Top Companies in the Global Respiratory Inhalers Market

The global respiratory inhalers market size was valued at USD 33.5 billion in 2023, driven by the rising prevalence of respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) across the globe. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period of 2024-2032, with the values likely to rise from USD 35.3 billion in 2024 to USD 53.9 billion by 2032.

Respiratory inhalers are medical devices that are used to deliver medication directly into the lungs. They are used in the treatment of respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . In contrast to oral or injectable medications, inhalers allow the medication to reach the airways quickly and in smaller doses which results in fewer side effects and rapid relief from symptoms. Metered-dose inhalers are the common type of respiratory inhalers which feature a pressurized canister containing the medication.

Recent data suggests that the worldwide prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is estimated to be 10.1% in individuals aged 40 years and above. The growing burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory disorders is one of the primary drivers of the market. Further, the demand for respiratory inhalers is propelled by the increasing aging population which is at a higher risk of developing respiratory diseases.

In June 2023 , MedTech firm Gilbert Technologies, a spin-off company from the Delft University of Technology secured EUR 7 million in Seed and Series A funding round to accelerate the growth and development of its soft mist inhaler technology for lung patients. Such substantial investments to support the advancement of respiratory inhaler technologies are poised to elevate the market value in the forecast period.

Major market trends include the increasing adoption of smart inhalers and the growing emphasis on the development of inhalers with a lower carbon footprint. Further, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on introducing dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and soft mist inhalers (SMIs) as they do not require propellants.

Top Companies Leading the Global Respiratory Inhalers Market in 2024

1.    Novartis AG
 

This Swiss multinational pharmaceutical corporation is a major player in the respiratory inhalers market, known for its advanced inhaler devices that enhance drug delivery and patient compliance. Novartis has a robust product portfolio and continuously explores digital health solutions that can be integrated with its respiratory inhalers. One of its key products is Enerzair® Breezhaler ® which received approval from the European Commission (EC) in July 2020 for asthma patients whose condition is not adequately controlled with a maintenance combination of a longacting beta2agonist (LABA) and a high dose of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS).

2.    AstraZeneca
 

Headquartered at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus in Cambridge, this British-Swedish pharmaceutical and biotechnology firm is one of the key players in the market. The company is widely recognized for its smart inhalers that can monitor patient usage and provide real-time feedback. AstraZeneca offers a wide range of inhalers including Symbicort® (a combination inhaler for asthma and COPD). In January 2023 , the company's pressurized metered-dose inhaler, fixed-dose combination rescue medication called Airsupra (albuterol/budesonide) was greenlit by the FDA for asthma, becoming the first such rescue medication approved in the United States.

3.    GSK plc
 

GSK plc, a pharmaceutical industry company with global headquarters in London, is one of the leading companies in the market. The British multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology firm has well-known products like Ventolin®, and Trelegy Ellipta® available in the market that are designed for managing asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory conditions. The company is also actively investing in the next-generation propellant technology  to develop inhalers with a lower carbon footprint.

4.    Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA
 

Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA, a prominent research-focused pharmaceuticals and healthcare group, is based in Parma, Italy, and operates in 30 countries. The company specializes in the development of innovative inhalation solutions including eco-friendly inhalers that reduce environmental impact without compromising the efficacy of the treatment. Chiesi is making extensive efforts to expand its global footprint, particularly in Europe and emerging markets.

5.    Lupin
 

Indian multinational pharmaceutical company Lupin Limited is a dominant player in the market, offering a diverse range of respiratory inhalers for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The company launched a first-of-its-kind Bluetooth-enabled smart inhalation device called Adhero which helps in enhancing patient adherence and treatment outcomes. Lupin has a strong foothold in both developed and emerging markets through strategic partnerships and distribution agreements. The company is also exploring combination inhaler options to provide comprehensive treatment options to its growing consumer base.

6.    Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
 

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. is an Israeli pharma company that has more than 53 manufacturing facilities in over 33 countries. The company is widely known for its smart inhalers and digital health solutions that are aimed at improving patient adherence and clinical outcomes. Teva’s respiratory inhalers are known for their affordability and accessibility. For instance, it has launched AirDuo™ RespiClick ® (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) inhalation powder as well as its authorized generic for asthma patients in the United States. Further, in September 2020 , it released two digital maintenance inhalers for asthma patients (AirDuo® Digihaler® (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) Inhalation Powder and ArmonAir® Digihaler® (fluticasone propionate) Inhalation Powder) in the United States. This family of digital, breath-actuated inhalers was the first-ever product line with built-in sensors with the capability to measure inspiratory flow and track inhaler events.