VISCOSUPPLEMENTATION MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Size and Trends

The viscosupplementation market is estimated to be valued at USD 3.84 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 6.49 Bn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% from 2024 to 2031.

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The viscosupplementation market is expected to witness positive growth over the forecast period. This is primarily due to the rising geriatric population who are more prone to osteoarthritis coupled with the growing prevalence of obesity. Furthermore, the market is expected to benefit from the introduction of novel hyaluronic acid-based viscosupplementation products with improved efficacy and reduced number of injections required.

Growing elderly population and risk of osteoarthritis

As the global population is aging significantly, the number of elderly people prone to mobility issues and joint disorders is increasing rapidly. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of disability among the geriatric population worldwide. It usually occurs in the hands, hips, and knees and can make even basic movements extremely painful. As people are living longer due to improvements in healthcare and nutritional standards, osteoarthritis has become highly prevalent. The rising population of older individuals fuels the demand for effective pain management and treatment options for osteoarthritis. Viscosupplementation therapies provide lubrication and protection to joints affected by osteoarthritis, helping maintain movement and reducing discomfort. They allow many elderly patients to avoid joint replacement surgeries or other invasive procedures, improving their quality of life.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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Widespread information availability through online health resources and support groups has raised awareness about various non-surgical alternatives for osteoarthritis. Several patients now prefer conservative treatment approaches over joint replacement surgeries, at least in the initial stages of the disease. Viscosupplementation therapies are very attractive in this context since they are non-invasive and involve simple local injections to supplement joint fluid viscosity. Compared to joint replacement, which is often a last resort, viscosupplementation allows patients to avoid complex surgery and a long recovery period. It preserves the natural joint and improves mobility without major downtime or risks of surgery.

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The viscosupplementation market faces several challenges. Due to the high cost of viscosupplementation therapies and procedures, healthcare reimbursements pose a major difficulty. Additionally, the market has seen slower adoption rates in developing nations due to lower awareness and higher treatment expenses. Patients may also be hesitant to opt for repetitive intra-articular injections.

Market Opportunities: Growing prevalence of osteoarthritis

With rising geriatric populations worldwide, the prevalence of osteoarthritis is increasing rapidly. This growing patient pool suffering from joint pain indicates higher demand. Furthermore, ongoing research into newer viscosupplements promises treatments that are longer-lasting or require fewer injections. Expanded health coverage through insurance plans could help boost the market by facilitating access.

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The dosage segment includes single injection, three injection, and five injections. Three injection is anticipated to hold 45.8% of the market share in 2024. Completing a full treatment course in just three visits increases compliance rates compared to longer five injection regimens. Busy patients appreciate that Three Injection shortens disruption to their daily routine. Healthcare providers also favor Three Injection, as three visits reduces the burden on resources versus single alternatives that may require additional follow up appointments due to incomplete relief of symptoms. The consistent dosing schedule of Three Injection further aids treatment adherence. Receiving regular injections on the same cadence helps patients establish a routine and stick to their care plan. In contrast, options with varied intervals like single or five injections can confuse patients and compromise how diligently they follow prescription instructions. Overall, Three Injection strikes the right balance for most osteoarthritis sufferers seeking prompt symptom relief without excessive disruption to work and personal obligations.

Insights, By Arthritis Type: Increased incidence of chronic diseases drives growth in Diabetes applications

The arthritis type segment includes osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis contributes the highest share of the viscosupplementation market and is projected to hold 67.8% of the market share in 2024. Osteoarthritis accounts for over 60% of all arthritis cases and directly affects 27 million Americans, with many more affected indirectly as caregivers. The sheer scale of the eligible patient pool makes it the dominant market segment. Additionally, the degenerative nature of osteoarthritis often limits the effectiveness of alternatives like medication management alone. Viscosupplementation offers a minimally invasive solution preferred by both patients and providers over joint replacement in earlier disease stages. The aging global population further expands the reach of osteoarthritis. Risk factors like obesity, past joint injury, and genetics ensure prevalence will keep rising. While rheumatoid arthritis also has a large footprint, its autoimmune pathology responds better to alternative pharmaceutical interventions.

Insights, By End User: Convenience and cost advantages drive the hospital Segment

The end user segment includes hospitals, specialty clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and others. Hospitals contribute the highest share of the viscosupplementation market and is projected to hold 48.2% of the market share in 2024. As arthritis disproportionately affects the elderly, many patients rely on hospitals for more involved treatment plans that integrate viscosupplementation alongside comprehensive arthritis management. In contrast to stand-alone clinics, hospitals offer a full spectrum of related specialists under one roof including rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists. Hospitals also boast advanced imaging technology that aids accurate assessment and monitoring of treatment progress. Dedicated operating rooms allow hospitals to efficiently perform procedures for patients who require injections combined with arthrocentesis or joint lavage for improved distribution of supplements to targeted areas. Their round-the-clock services further accommodate patients with limited mobility or availability.

Regional Insights

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North America has established itself as the dominant regional market for viscosupplementation and is expected to hold 47.8% of the market share in 2024. With a strong presence of leading medical device manufacturers and favorable reimbursement policies for knee osteoarthritis treatments, the U.S. accounts for the major share in the regional market. The growing adoption of minimally invasive procedures and rising obesity rates that increase the risk of osteoarthritis have further augmented demand over the years. Additionally, well-established distribution channels ensure easy accessibility to products across the region.

The viscosupplementation market in Asia Pacific has emerged as the fastest growing regional market globally. Countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are witnessing substantial rise in knee osteoarthritis cases driven by growing geriatric population and increasing lifestyle disease prevalence. This has boosted the uptake of viscosupplementation as an effective non-surgical treatment option. The market is also gaining from economic development across emerging nations, growing medical tourism, and improving access to healthcare facilities. Local manufacturers are augmenting their presence to cater to the rising needs. For instance, some Chinese companies have indigenously developed cost-effective viscosupplements to tap into the domestic demand.

Market Report Scope

Key Developments

• In September 2021, Bioventus Inc., a frontrunner in advancements for active healing, revealed that the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has issued revised clinical practice guidelines (CPG), highlighting that high molecular weight cross-linked hyaluronic therapies, such as Bioventus' DUROLANE, have demonstrated statistically notable enhancements in specific knee osteoarthritis (OA) cases.
• In August 2021, Seikagaku Corporation, a pharmaceutical company introduced HyLink, a single-injection viscosupplement designed for intra-articular treatment of knee osteoarthritis in Taiwan, in partnership with TCM Biotech International Corp., a biotechnology company. HyLink features a cross-linked hyaluronate hydrogel, crafted utilizing Seikagaku Corporation's distinctive crosslinking method, as its primary component.

*Definition:The viscosupplementation market involves products used in knee osteoarthritis treatment. It involves injecting hyaluronic acid or derivative solutions into the knee joint space, attempting to restore healthy joint fluid viscosity levels. By supplementing the natural joint fluid lubricant, viscosupplementation products aim to reduce pain and improve the mobility for osteoarthritis patients.

Market Segmentation

• Dosage Insights (Revenue, USD BN, 2019 - 2031)
  • Single Injection
  • Three Injection
  • Five Injection
•  Arthritis Type Insights (Revenue, USD BN, 2019 - 2031)
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
•  End User Insights (Revenue, USD BN, 2019 - 2031)
  • Hospitals
  • Specialty Clinics
  • Ambulatory Surgical Centers
  • 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
  • Anika Therapeutics Inc.
  • Seikagaku Corporation
  • Ferring Pharmaceuticals
  • Bioventus
  • Fidia Farmaceutici S.P.A.
  • Mylan N.V.
  • Sanofi S.A.
  • OrthogenRx
  • Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
  • Johnson & Johnson.
  • F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG
  • Zimmer Biomet
  • Aptissen
  • Wellchem Pharmaceuticals Pte Ltd.
  • Juniper Biologics
  • Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd