April 2025
Principal Consultant
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The global anti-inflammatory drugs market size is calculated at US$ 122.32 in 2024, grew to US$ 132.63 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around US$ 274.79 billion by 2034. The market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.43% between 2025 and 2034. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever. They are widely used in the treatment of various conditions, ranging from mild to severe, such as headaches or arthritis.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to control the inflammation associated with the disease. They can be used in a variety of conditions, which may be as mild as headaches or as severe as arthritis. If the inflammation is not treated, it may cause autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, or even cancer. Thus, to deal with this condition, different anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as new types of anti-inflammatory agents known as “biologicals,” are made available. These drugs help in combating pain as well as help in reducing the degeneration in diseases such as joint disease, neurodegeneration, and atherosclerosis.
The use of artificial intelligence in pharmaceutical companies has been increasing. A variety of techniques, such as machine learning, deep learning, and other computational methods, are being used in the design and development of prototype medications. They also help in drug discovery, identifying the anti-inflammatory drug delivery patterns and rates, the optimization process, and, finally, enhancing patient outcomes. Furthermore, to treat autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders (AIIDs), an AI-based model is being used as it helps to enhance the accuracy of medicines used to treat these complex chronic diseases. Thus, with the help of the characteristics of a particular patient, a large number of anti-inflammatory drugs can be made available and help to improve the autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders (AIIDs) condition by using personalized medications.
Increased Occurrences of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
The increasing rates of chronic inflammatory diseases have driven up the demand for the anti-inflammatory drugs market. The aging population is more prone to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBD), and other autoimmune disorders. This increases the demand for drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter. At the same time, the increasing use of drugs to treat chronic inflammatory diseases drives sustained market growth while also boosting the adoption of personalized medicines in the anti-inflammatory drugs market. Furthermore, to reduce the incidence of inflammatory diseases, awareness programs and early diagnosis are also considered essential.
The graph illustrates the death rates associated with chronic inflammatory diseases and the incidence of new cases worldwide. This suggests that the demand for treatment options will increase as the number of patients rises. Furthermore, researchers can focus on developing more effective treatment options, which will ultimately promote market growth.
Side Effects
Anti-inflammatory drugs are associated with various side effects. In serious cases, they may lead to the formation of gastric ulcers, liver and kidney problems. This causes the patient to discontinue the use of the drug, further affecting the treatment. If the side effects do not subside, additional treatment may be considered, which could decrease the patient's adherence to the treatment. Thus, the side effects associated with certain anti-inflammatory drugs affect the market growth.
New Innovative Medication
The use of anti-inflammatory biologics has increased the demand for more innovative medications. The use of biologics has enhanced the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Similarly, to reduce systemic side effects, targeted nanomedicine is also being preferred. Moreover, the use of natural and plant-based medications are also being used as an alternative. These inventions are providing new treatment opportunities with decreased rates of side effects and targeted actions.
For instance,
By drug class type, the anti-inflammatory biologics segment dominated the anti-inflammatory drugs market in 2024. They are responsible for the target-specific action. They also reduce the pain and inflammation associated with diseases. They dominated the market due to these advantages in diseases like arthritis or any autoimmune disorders.
By drug class, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) segment is estimated to grow significantly during the forecast period. NSAIDs are used widely as they are easily available as over-the-counter drugs. They are effective in various conditions from mild to severe pain, fever, and inflammation. Due to these factors, their use is also increasing in arthritis, resulting in their increased demand in the market.
By treatment type, the arthritis segment dominated the anti-inflammatory drugs market in 2024. Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. The aging population was mostly affected due to the increased incidences of arthritis. Thus, to deal with this, the demand for the use of anti-inflammatory drugs increased as they decreased the pain and swelling, making the joints less stiff.
By treatment type, the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. It is characterized by the inflammation of the digestive tract. The incidences of IBD are increasing, resulting in long-term effects. Thus, to manage this condition, the demand for anti-inflammatory drugs is continuously increasing as they help decrease the symptoms and manage IBD.
By route of administration, the oral segment dominated the global anti-inflammatory drugs market in 2024. The oral route of administration is the most preferred route of administration as it is convenient and helps to enhance patient compliance. It is available in different concentrations, reducing the inappropriate dose incorporations. Thus, the demand for oral anti-inflammatory drugs increased.
By route of administration, the injection segment is anticipated to grow significantly during the forecast period. Injections are mostly used when the patient needs a faster onset of action. The injection also provides targeted treatment, thus reducing the side effects. It also provides sustained release action; thus, the demand for injection is increasing.
By sales channel, the prescription segment dominated the anti-inflammatory drugs market in 2024. The prescriptions provided are closely monitored by the healthcare provider, decreasing the error associated with the distribution or administration of the drugs. This helped in providing appropriate medications to the patient, increasing the successful treatment rates.
By sales channel, the over-the-counter (OTC) segment is predicted to be the fastest growing during the forecast period. The use of OTC drugs is increasing due to easy access and affordability. OTC drugs, particularly NSAIDs, used to manage pain, fever, and inflammation, are being used at higher rates by consumers. At the same time, self-administration of drugs at home is increasing in conditions like arthritis, raising their demand in the market.
North America dominated the market in 2024. The increased prevalence of diseases like arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and IBD affected the aging population, causing the increased demand for anti-inflammatory drugs. The developed healthcare system, along with increased awareness, also contributed to the market growth.
U.S. experienced increased occurrences of inflammatory diseases along with obesity-related disorders, which resulted in increased use of anti-inflammatory drugs. At the same time, a wide range of drugs are made available through prescription or OTC platforms for the patients by the healthcare system to control these diseases. Thus, all these factors, along with the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs is contribute to the market growth.
With the increased rate of inflammatory diseases along with the aging population which is affected by the same, the demand for the use of anti-inflammatory drugs is increasing in the market. Thus, to limit the incidences of diseases, awareness about the diseases is being promoted with the help of healthcare facilities. At the same time, the adoption of anti-inflammatory biologics boosts the market.
Asia Pacific is estimated to host the fastest-growing market during the forecast period. The major reason is the growing rates of inflammatory diseases. The aging population is affected by these diseases. Thus, to control and eradicate the diseases, the demand for anti-inflammatory drugs has been rising.
The rate of the aging population affected by inflammatory diseases is increasing. Furthermore, the government is investing in the development of the healthcare system as well as innovations in the drug regimen for inflammatory diseases. It has also adopted the use of anti-inflammatory biologics. All these factors result in increased demand for anti-inflammatory drugs.
The increasing prevalence of inflammatory diseases is affecting a large number of populations. Thus, healthcare facilities are providing both prescription and OTC drugs to patients. Moreover, the awareness about inflammatory disease is increasing. The use of generic drugs is also one of the factors responsible for driving the market.
Europe is expected to grow significantly in the anti-inflammatory drugs market during the forecast period. The aging population, which is susceptible to inflammatory diseases, and increased rates of inflammatory diseases are some of the factors driving the market growth. The advanced healthcare system and the research and development sectors also play an important role in boosting the market.
Germany has well well-established healthcare system that makes prescription as well as OTC drugs for patients. Thus, a wide range of drugs is available for the aging population affected with inflammatory diseases. The pharmaceutical companies are also collaborating to develop new anti-inflammatory treatments such as biologics. These factors are responsible for driving the market.
A large number of the population is being affected by inflammatory diseases, driving the demand for anti-inflammatory drugs. Thus, to overcome this, the NHS has made prescription and OTC drugs available. At the same time, the government is also investing in the research and development sector to increase the treatment options by making new innovations.
In March 2025, Dr. Latefi stated that the body’s natural response to a threat is inflammation. However, due to the excess inflammation, the symptoms and illness can worsen and can lead to conditions like asthma or autoimmune disorders. Thus, to find a targeted way to control the inflammation by not affecting the body’s natural defenses, Dr. Latefi and her team focused on the treatment.
In March 2025, Dr Jagadish Hiremath, a Public Health Specialist, stated that the response of women to painkillers depends on their biological and hormonal factors. A significant role of estrogen and progesterone is observed in pain perception and the modulation of pain pathways. This pain sensitivity is affected during the menstrual cycle as there are hormonal fluctuations. Furthermore, the expression of pain receptors differs, which causes variations in the effect of painkillers.
By Drug Class
By Treatment
By Route of Administration
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April 2025
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