Colonoscopy bowel preparation drugs market

Global colonoscopy bowel preparation drugs market is estimated to be valued at US$ 2000.5 million in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period (2023-2030). The rising prevalence of colorectal cancer is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period. Moreover, rising research and development activities is expected to boost the growth of the colonoscopy bowel preparation drugs market.

Analysts’ Views on Global Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Drugs Market:

The global colonoscopy bowel preparation drugs market growth can be driven by improved product formulations offered by key market players. For instance, in November 2020, Sebela Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. pharmaceutical company received US FDA approval for sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and potassium chloride tablets (Sutab) for colonoscopy preparation, as an alternative to liquid-based colonoscopy solutions. Sutab is an osmotic laxative indicated for cleansing the colon in preparation for colonoscopy in adults.

Figure 1. Global Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Drugs Market Share (%), by Drug Type, 2023

Global Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Drugs Market- Driver

Increasing incidence of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Regular colonoscopy screenings are essential for early detection and prevention. For instance, according to the World Health Organization report in September 2022, globally, it was projected that there were more than 1.9 million new instances of colorectal cancer and more than 930,000 deaths from the disease in 2020. According to WHO estimates, by 2040, there would be 3.2 million new cases of colorectal cancer annually (an increase of 63%) and 1.6 million annual deaths (an increase of 73%). This drives the demand for colonoscopy bowel preparation drugs as they are necessary to cleanse the colon before the procedure.

Growing awareness and emphasis on preventive healthcare

There has been a significant increase in public awareness about the importance of preventive healthcare measures, including regular screenings such as colonoscopies. This has led to a higher demand for colonoscopy procedures, thereby driving the market for bowel preparation drugs.  For instance, in March 2022, World Health Organization created Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 2022 in March to promote healthy lifestyle habits that can decrease a person’s risk of developing cancer of the colon, rectum, or anus – the three distinct cancer types referred to collectively as colorectal cancer.

Figure 2. Global Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Drugs Market Share (%), by Region, 2023

Global Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Drugs Market- Regional Analysis

The North America colonoscopy bowel preparation drugs market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years. Factors such as the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer, rising awareness about preventive healthcare, and advancements in medical technology are driving the demand for colonoscopy procedures and, consequently, the need for effective bowel preparation drugs.

For instance, according to the Global Cancer Statistics (GLOBOCAN) published in January 2020, in the U.S., around 147,950 new cases of large bowel cancer are diagnosed annually, of which around 104,610 cases are colon cancer and the remaining are colorectal cancer. According to the same source, around 53,200 Americans die every year due to colorectal cancer, which accounts for around 8% of all cancer deaths occurring, globally.

North America has well-established healthcare systems with favorable reimbursement policies for colonoscopy procedures. These policies encourage individuals to undergo screenings, which, in turn, boosts the demand for bowel preparation drugs.

Global Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Drugs Market– Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

Since the COVID-19 virus outbreak in December 2019, the disease has spread to over 100 countries across the globe and the World Health Organization declared it a public health emergency on January 30, 2020. As of 3 May 2023, there have been 766,895,075 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 6,935,889 deaths, reported to WHO.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in healthcare systems worldwide, including the postponement of elective procedures, including colonoscopies, in many regions. This temporary disruption had an impact on the demand for colonoscopy bowel preparation drugs, as the number of procedures performed decreased significantly during the height of the pandemic.

In June 2021 Numerous studies based on databases such as Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus have demonstrated a widespread decline in colorectal cancer screening rates across different countries and at various points in time during the COVID-19 pandemic. On average, screening rates have dropped anywhere between 28% to 100%.

During this period, only a small fraction of hospitals and screening centers, approximately 2% to 2.5% with full capacity, managed to continue operating as usual. In contrast, more than 77% of these facilities limited their activities to less than 10% of their normal capacity.

Specific procedures related to colorectal cancer screening have been notably affected. The completion of colonoscopies requiring examination saw a significant decline of approximately 65.7%. Surveillance colonoscopy, which is performed for individuals with a history of precancerous polyps or colorectal cancer, experienced a decrease ranging from 44.6% to 79%. Prescription colonoscopy, which involves colonoscopies recommended based on patient-specific factors, dropped by 60% to 81%. Additionally, there was a considerable 43% decline in referrals for colonoscopy.

These findings underscore the substantial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on colorectal cancer screening efforts, with decreased access to screenings and reduced utilization of necessary procedures. Thus COVID-19 had a significant negative impact on the market as the number of surgery procedures decreased substantially.

Global Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Drugs Market Segmentation:

The global colonoscopy bowel preparation drugs market report is segmented into drug type, and distribution channel

Based on Drug Type, the market is segmented into isosmotic agents, hyposmotic agents, and combination agents. Combination agents typically contain a mix of osmotic and stimulant laxatives, offering a comprehensive approach to bowel cleansing. These agents provide both effective colon cleansing and improved patient tolerability compared to single-agent formulations. Combination agents often have a balanced osmotic effect and stimulate peristalsis, facilitating a thorough cleansing of the colon. Isosmotic agents, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions, have also gained significant popularity and are commonly used for colonoscopy bowel preparation. Hyposmotic agents, on the other hand, are less commonly used as standalone preparations for colonoscopy bowel preparation.

Based on Distribution Channel, the market is segmented into hospitals pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and others. Retail Pharmacies are easily accessible to the general public and provide convenience for patients to obtain their prescribed bowel preparation drugs and hence dominate the market.

Global Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Drugs Market Cross Sectional Analysis:

North America market for colonoscopy bowel preparation drugs is anticipated to expand at the highest pace. There is a growing emphasis on preventive healthcare measures in North America, including regular screenings for various diseases. Colonoscopy is recognized as an effective preventive measure for colorectal cancer, leading to an increased demand for colonoscopy procedures and bowel preparation drugs.

Global Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Drugs Market: Key Developments

In March 2022, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a drug manufacturer operating in Japan announced that it obtained regulatory approval from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for the anti-HER2 humanized monoclonal antibodies, Perjeta for intravenous infusion [pertuzumab] and Herceptin for intravenous infusion 60 and 150 [trastuzumab], for the additional indication of advanced or recurrent HER2-positive colon cancer or rectal cancer not amenable to curative resection that has progressed after cancer chemotherapy.

Global Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Drugs Market: Restraint

Patient compliance and tolerability                 

Bowel preparation for colonoscopy typically involves consuming a large volume of laxatives or solutions, which can be challenging for some patients. The taste, texture, and quantity of the preparation can lead to poor patient compliance and tolerability. Patients may find the process unpleasant and may be reluctant to undergo colonoscopy screenings, thus impacting the demand for bowel preparation drugs.

Side effects and safety concerns

Bowel preparation drugs can cause side effects such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and electrolyte imbalances. These side effects may deter patients from completing the bowel preparation regimen or may pose risks for individuals with certain medical conditions. Safety concerns associated with bowel preparation drugs may also lead to hesitancy or caution among healthcare providers and patients.

Global Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Drugs Market: Key Players

Major players operating in the global colonoscopy bowel preparation drugs market include Ferring B.V., Bayer AG, Braintree, Bausch Health Companies Inc., and Norgine B.V.

Definition: Colonoscopy bowel preparation drugs are medications or solutions used to cleanse the colon and prepare it for a colonoscopy procedure. These drugs are taken orally and work to empty the bowel by inducing bowel movements and removing fecal matter, ensuring a clear visualization of the colon during the procedure.

Detailed Segmentation:

• Global Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Drugs, By Drug Type:
  • Isosmotic Agents
    • High-volume Polyethylene Glycol Preparations
    • Sulfate-free PEG-ELS
    • Low-volume PEG Preparations
  • Hyposmotic Agents
  • Hyperosmotic Agents
    • Oral sodium Sulfate
    • Magnesium Citrate
    • Sodium Phosphate
  • Combination Agents
    • Sodium Picosulfate/Magnesium Citrate
    • Sodium Sulfate and SF-PEG-ELS
• Global Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Drugs, By Distribution Channel:
  • Hospitals Pharmacies
  • Retail Pharmacies
  • Others (wholesale distributors, online pharmacies)
• Global Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Drugs, By Region:
• • • North America
    • Europe
    • Asia-Pacific Latin America
    • Middle East & Africa