Macular Degeneration Treatment Market

Market Overview

The global macular degeneration treatment market size was valued at USD 8,208.70 million in 2021. It is expected to reach USD 15,167.69 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.06% during the forecast period (2022–2030). Factors such as rising impact of retinal disorders and improving investments in research and development significantly drives the macular degeneration treatment market demand by 2030.

Macular degeneration causes loss of central vision since it gives the clear, central vision required to see objects. The eye's macula is impacted by macular degeneration, a neurological disorder. It manifests when the capillaries close to the fovea expand and leak. The fluid buildup interferes with light reflection, which causes progressive vision loss. Most in danger are people between the ages of 50 and 60. The symptoms of this illness include night blindness, tunnel vision, and loss of central vision, also called age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Nutritional therapy can aid treatment in the early stages of dry macular degeneration. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants is part of the plan to sustain the macula's cells. Supplements to improve the number of particular vitamins and minerals that could increase healthy pigments and promote cell structure are given if macular degeneration is advanced but still dry.

Market Dynamics

Global Macular Degeneration Treatment Market Drivers

Rising Impact of Retinal Disorders

Treatment for macular degeneration is in greater demand due to the rising prevalence of retinal diseases. Eye conditions have become potential threats in many developed and developing nations. Most severe eye conditions are rising globally, and vision loss is becoming a significant public health issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified numerous global retinal diseases that affect vision. Refractive errors and age-related macular disorders are two of these illnesses that are most common in less developed nations. Globally, advanced age-related macular degeneration is the primary factor in irreversible blindness and visual impairment. As a result, the market for treating macular degeneration is anticipated to experience significant growth over the forecast period due to the rising burden of retinal disorders.

Improving Investments in Research and Development

Research and development in the macular degenerative treatment market are driven by the rising prevalence of retinal disorders worldwide and the need for effective and affordable treatment options. Ongoing research investigates dietary, genetic, and environmental factors that may contribute to macular degeneration. New treatment approaches, such as radiation therapy, retinal cell transplants, and medications to stop or slow disease progression, are also being researched. Investments have increased significantly, particularly in ophthalmology-related R&D. Major businesses are concentrating on creating novel therapeutics and diagnostics for the market under study. Scientists are primarily focusing on discovering and developing new treatment options due to the ever-increasing prevalence of AMD and the rising costs of healthcare globally, which now total hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Therefore, the macula factors above are anticipated to expand significantly over the coming years due to the factors above.

Global Macular Degeneration Treatment Market Restraints

Inadequate Knowledge of AMD

Despite the rising prevalence of age-related macular degenerative disorders, the general public still has little knowledge of the target disease. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) disorder presents several difficulties, including differences in the reporting of ophthalmic health expenditure across regions, the rising burden of the target disorders, and high healthcare costs in high and low-income countries. Although AMD is still incurable, early awareness of the condition and behavior changes to reduce its risk factors are the most important ways to reduce the likelihood of development while preventing irreversible vision loss. However, the macular degeneration treatment market’s growth is predicted to be constrained by the general lack of knowledge about AMD.

Global Macular Degeneration Treatment Market Opportunities

Rapid Aging Population

The rapid aging population is expected to increase the demand for macular degeneration treatment. UN World Aging Report states that 703 million people were 65 or older in 2019, which is expected to double by 2050. Globally, the 65-and-older population rose from 6% in 1990 to 9% in 2019. Innovative and digital healthcare products, such as smart contact lenses and intelligent optometry, could also impact the market under study. Future access to gene chips may improve diagnosis and treatment for AMD and glaucoma. The market under study is expected to grow due to companies' investments and accelerated research, but a lack of skilled labor may limit this growth. Changing regulatory policies may change the market scenario in the future.

Regional Analysis

By region, the global macular degeneration treatment market share is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and South America.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant shareholder in the global macular degeneration treatment market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.10% during the forecast period. Due to several factors, including the growing burden of the elderly population and the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration, the United States accounts for a sizeable portion of the market under study. The US is committed to enhancing population eye health through several initiatives. Additionally, it is anticipated that the key market players' presence, along with recent product launches and established healthcare infrastructure, will accelerate the market's growth in the United States. The market development under study in the United States is anticipated to be fueled by novel treatments for macular degeneration.

Europe is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.70%, generating USD 3,531.14 million during the forecast period. The factors driving the expansion of the French macular degeneration treatment industry include the aging population, the growing macular degeneration burden, and significant R&D investments. A growing number of advanced research studies are being conducted in France. This is mainly because of the funding provided by the government, both at the national and EU agency levels. In France, which has one of the best healthcare systems, the government and the individual is responsible for paying for medical expenses. These campaigns are anticipated to raise public awareness and lead to rapid market growth in France over the forecast period.

In Asia-Pacific, the growing awareness of macular degeneration, the presence of key market players, and the rising elderly population in Japan all point to significant growth in the Japanese market for macular degeneration treatments. Japan is one of the Asian countries with a rapidly aging population. Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co. Ltd. amended its agreement with Healios K.K. for joint development programs and other joint activities in Japan in June 2019. The amendments related to the development and commercialization activities. In order to treat age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases, joint development activities will concentrate on retinal pigment epithelial cells derived from iPS cells. The market for macular degeneration treatments in Japan is anticipated to grow due to rising AMD prevalence and R&D efforts in the field.

In the Middle East and Africa, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Oman make up the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The GCC is increasing healthcare investments as patient volume and data grow. The GCC's growing disease burden and privatization have boosted the market for macular degeneration treatments. Due to population growth, AMD is the fastest-growing ophthalmological concern in the Gulf. According to the World Population Ageing 2019 report, Saudi Arabia had 1.169 million (3.4%) 65-plus persons in 2019, with a projected increase to 7.689 million (17.2%) by 2050. The market is expected to grow because the elderly are more susceptible to ophthalmic disorders like AMD. Rising R&D for novel drugs, market penetration by major players, and healthcare initiatives are also driving the GCC macular degeneration market.

In South America, the Brazilian market is anticipated to benefit from the growing older population and increased public awareness of AMD. Additionally, it is expected that rising research and development projects for diagnosing and treating macular degeneration will significantly impact the Brazilian market. The demand for macular degeneration treatments is anticipated to increase due to the rising elderly population in Chloride and government organizations focusing on AMD in the nation.

Segmental Analysis

The global macular degeneration treatment market is segmented by type, stage of disease, route of administration, and sales channel.

By Type Analysis

Based on type, the global market for macular degeneration treatment is bifurcated into dry and wet age-related macular degeneration.

The wet age-related macular degeneration segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.98% over the forecast period. Wet macular degeneration is marked by aberrant blood vessels under the retina and macula, known as choroidal neovascularization or CNV. The macula may then bulge or lift from its typically flat position due to these new blood vessels bleeding and leaking fluid, blurring, or impairing central vision. Wet macular degeneration accounts for around 10% of cases but results in 90% of legal blindness. The dry form of the disease always comes before wet macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration is treatable if identified early. Medications are injected into the eye to stop the development of abnormal blood vessels.

One of the most common eye conditions affecting people 50 years or older is dry macular degeneration. Blurred or reduced center vision is the result of the macula's thinning. The macula provides a clear idea in a straight line of sight, a retina component. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the dry form of AMD affects about 80% (8 out of 10) of AMD patients. Dry macular degeneration can progress and impair vision without developing into the wet form of the condition. However, early dry age-related macular degeneration may suddenly transform into the wet variety. There is currently no treatment to stop further vision loss once dry AMD reaches the advanced stage. Intervention strategies, on the other hand, might postpone or even halt intermediate AMD from progressing to the advanced stage, where vision loss occurs.

By Stage of Disease Analysis

Based on the stage of disease, the global market for macular degeneration treatment is bifurcated into early-stage AMD, intermediate AMD, and late-stage AMD.

The late-stage AMD segment owns the highest market share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.03% during the forecast period. Macular degeneration-related vision loss peaks in late-stage AMD, though not all cases of early AMD progress to late AMD. Geographic atrophy (also known as Dry AMD) and neovascular AMD (also known as Wet AMD/nvAMD) are the two different types of late-stage AMD. The macula and the tissue that supports it both deteriorate in dry AMD. Under the retina, abnormal blood vessel growth is a symptom of wet AMD. The macula may become damaged if these vessels leak. Although less common than dry AMD, wet AMD poses a greater risk to vision. Many medical procedures are now being created or studied to discover if they are effective. As a result, the availability of approved and in-development therapies is anticipated to broaden patients' options and raise demand for these treatments.

There may be some vision loss at the intermediate AMD stage, but no apparent symptoms exist. During a complete eye exam, specific tests may be used to look for larger drusen and pigment changes in the retina. The focus of recommendations for patients with intermediate AMD is assessing and addressing risk factors, notably quitting smoking and taking antioxidant supplements. However, it is crucial to inform the patient that an immediate appointment with an ophthalmologist is required if they notice a sudden change in their vision. The advantages of antioxidant therapy (i.e., vitamin E, vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin, zinc, and copper) in the intermediate AMD stage are consistently supported by various studies.

By Route of Administration Analysis

Based on the route of administration, the global macular degeneration treatment industry is bifurcated into the intravenous route and intravitreal route.

The intravitreal route segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.10% during the forecast period. A highly targeted drug therapy is made possible by intravitreal injection, which maximizes therapeutic drug delivery to the posterior pole and reduces systemic toxicity. The intravitreal injection has become the most frequent ophthalmic procedure due to the growing use of intravitreal anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) agents in treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Currently, the most common and effective clinical treatment for wet AMD is anti-VEGF medication, which is frequently administered intravitreally.

Visudyne is injected intravenously to direct the laser during photodynamic therapy (PDT). A low-level, non-thermal laser activates Visudyne medication. Wet macular degeneration photodynamic treatment reduces abnormal blood vessel growth and macula bleeding. The process stops leaking vessels while protecting healthy ones, improving earlier laser treatments. The results of future field studies should be fruitful, which could help future market expansion.

By Sales Channels Analysis

Based on sales channels, the global macular degeneration treatment market is bifurcated into ambulatory surgical centers and hospitals.

The hospital segment owns the highest market share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.04% during the forecast period. Inpatients at tertiary hospitals often request ophthalmology consultations. Examining hospital inpatients is more complex than outpatients. Ophthalmologists provide eye care, treat acute eye conditions, and perform emergency and elective ophthalmic surgery. They also offer inpatient consultation services in evaluating and treating diseases that threaten vision and contribute to diagnosing a systemic disease that affects other hospital departments and units. Inpatient care is more extended, which may be beneficial if complications worsen, despite the higher procedure and hospital costs.

Medical care or treatment that does not necessitate an overnight stay in a hospital or other healthcare facility is called outpatient care, also known as ambulatory care. Outpatient care is often provided in one of these locations or an outpatient surgery facility, though it can also be provided in a hospital or doctor's office. One of the treatments for macular degeneration is laser photocoagulation surgery, typically performed as an outpatient procedure. The eye is numbed before the outpatient procedure, and abnormal leaky blood vessels are sealed and destroyed by a high-energy laser. The market is anticipated to grow as ambulatory care is in higher demand and centers offer additional advantages.

Recent Developments

• August 2022- Novartis intends to completely spin off the Sandoz division to establish a standalone business.
• September 2022- Bayer will present new cardiorenal results for Kerendia in various individuals with early-stage chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes (finerenone).