Report

Global atopic dermatitis drugs market is projected to witness a CAGR of 8.17% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 18.27 billion in 2024 to USD 34.25 billion in 2032. The market's growth is augmented by the rising cases of atopic dermatitis in different regions across the globe, growing awareness about the condition, and increasing product approvals from different regulatory bodies. According to the estimates of the National Eczema Association, approximately 10% to 20% of children and 2% to 10% of adults across the globe suffer from eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. The different factors attributed to the increasing cases of atopic dermatitis include rising pollution levels, increasing adoption of urban lifestyle, and environmental changes.
Corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, PDE4 inhibitors, and biologics, among others are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and manage atopic dermatitis. Corticosteroids are used during flare-ups, while calcineurin inhibitors serve as steroid-sparing agents for long-term maintenance. Wet-wrap therapy with topical corticosteroids is recommended for severe cases. The condition tends to be more common in industrialized and urban locations as compared to rural areas because of lifestyle influences and environmental factors.
Rising Research Activities Support Market Growth
Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly investing in research and development to address the unmet needs of the patient population in managing atopic dermatitis. Collaborations between pharmaceutical companies, dermatological researchers, and contract research organizations are fostering shared expertise, risk mitigation, and accelerated product development. Additionally, unconventional approaches such as microbiome-targeted therapies and monoclonal antibodies are gaining traction, offering personalized care solutions for the patient population. Due to these increasing research and development efforts, pharmaceutical companies across the globe are receiving regulatory approvals for their products. For instance, in March 2024, Maruho Co., Ltd., received approval from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for Mitchga subcutaneous injection 30 mg vials. Mitchga, a humanized anti-human IL-31 receptor A monoclonal antibody, works by blocking IL-31, a key mediator of itching and inflammation in various skin conditions. The approval is based on Phase III and Phase II/III clinical studies demonstrating Mitchga's efficacy and safety in Japanese patients with atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis who had inadequate responses to conventional therapies.
Increasing Accessibility Boosts Market Expansion
The rising accessibility of atopic dermatitis drugs is driving market's growth by improving treatment availability and affordability for the patient population. Different distribution channels, such as hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies, ensure that patients can access medications in a convenient manner. Meanwhile, the rise of telemedicine and patient-centric care models further enhances drug accessibility. These services enable consultations and prescriptions for atopic dermatitis treatments without requiring physical visits, especially beneficial for patients in remote locations. Moreover, pharmaceutical companies are focusing on developing cost-effective alternatives and expanding their product portfolios across the globe. The introduction of generic drugs and biosimilars provides affordable options for patients.
Biologics Account for Significant Share of the Market
The growth of the segment can be attributed to the increasing product approvals, high efficacy, and the significant advantages offered by biologics over conventional topical treatment options. They target the inflammatory mechanisms that are responsible for fostering the condition and not just aid in managing the symptoms. Thus, leading pharmaceutical companies across the globe are focusing on launching new biologics. For instance, in December 2024, Galderma SA received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for Nemluvio (Nemolizumab) for patients suffering from severe to moderate atopic dermatitis. Nemluvio's innovative mechanism of action and clinical trial success highlights its potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and support the management of such challenging skin conditions. Such approvals are expected to provide lucrative growth opportunities for the market and support the segment's expansion.
North America Holds Major Market Share
The market's growth in North America can be attributed to the strong presence of leading pharmaceutical companies, rising cases of atopic dermatitis, and an advanced healthcare sector. The key players in the region are actively investing in the development of novel therapies and clinical trials as well as engaging in partnerships and collaborations, further ensuring the market's growth. The National Eczema Association estimates that roughly 10% of the population of the United States, approximately 31.6 million people have some form of eczema. Meanwhile, rising utilization of novel therapies and monoclonal antibodies, including Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, among both children and adults are supporting the evolution of treatment paradigms.
Additionally, the growing awareness among the patient population and healthcare professionals about the different treatment options available are further contributing towards the expansion of the market in North America. The region's dominance in the market is also supported by the increasing emphasis on research and development activities and the introduction of personalized medicines.
Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to the rapid population growth, increasing prevalence of atopic dermatitis, and rising investments in the healthcare sector by different countries.
Future Market Scenario (2025 - 2032F)
The global atopic dermatitis drugs market is poised for substantial growth in the coming years, supported by advancements in targeted therapies, increasing prevalence of atopic dermatitis across the globe, and the introduction of innovative biologics and small-molecule drugs. With ongoing research and development efforts, the market is expected to evolve significantly, offering more effective and long-term treatment options for managing the chronic inflammatory skin condition. Additionally, the advancements in biomarker research, proteomics, and genomics are supporting the gradual shift towards personalized treatments. Future therapies will be tailored on the basis of individual genetic profiles, severity of the disease, and treatment response. Moreover, the increasing adoption of digital health tools, artificial intelligence-powered apps, and wearable technologies are also expected to transform the management of the disease.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The key players of the market are increasingly engaging in novel product launches and receiving approvals from different regulatory bodies across the globe. For instance, in September 2024, Eli Lilly and Company received approval from the US FDA for EBGLYSS (lebrikizumab-lbkz), a targeted IL-13 inhibitor for treating adults and children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis that cannot be controlled with the help of topical prescription therapies. This therapy is designed for patients whose condition is not well-controlled with topical treatments. EBGLYSS provides significant skin clearance as early as four weeks and meaningful itch relief within two weeks, with long-lasting efficacy through one year of treatment.
Leading pharmaceutical companies are also engaging in research and development activities. For instance, in August 2023, Lynk Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. announced positive results from its Phase II clinical trial LNK01001, for adult patients with atopic dermatitis. The preliminary data indicated that participants in both high-dose and low-dose groups demonstrated significant improvements in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores in comparison with participants in the placebo group. Such efforts are expected to provide lucrative growth opportunities for the market.