Acute Ischemic Stroke Therapeutics Market by Drug Class (Thrombolytics, Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants, Statins, Antihypertensives), by Route of Administration (Oral, Parenteral), by Distribution Channel, Region and Companies – Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2023-2032

Report Overview

According to a recent report by Market.us, the Global Acute Ischemic Stroke Therapeutics Market size is expected to be worth around USD 14.0 Billion by 2032 from USD 8.5 Billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 4.6 % during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032

Acute Ischemic Stroke is a medical condition caused by a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain due to blood clots creating a blockage in arterial blood vessels. This causes the patient to experience symptoms such as slurred speech, drooping of facial muscles, visual impairment, numbness, and lack of coordination. It can result in one or more areas of the brain being permanently damaged leading to reduced mobility, chronic disability, and may prove to be fatal. According to the World Stroke Organization, there are over 7.6 million cases of stroke worldwide annually.

There are a variety of tests that can be done to pinpoint the exact cause of the symptoms that the patient is experiencing. Such tests are, including but not limited to, glucose tests, CT scans, MRIs, Cerebral Angiograms, and Ultrasounds. The aim of ischemic stroke treatment is to dissolve or remove the blood clot blocking the artery effectively restoring blood flow to the brain. One of the main treatments for ischemic stroke includes injecting thrombolytic drugs (a type of serine protease) into the veins of the arm. The most commonly used thrombolytic drug is Alteplase, which is a clot-buster enzyme and also called a Tissue Plasminogen Activator or tPA. It is highly crucial for a patient to receive immediate care after experiencing a stroke, seeing that the damage to the brain may worsen with time.

*Actual Numbers Might Vary In The Final Report

Patients who received medical attention within the first 3 hours reportedly experienced less severe aftereffects, with much less disability. Ischemic stroke patients have to follow up with rehabilitative treatments such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Additionally, doctors often recommend certain lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and exercising. The risk of ischemic stroke also increases with advancing age. People over the age of 60 are more likely to suffer from ischemic stroke, while women tend to be at higher risk.

• According to the US News & World Report, acute ischemic stroke has a fatality rate of 80%.

Key Takeaways

• According to World Stroke Organization, over 7.6 million new cases of ischemic stroke are reported every year.
• Ischemic stroke results from a thrombus blocking an artery of the brain, which can cause irreparable damage to the brain cells.
• The market growth is aided by increasing obesity rates, population aging and smoking prevalence.
• Parenteral injection of a thrombolytic drug called tissue plasminogen activator is the principal treatment of acute ischemic stroke.
• Thrombolytic drugs remain the largest contributor to the acute ischemic stroke therapeutics market.
• The parenteral segment of the market generated the most revenue. This is predicted to be the case for the forecast period as well.
• Regarding distribution channels, hospital pharmacies dominated the market in 2022, with a hefty market share of 47%.
• Regionally, North America is the largest contributor to the market, mainly due to the high prevalence of ischemic stroke and adept healthcare system.
• Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing regional segment of the acute ischemic stroke therapeutics market.
• Key players in this industry are as follows Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, AstraZeneca, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Biogen, Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi, and Daiichi Sankyo.

By Drug Class Analysis

The market for acute ischemic stroke therapeutics is segmented into Thrombolytics, Anticoagulants, Antiplatelets, Statins, Antihypertensives, and other drug classes. Among these, the thrombolytic segment accounted for the highest revenue, with a market share of 31%. This is credited to the utilization of thrombolytic drugs in the primary treatment of stroke. All other categories of drugs used to treat ischemic stroke are preventative in function.

The anticoagulants claim the second largest share. The antiplatelet segment, which includes drugs such as clopidogrel and aspirin has a considerable share of the acute ischemic stroke therapeutics market.

By Route of Administration Analysis

The acute ischemic stroke therapeutics market is divided into 2 segments,  oral and parenteral. The dominating contributor amongst these two segments to the acute ischemic stroke therapeutics market is the parenteral segment, holding a 66.5% market share. This type of treatment is the first and most important medical treatment provided while treating acute ischemic stroke. Oral treatment generates less revenue in comparison to the IV segment and has traditionally been utilized as secondary care.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

As far as distribution channels for the acute ischemic stroke therapeutics market are considered, there are 3 definite segments upon which analysis is to be based, namely hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. Hospital pharmacies continue to be the largest contributor to the acute ischemic stroke therapeutics market, a trend that is predicted to continue, especially considering that prime care for acute ischemic stroke is provided at a medical care facility. This segment amounted to a market share of 47%. Alternatively, the preference for online pharmacies is increasing, which makes it the segment with the fastest growth rate.

Key Market Segments

By Drug Class

• Thrombolytics
• Antiplatelets
• Anticoagulants
• Statins
• Antihypertensives
• Other Drug Classes

By Route of Administration

• Oral
• Parenteral

By Distribution Channel

• Hospital pharmacies
• Retail pharmacies
• Online pharmacies

Drivers

The increasing overweight and obese population causing a gradual surge in market growth

The prevalence of obesity has consequentially increased the risk of acute ischemic stroke. According to the World Health Organisation, over 1 billion people are categorized as overweight, with 650 million people categorized as obese. This number is expected to rise by a substantial 167 million in the near future. Obesity, while being a preventable and modifiable risk factor for ischemic stroke, can increase the risk by giving rise to medical conditions such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation. For each BMI unit increase, there is a distinct 5% increase in the risk of ischemic stroke.

Increasing elderly population linked to accelerating market growth

In 2020, the World Health Organisation found that people over 60 years outnumber young children. This phenomenon of population aging and its rapid progression has shifted the paradigm of the population age structure. This has manifested in a momentous increase in the geriatric population. This phenomenon can be attributed to decreased fertility rates and increased life expectancy along with longevity. The World Health Organisation predicted that the geriatric population will amount to 22% of the world population by 2050.

The risk factors for ischemic stroke are more prevalent in the older age groups and often appear in clusters. This elevates the risk of ischemic stroke in such population substantially. This becomes apparent as one considers that the incidence of stroke doubles in the population aged 65 and higher. This results in increased frequency and severity of the ischemic stroke, thereby driving the market growth.

Smoking prevalence resulting in decreased market growth

Smoking is one of the major risk factors for the stroke of all kinds. There is a strong dose-response relationship present, which establishes a proportionate link between dosage of consumption and ischemic stroke incidence.  Although the rate of smoking has been declining over the past few years, smoking prevalence has definitive implications for ischemic stroke incidence and by extension, the acute ischemic stroke therapeutics market.

Restraints

Inaccessibility of stroke treatments and rehabilitation services to deter market growth

Prompt treatment in case of acute ischemic stroke is of the essence. The time frame of 60 minutes is termed the stroke golden hour, which can be further broken down into 10 minutes to receive medical attention, 20 minutes to perform a CT scan or MRI, and 30 minutes to initiate treatment, which includes a Thrombolytics IV injection. The damage caused to the brain by stroke is irreversible.

Further, stroke is the fifth most common cause of death. Not only such treatments are time-sensitive, but they are also expensive. Additionally, a lack of knowledge and awareness regarding acute ischemic stroke further exacerbates the inaccessibility of treatments and supportive care. Thus, the inaccessibility of treatments has a significant adverse impact on market growth.

Opportunities

Ongoing research for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke focuses on the interdisciplinary aspect in order to refine existing treatments and thus, introduce innovative ways to cure acute ischemic stroke. The research regarding the effectiveness of Tenecteplase, an altered form of Alteplase, has been promising. Further, the medical care for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke is not universally accessible. Thus, there is an increasing demand for diagnostic centres equipped with emergency supplies and the necessary technological devices.

Impact of Macroeconomic / Geopolitical Factors

While the therapeutics industry as a whole is resilient when it comes to macroeconomic headwinds, it is not entirely exempt from its consequences either. Inflation is a macroeconomic factor with a major influence on the acute ischemic stroke therapeutics market. Individual healthcare spending greatly hinges on the price and accessibility of the treatment. The acute ischemic stroke therapeutics market may have to suffer from the negative consequences of inflation. With prices skyrocketing the spending preferences of an average consumer change. Operational costs have experienced a marked increase, which further increases drug production costs.

Additionally, supply chains are also affected, seeing that the costs for transportation also experience a hike. This can lead to the disruption of supply chains, which consequently has an impact on the balance of demand and supply. This further puts pressure on the market.

Latest Trends

Using thrombolytic therapy, that is administration of tPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator) via IV in combination with mechanical thrombectomy has proven to be the most effective therapy for acute ischemic stroke. This coalescent treatment is quite useful in not only stabilizing the patient’s condition but also in accomplishing complete recovery and rehabilitation. As a result, this combination therapy is being popularized.

Researchers have brought forth Tenecteplase as a more effective alternative to alteplase. This enzyme is able to dissolve larger clots with great efficacy. Additionally, endovascular procedures done with stent retrievers have been demonstrably useful for treating large vessel occlusions (LVO) while being minimally invasive.

Regional Analysis

North America is leading the Acute Ischemic Stroke Therapeutics Market

North America was the largest contributor to the Acute Ischemic Stroke Therapeutics Market. The region has again been the dominating geography with an ample market share amounting to 38%. The region is highly developed with countries such as the US and Canada, which ensures easy access to healthcare. Primary reason for such market growth is high prevalence of ischemic stroke in the region.

According to JAMA Network Open, over 700000 people are affected by acute ischemic stroke annually in the US. Factors such as developed infrastructure, employment of technology, and accessibility of medical facilities coalesce to warrant an ever-increasing demand for therapeutics.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Countries in the Asia-Pacific region have experienced a surge in the prevalence rate of acute ischemic stroke. The ischemic stroke therapeutics market is forecasted to grow even further. The region is expected to achieve a CAGR of 6% approximately  for the forecast period of 2023-32. India and China are both rapidly developing nations, with increasing incidences of acute ischemic stroke cases. The market in these countries is predicted to be highly profitable in the near future.

Key Regions and Countries

North America

• US
• Canada

Europe

• Germany
• France
• The UK
• Spain
• Italy
• Russia
• Netherland
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• India
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Rest of APAC

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

The market for acute ischemic stroke therapeutics is fragmented. Further, given the lucrative nature of the industry, it is extremely competitive. The major players with a dominating presence in the acute ischemic stroke therapeutics market are Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Sanofi, Daiichi Sankyo, Athersys and Johnson & Johnson. However, the introduction of generic medication is likely to affect the key players in the market.

Recent Developments

• In June 2023, the FDA lifted the hold on the clinical trial of DM199, an investigational drug for acute ischemic stroke. This phase 2/3 trial by DiaMedia Pharmaceuticals is to resume as soon as possible and has so far shown promising results in improving blood flow in the affected brain tissue.
• In April 2023, two randomized trials demonstrated the effectiveness of EVT for treating patients with large core infarct. The trials stopped early due to the vastly improved results obtained.
• In March 2023, Athersys held a Type B Meeting with the FDA and proposed modifications to the MASTERS-2 clinical trial protocol. The primary endpoint in the acute ischemic stroke treatment trial was established, with the removal of eligibility caps in case of concomitant reperfusion therapy.
• In February 2023, ApTOLL, an immune modulator drug by aptaTargets, was introduced at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2023 as a novel neuroprotectant medication. The administration of this drug has resulted in noticeably lower mortality rates in clinical trials for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

Top Key Players

• Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH
• Hoffmann-La Roche
• Bristol-Myers Squibb
• Pfizer
• AstraZeneca
• Johnson & Johnson
• Sanofi
• Daiichi Sankyo
• Athersys
• Other Key Players

 Report Scope