by The U.S. sucralfate market has been witnessing steady growth over the past few years owing to the expanding geriatric population and increasing prevalence of gastric ulcers in the country. Sucralfate is an acidic medication used to treat and prevent stomach ulcers. It forms a protective coating over ulcers and protects the ulcer from further damage by stomach acid and pepsin. Sucralfate acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract and helps in ulcer healing by forming a physical barrier at the ulcer site. The medication is prescribed to patients suffering from gastric ulcers caused due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) intakes or Helicobacter pylori infections.
The Global U.S. Sucralfate Market Demand is estimated to be valued at US$ 70.05 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.6% over the forecast period 2024 to 2030.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the U.S. sucralfate market are Pfizer Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Novartis AG, Sanofi S.A., Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, AstraZeneca plc, Bayer AG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Roche Holding AG, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and Mylan N.V. These players are focusing on new product launches and expansion of their manufacturing facilities to strengthen their market position. The increasing instances of gastric ulcers due to a sedentary lifestyle and rising consumption of NSAIDs offer lucrative growth opportunities for sucralfate manufacturers in the country. Furthermore, the key players are exploring opportunities in international markets through collaborations with regional distribution partners to expand their global footprint.
The major market drivers for the U.S. sucralfate industry include the rising geriatric population prone to gastric ulcers, increasing consumption of NSAIDs among people, and growing prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infections. As per estimates, over 56 million Americans suffer from gastric ulcers annually. The aging baby boomer population in the U.S. will further boost the demand for ulcer treatments. However, the entry of generic drugs and alternative treatment options like proton pump inhibitors can impede the market growth to some extent over the forecast period.
Market Drivers
One of the major market drivers for the U.S. sucralfate market is the rapidly expanding geriatric population susceptible to gastric ulcers. As per U.S. Census Bureau, the American population aged 65 years and above is expected to reach 95 million by 2060. The elderly population is more prone to gastric ulcers due to a weaker digestive system. This presents huge growth opportunities for sucralfate drug manufacturers in the country.
Another key driver is the rising consumption of pain-relievers like NSAIDs which often leads to gastric ulcers. As per estimates, around 30% of American adults regularly take over-the-counter pain medicines containing NSAIDs. Long term or high dose intake of such drugs damages the stomach lining and enhances ulcer risk. This factor is propelling the adoption of sucralfate drugs as a preventive measure in the U.S.
Market Restraints
One of the major challenges for the U.S. sucralfate market is the availability of cheaper generic drugs. Several sucralfate generic drugs have gained approval from the FDA over the past decade. Being low-cost alternatives, generic sucralfate significantly reduces the revenue share and growth prospects of patented brand drugs.
Another limiting factor is the increasing preference for proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, and antacids over sucralfate due to their high efficiency against acid reflux. These alternative treatment options are often prescribed as first-line therapy for gastric ulcer prevention and relief. This poses a major threat to the adoption of sucralfate medications among doctors.
Segment Analysis
The U.S. sucralfate market is dominated by the tablet sub-segment due to higher patient adherence and ease of administration. Tablets account for over 60% share of the overall sucralfate market. This is because tablets are convenient to carry and administer without requiring any preparation. They also ensure accurate dosing and exhibit better stability in terms of solubility and dissolution properties compared to other solid oral dosage forms like capsules.
The suspension sub-segment is the second largest contributor to the market. Suspensions are preferred for pediatric patients and individuals facing difficulty in swallowing tablets. However, suspensions have shorter shelf life and require proper shaking before administration. This negatively impacts patient compliance.
Global Analysis
The North American region holds the major share in the global sucralfate market, primarily driven by the U.S. Increased prevalence of gastric ulcers and growing adoption of sucralfate as a first line treatment are fueling the demand. The Asia Pacific region is estimated to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period due to rising healthcare expenditure and growing awareness about ulcer treatment in developing countries like India and China.
The European market is experiencing steady growth attributable to improving reimbursement scenario and favorable regulatory policies supporting generic drug uptake in the region. However, patent expiry of major drugs and availability of alternative treatment options continue to challenge market growth to some extent in key European markets.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
