Global Alzheimer’s Disease Therapeutics Market By Drug Class (Cholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA Receptor Antagonist Combination Drug, and Pipeline Drugs), By Disease Stage (Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Mild Dementia Due to AD, Moderate Dementia Due to AD, and Severe Dementia Due to AD), By Route of Administration, By Distribution Channel, By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2024-2033

Report Overview

The Global Alzheimer’s Disease Therapeutics Market size is expected to be worth around USD 30.8 Billion by 2033 from USD 5.5 Billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 18.8% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.

Alzheimer’s is described as a chronic brain condition that often leads to dementia in old individuals. This disease impairs an individual’s memory, and cognitive function, and disturbs the daily routine. Old age significantly raises the possibility of developing this condition. Certain genes have been linked to the disease. The APOE-e4 allele is the most well-known risk gene. Other risk factors include cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and other conditions associated with vascular health. There is no single test for Alzheimer’s disease.

Generally, healthcare professionals diagnose it by reviewing health records, conducting thorough health checkups, and sometimes using brain scans. A conclusive identification often comes after one has passed away, through brain analysis. There is no permanent cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

However, the symptoms can be managed by several drugs. The rise in the prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) as well as the approval of disease-modifying therapies is anticipated to surge the market growth. Furthermore, Alzheimer’s disease is becoming the most common cause of death in neurodegenerative diseases and also a common cause of physical disability which requires instant treatment.

• In 2021, the National Center for Biotechnology Information reported that approximately 6.2 million individuals aged 65 and over in the U.S. had Alzheimer’s disease. This number is projected to rise to nearly 13.8 million by 2060.

Key Takeaways

• In 2023, the Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics market was worth USD 5.5 billion.
• By 2033, the market is expected to grow around USD 30.8 billion.
• This Market’s growth is at a CAGR of 18.8% per year from 2024 to 2033.
• North America dominates the global Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics market, with a 42.5% revenue share in 2023.
• The rise in Alzheimer’s cases and the approval of new therapies are driving market growth.
• In 2021, over 6.2 million people aged 65 and over had Alzheimer’s in the U.S., projected to reach nearly 13.8 million by 2060.
• The aging population is a significant factor contributing to market growth.
• Advances in diagnostic tools have led to earlier and more accurate Alzheimer’s diagnoses.
• The disease is complex, with multiple potential causes and mechanisms, making drug development challenging.
• Many Alzheimer’s drug candidates fail in clinical trials, leading to financial losses and reduced research investments.
• Cholinesterase inhibitors are the dominant drug class for Alzheimer’s treatment, making up 53.2% of the market in 2023.
• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the most common disease stage in 2023. Accounted 33.7% market share.
• Oral administration is the primary route for Alzheimer’s drugs, making up the majority of the market accounted 58.1% market share.
• Hospital pharmacies are the largest distribution channel for Alzheimer’s drugs, with 56.4% of the market share in 2023.

Driving Factors

Rising geriatric population boosts the market growth

The onset of Alzheimer’s disease is closely related to the increase in number of aged individuals. With the rise in life expectancy and an overall increase in the elderly population worldwide, particularly in developed nations, there is a consistent growth in the number of individuals that are vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease.

This demographic shift witnessed that healthcare systems will face mounting challenges related to age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. This will increase the need for effective treatments even more.

Diagnostic Advances to surge to market growth

The evolution of diagnostic tools, mainly in neuroimaging and molecular biomarkers, has led to the earlier and more accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Detecting the disease at an early stage allows for timely interventions. This can potentially slow down the disease progression. An earlier diagnosis would lead to the expansion of patient pool who can benefit from these treatments.

Restraining Factors

Complex disease pathology to restrict the expansion of the Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics market

Alzheimer’s is one of the most complex diseases. It has multiple potential causes and mechanisms. This multifactorial nature means that targeting just one aspect of the disease might not yield effective or comprehensive treatments. This makes drug development more challenging.

High clinical trial failure rates to hamper the market growth

The drug development process for Alzheimer’s has been perforated with hindrances. The majority of potential treatments that appeared to be promising in early-stage research or even in preliminary clinical trials ended up failing in the subsequent phases.

These frequent failures might be due to lack of efficacy or unexpected side effects. This leads to financial losses and is likely expected to limit future investments in research and development within this field.

Drug Class Analysis

Cholinesterase inhibitors accounted as the dominant segment in the global Alzheimer’s Disease Therapeutics market

Based on drug class, the market for Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics is segmented into cholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists, combination drugs, and pipeline drugs. Among these drugs, the cholinesterase inhibitors segment held the largest revenue share of 53.2% in 2023 as it is considered as the standard treatment for AD. These drugs work by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter.

Neurotransmitter plays a crucial role in memory and cognitive function, which in turn increases its levels in the brain and improve the symptoms of the disease. Moreover, the segment growth is driven by increasing prevalence of AD. On the other hand, the pipeline drugs segment is projected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. This growth can be highly attributed to the impending launch of multiple disease-modifying therapies.

Disease Stage Analysis

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) accounted as the dominant segment in 2023

Based on disease stage, the market is divided into preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), mild dementia due to AD, moderate dementia due to AD, and severe dementia due to AD. Among these stages, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) accounted for a 33.7% market share as it is quite common, especially among aged individuals.

• According to the American Academy of Neurology, it is estimated that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is present in approximately 8 % of people aged 65 to 69, 15% of people aged 75 to 79, 25% of people aged 80 to 84, 37% of people 85 or older.

However, not all cases of MCI progress to Alzheimer’s disease.

Route of Administration Analysis

The oral segment held the largest revenue share in 2023

By route of administration, the market is divided into oral and injectable. Among these routes, the oral segment accounted for 58.1% of revenue share in 2023. Cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, and memantine are the primary medications approved for the treatment of AD.

These drugs are generally taken orally. The segment growth can be attributed to the ease of administration and painless drug delivery. Moreover, patients can self-administer the drug at home, workplace, and in travel.

Distribution Channel Analysis

Based on the distribution channel, the global Alzheimer’s disease market is bifurcated into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. Among these segments, hospital pharmacies dominated the market with the largest share of 56.4%.

The significant share is gained due to increasing hospitalization of patients with AD. Moreover, the segment growth is also enhanced by the rising geriatric population which leads to a higher number of AD cases. This leads to the increased sale of AD drugs from hospital pharmacies.

• As per the 2022 report from the Alzheimer’s Association, geriatric Medicare beneficiaries with Alzheimer’s or other dementias experienced 518 hospitalizations per 1,000 individuals. In contrast, those without these conditions had a significantly lower rate, with only 234 hospitalizations per 1,000 beneficiaries.

Key Market Segments

By Drug Class

• Cholinesterase inhibitors
• NMDA Receptor Antagonist
• Combination Drug
• Pipeline Drugs

By Disease Stage

• Preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
• Mild dementia due to AD
• Moderate dementia due to AD
• Severe dementia due to AD

By Route of Administration

• Oral
• Injectable

By Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies

Growth Opportunity

Biomarker development to create numerous growth opportunities

Biomarkers serve as the measurable indicators of disease states or conditions. Identifying specific indicators for Alzheimer’s disease can significantly enhance the way of diagnosing and measuring the disease’s stage, progression, and reaction to treatments.

Increase in funding and studies in this field can help in initiating the treatments sooner and tailoring them more effectively. This in turn leads to improved results for patients.

Latest Trends

Advancements in immunotherapy & digital health solutions to boost the market growth

Immunotherapy involves the use of body’s immune system to target and remove the harmful substances, such as beta-amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease. Aducanumab, an example of an immunotherapy drug, gained attention for its potential to clear beta-amyloid plaques. Ongoing research aims to refine the dosing, delivery methods, and patient selection criteria for immunotherapies.

Moreover, digital tools like cognitive assessment apps, wearable devices, and remote monitoring systems offer the ability to track cognitive decline and other symptoms remotely. These technologies provide real-time data that can be used to personalize treatment plans and monitor the effectiveness of interventions over time.

Regional Analysis

North America dominated the global Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics market with a revenue share of 42.5%

Based on region, the global Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, And Middle East & Africa. Among these regions, North America accounted for the dominant region with the highest revenue share of 42.5% in 2023.

This significant share is gained due to the growing research for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in the region. In addition, the growth of this region is also influenced by the increasing government initiatives and funding.

• In June 2021, the U.S. FDA granted the Breakthrough Therapy designation to lecanemab (BAN2401), an anti-amyloid beta protofibril antibody developed by Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen for Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

The Asia-Pacific is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The market of Asia-Pacific is expected to be propelled by increasing research activities to develop novel drugs for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, the increasing awareness regarding AD is likely expected to fuel the market growth of this region.

Key Regions

• North America
  • The US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Western Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Portugal
  • Ireland
  • Austria
  • Switzerland
  • Benelux
  • Nordic
  • Rest of Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
  • Russia
  • Poland
  • The Czech Republic
  • Greece
  • Rest of Eastern Europe
• APAC
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Colombia
  • Chile
  • Argentina
  • Costa Rica
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Algeria
  • Egypt
  • Israel
  • Kuwait
  • Nigeria
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

Emerging key players in the market are highly investing in R&D for introduction of novel drugs and therapies for the treatment of alzheimer’s disease. In addition, they are focused on implementing the strategic growth policies to increase their market presence.

Moreover, they are involved in partnerships, collaborations, and mergers & acquisitions. Successful launch of drugs, which reduce amyloid-β plaques and moderately slows mild cognitive decline in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease is expected to fuel the market growth during the forecast period.

Market Key Players

• Eisai Co., Ltd.
• Novartis AG
• AbbVie Inc. (Allergan Plc.)
• Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Lundbeck A/S
• Biogen
• AC Immune
• Hoffmann La Roche Ltd.
• Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited
• Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.
• TauRx Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• Other Key Players

Recent Developments

• In January 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb), a drug developed by Eisai Co., Ltd., for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
• In March 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval to Adlarity (donepezil hydrochloride), a cholinesterase inhibitor formulated by Corium Inc., for the treatment of individuals with severe Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia.

Report Scope