Market Overview
The global oral mucositis market reached US$ 1.62 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 2.30 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period 2024-2031.
Mucositis develops when cancer treatments damage the rapidly split epithelial cells that line the gastrointestinal tract, leaving the mucosal tissue vulnerable to ulceration and infection.
Oral mucositis is likely to be the most prevalent, debilitating side effect of cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy and radiation. It can cause a variety of problems, including pain, nutritional issues as a result of the inability to eat, and an increased risk of infection owing to open sores in the mucosa. It has a major impact on the patient's quality of life and can be dose-limited.
Oral mucositis symptoms in the mouth typically appear a week or two weeks after beginning chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Oral mucositis arises independently of oral mucosal illnesses of viral or fungal etiology. Younger people are more likely to develop oral mucositis than older patients treated for the same cancer with the same regimen. This appears to be related to the faster rate of basal cell turnover observed in children.
Executive Summary
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Market Dynamics: Drivers & Restraints
Rising incidence of head and neck cancers
The rising incidence of head and neck cancers is expected to be one of the significant factors for the oral mucositis market. The increasing prevalence of neck and head cancers is a major factor driving demand for oral mucositis treatment. There is an increasing incidence of head and neck cancers globally. For instance, the National Cancer Institute predicts that approximately 71,100 people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx, the three most common kinds of head and neck cancer, in 2024.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are commonly used to treat head and neck cancers, both of these treatments cause oral mucositis by damaging the rapidly growing cells in the mucosal covering of the mouth leading to oral mucositis. The increasing number of individuals undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy is increasing the occurrence of oral mucositis which is further raising the need for oral mucositis treatment.
For instance, according to the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Care in 2023, more than 75% of those receiving chemotherapy will experience oral mucositis, which is a major problem for both patients and caretakers. The severity of oral mucositis might cause pauses in therapy, negatively impacting patient results and quality of life.
Stringent regulations associated with the product approvals
One of the primary challenges to the research, approval, and availability of oral mucositis medications is strict regulations. While regulations are necessary to ensure the safety and efficacy of medical products, they can also create barriers that impede the launch of novel treatments and limit their access to patients..
Market Segment Analysis
The global oral mucositis market is segmented based on cause, drug class, drugs, dosage form, end-user, distribution channel and region.
Drug Class:
Analgesics segment is expected to dominate the oral mucositis market share
The analgesics segment is projected to be the leading category in the oral mucositis market, primarily due to the essential role of pain management in treating and managing this condition, especially among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Oral mucositis is a painful ailment that can significantly diminish a patient's quality of life, making pain relief a critical focus in its treatment.
With a diverse range of analgesic options available, from topical applications to systemic treatments, and an increasing emphasis on multimodal pain management strategies, the analgesics segment is well-positioned to maintain its dominance in the oral mucositis market.
Anti inflammatory segment is the fastest growing segment in the oral mucositis market share
The anti-inflammatory segment is currently the fastest-growing area within the oral mucositis market. This growth is driven by several factors, including rising awareness of the significance of inflammation management in treating mucositis, advancements in innovative therapies, and broader trends in oncology care. Oral mucositis is a complex, multi-phase condition where inflammation is one of the significant symptoms and disease progression.
Anti-inflammatory treatments, such as corticosteroids (like dexamethasone) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are effective in relieving swelling, pain, and inflammation in the oral mucosa. These therapies enhance patients' abilities to eat, speak, and swallow comfortably.
Dosage Form:
Ointment segment is expected to dominate the oral mucositis market share
The ointment segment dominates the oral mucositis market for a wide range, including efficacy, ease of use, patient preference, and the distinct advantages that ointments provide in addressing the painful and debilitating symptoms of oral mucositis. Ointments for oral mucositis are specifically developed to coat the mucosal surfaces of the mouth, forming a protective barrier around painful ulcers or lesions. This protective layer helps to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with oral mucositis by insulating sensitive tissues from additional irritation, such as food, beverages, or acidic saliva.
Ointments are designed to provide localized relief for the painful symptoms of oral mucositis, such as inflammation and ulceration. Their ability to cling to the mucosal surface makes them more effective at protecting the oral cavity and aiding healing.
Ointments have gained appeal as consumers and healthcare providers increasingly prefer non-invasive treatment alternatives. They provide a simple application approach that eliminates the need for injections or complicated procedures, making them more accessible to patients.
Recent advances in ointment compositions, such as the addition of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredients, have increased their effectiveness. These improvements target the underlying causes of oral mucositis while also offering clinical relief, relieving demand.
Solution segment is the fastest-growing segment in the oral mucositis market share
The solutions segment is likely to be the fastest growing segment in the oral mucositis market for several reasons. These solutions include mouthwashes, rinses, sprays, and other liquid formulations. The segment is becoming increasingly popular for its efficacy, convenience of use, and diversity in treating oral mucositis. Liquid solutions are in high demand because of their potential to provide instant relief, improve patient compliance, and minimize the severity of oral mucositis symptoms, especially in cancer patients getting chemotherapy or radiation.
Market Geographical Share
North America is expected to hold a significant position in the oral mucositis market share
North America holds a significant market share in the oral mucositis market and is expected to continue throughout the forecast period. The region's dominance can be attributed to a high prevalence of disorders that cause oral mucositis, a well-established healthcare infrastructure, robust market access, ongoing research and development initiatives, and a strong regulatory framework.
The United States has one of the highest cancer rates globally, with head and neck tumors and hematologic malignancies, such as leukemia and lymphoma which are significant contributors to the incidence of oral mucositis. For instance, according to the National Institute of Health report, it is stated that in the United States, around 54,000 new cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were diagnosed in 2022 (roughly 3% of all malignancies), with an estimated 11,230 deaths, accounting for roughly 2% of all cancer deaths.
Cancer patients in this region often undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments, both of which are known to induce oral mucositis. This is directly related to the requirement for medications that manage and relieve the symptoms of oral mucositis. Thus, the above factors are expected to hold the region in a significant position in the market share.
Asia-Pacific is growing at the fastest pace in the oral mucositis market
The increasing prevalence of cancer, especially in developing countries, is significantly driving the demand for effective oral mucositis treatments. As cancer cases rise, the number of patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy increases, both of which are major contributors to oral mucositis.
Additionally, the region is experiencing rapid advancements in healthcare technology that enhance treatment options and improve patient care. The enhancement of healthcare facilities and access to modern therapies is facilitating better management of oral mucositis. Furthermore, there is a growing investment in research and development across Asia-Pacific nations, which is fostering innovation in drug development and treatment strategies specifically aimed at addressing oral mucositis.
Market Competitive Landscape
The major global players in the oral mucositis market include Amgen Inc., Bausch Health Companies Inc., Helsinn Healthcare SA, BioAlliance Pharma SA., Moberg Pharma AB, McKesson Medical-Surgical Inc., MuReva Phototherapy Inc., Soligenix, EpicentRx, Inc. and Innovation Pharmaceuticals among others.
Metrics | Details | |
CAGR | XX% | |
Market Size Available for Years | 2022-2031 | |
Estimation Forecast Period | 2024-2031 | |
Revenue Units | Value (US$ Mn) | |
Segments Covered | Cause | Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Others |
Drug Class | Antivirals, Antibiotics, Antifungal, Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesics, Others | |
Drugs | Gelclair, Zilactin. Benzydamine, MuGard, Benadry, Others | |
Dosage Form | Ointment, Solution, Capsules, Others | |
End-User | Hospitals, Specialty Clinics, Home Healthcare, Others | |
Distribution Channel | Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies, Others | |
Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa | |
Key Developments
In October 2024, Jaguar Health, Inc. announced that Jaguar family company Napo Pharmaceuticals (Napo) has initiated the commercial launch of the FDA-approved oral mucositis prescription product Gelclair in the US.
Why Purchase the Report?
- To visualize the global oral mucositis market segmentation based on cause, drug class, drugs, dosage form, end-user, distribution channel, and region as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
- Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
- Excel data sheet with numerous data points of oral mucositis market-level with all segments.
- PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
- Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.
The global oral mucositis market report would provide approximately 53 tables, 47 figures, and 176 pages.
Target Audience 2024
- Manufacturers/ Buyers
- Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
- Research Professionals
- Emerging Companies
