues. The familiar design of MDIs also provides patients a comfortable dosing experience from prior device usage. MDI refills are simpler to obtain than entire new inhaler devices. With a stockpile of refill canisters, patients face less risk of being unable to access their medication due to shortages or delays. The self-contained and disposable nature of MDI propellant systems also alleviate concerns around cross-contamination between patients.

Insights, By Indication: Increasing Prevalence of COPD Globally

Indication segment is sub-segmented into asthma, COPD, and others. COPD segment is expected to hold  33.9% of the market share in 2024 due to increasing prevalence of COPD globally. COPD is characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow. If left untreated, it progresses slowly and worsens over time. Factors such as an aging population, continued tobacco use, air pollution, and genetic predispositions have all contributed to a swelling COPD patient pool worldwide in recent decades. For instance, according to the report published by World Health Organization on March 16, 2023, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide that caused 3.23 million deaths in 2019. Moreover, according to the same source, low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) account for about 90% of deaths from COPD in those under the age of 70. With limited treatment options available, digital dose inhalers play a key role in COPD management. These deliver maintenance therapies and provide quick relief during exacerbations. Advanced inhalers that monitor usage and synchronize with mobile apps also improve medication adherence for COPD patients needing combination or rescue therapies throughout the day. This growing disease burden makes the COPD indication segment highly reliant on digital dose inhalers for standard of care. It is anticipated to remain the dominant segment in the near future.

Insights, By End User: Hospitals segment dominate due to reimbursement structure

End User segment is sub-segmented into hospitals, homecare settings, others. Hospitals segment is expected to hold 37.9% of the market share in 2024. This segment growth is primarily driven by current reimbursement models that favor inhaler distribution and education through hospital networks rather than retail or mail-order pharmacies. When COPD or asthma patients receive new prescriptions or refills under medical insurance, the costs are often wholly or partially covered if obtained from hospital outpatient pharmacies. This centralized procurement method preferred by insurance providers helps lower costs through bulk purchasing discounts. Hospitals may also spend on proprietary inhaler dispensing systems and inventory to streamline the process. Their respiratory specialists and certified educators additionally conduct patient training sessions to ensure proper technique before releasing inhalers. Such supplemental services cement hospitals as an attractive choice for initial and ongoing digital inhaler access. Even home healthcare segments remain closely tied to hospital referrals and prescription renewals. Positive clinical outcomes demonstrated in-hospital encourage prolonged reliance on recognized providers over independent options with less oversight. 

Regional Insights

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North America remains the dominant region in the global digital dose inhaler market and is anticipated to hold 38.3% of the market share in 2024. North America has established itself as the dominant region in the digital dose inhaler market. The presence of leading pharmaceutical companies along with well-established healthcare infrastructure and high healthcare spending have contributed to the large market size of the region. The U.S. accounts for the majority of the North American market owing to favorable regulations and new product approvals. Many major players such as GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and Teva Pharmaceutical have their headquarters in the U.S., facilitating extensive research and development activities. As a result, North America witnesses frequent new product launches and line extensions.

The Asia Pacific region is poised to be the fastest growing market for digital dose inhalers. The large patient pool affected by respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma offers immense growth opportunities. Moreover, increasing healthcare expenditure and improving access to healthcare systems across emerging countries of Asia Pacific are boosting demand for digital dose inhaler. Governments of countries like India and China have implemented various initiatives to promote generic and low-cost drugs. This favors the local manufacturing of digital dose inhaler devices in these countries. Various international players are also entering partnership with domestic pharmaceutical firms to leverage low production costs and tap into the expanding patient demographic in Asia Pacific.

Market Report Scope

Key Developments

• In July 2023, Teva UK Limited, a subsidiary company of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., launched GoResp Digihaler (budesonide / formoterol fumarate dihydrate) in the U.K. GoResp Digihaler is the first integrated inhaler device with built-in sensors that detect and record objective data on the patient’s use and ability to use their inhaler, including inspiratory flow classification.
• In June 2023, Phil Inc., a patient access platform company that revolutionizes life science product commercialization, in collaboration with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. launched a new program to improve access to the Digihaler family of inhalers to support asthma management
• In January 2020, Cognita Labs, a medical device company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had approved digital inhaler sensor for the treatment of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other pulmonary conditions. The inhaler fuses digital technology with traditional metered dose inhalers (MDIs), which guides patients using live audio-visual cues to help them use the device correctly and regularly, crucial for effective therapy and avoidance of flare-ups.

*Definition: Digital Dose Inhaler Market involves portable handheld devices that deliver precise doses of medication through inhalation. These smart inhalers are connected devices that contain sensors to track medication use and can send alerts to remind patients to take their prescribed doses. The devices store information about time and dose of each use which can be accessed by physicians to monitor patients' medication adherence and treatment effectiveness remotely. This helps optimize therapy and patient outcomes through digital connectivity and dose tracking capabilities.

Market Segmentation

•  Product Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)
  • Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)
  • Others
•  Type Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Branded 
  • Generic 
•  Indication Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Asthma
  • COPD
  • Others
•  End User Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Hospitals
  • Homecare Settings
  • Others
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • 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
  • 3M
  • AstraZeneca 
  • GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS LTD. 
  • Novartis AG
  • Sensirion AG
  • Propeller Health
  • OPKO Health, Inc.
  • Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
  • BEXIMCO Pharmaceuticals
  • GSK plc. 
  • Mundhipharma International
  • Honeywell International Inc.
  • Veranex
  • Cognita Labs