Respiratory Drug Demand Soars Amid Rising Cases of Asthma and COPD

Increased demand for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cough and cold subgroups driven the demand for respiratory drugs and also a surge in OPD admissions, according to medical experts and industry insiders. Sales of respiratory drugs in India, which had dropped to Rs 989 crore in June, saw a sharp turnaround and jumped by 66 per cent to hit Rs 1638 crore in November -- a five-month period marked by monsoon and onset of winter when seasonal diseases catch hold of people.

In November, for example, respiratory drug sales grew by 7.6 per cent over October when it was Rs 1522 crore. In September it was Rs 1433 crore against Rs 1301 crore in August. While in July it was Rs 1152 crore.

The sales were witnessing a steady drop since the beginning of this year and the trend continued till June 2024 when it touched Rs 989 crore from the high of Rs 1591 crore in January. Then the onset of monsoon led the surge July onwards, according to data from market research firm Pharmarack.

The higher numbers in November 2024 come as the month also saw a rise in pollution related respiratory illnesses. Commenting on the trend, Sheetal Sapale, VP Commercial Pharmarack said the respiratory category is showing the normal seasonal trend, with anti-asthma, and cough and cold being the major components of this segment.