Nebulizer Market

Market Overview

The global nebulizer market size was valued at USD 1.10 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 1.80 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period 2023–2031. 

Nebulizers are devices that allow patients with respiratory diseases to administer the medication directly into their lungs. These devices, which typically consist of a motor, mouthpiece, cup, and tubing, use oxygen, compressed air, or ultrasonic power to break up liquid drugs into aerosols. Doctors prescribe them to patients who are unable to breathe deeply while using an inhaler. Nebulizers are primarily used to treat severe breathing conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, and others.

Market Dynamics

What are the Driving Factors for The Global Nebulizer Market?

A nebulizer enables the administration of drugs in the form of a mist to the lungs. The increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and cystic fibrosis is a significant factor driving the global demand for nebulizers. The increasing investments and innovations in drug delivery devices have contributed to expanding the global nebulizer market. The increasing geriatric population and incidences of a variety of respiratory diseases are increasing the demand for nebulizers. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 65 million people worldwide suffer from COPD, and approximately 3 million die annually as a result. In 2019, asthma affected approximately 262 million people worldwide and was responsible for 461,000 deaths in the same year. Increasing pollution levels, altering lifestyles, rising smoking prevalence, and rapid industrialization are the primary contributors to the increase in respiratory problems. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 90 percent of people breathe in polluted air, and approximately 7 million people die annually due to indoor and outdoor pollution. These variables contribute indirectly to the expansion of the global nebulizer market.

The increasing awareness of respiratory diseases and the widespread availability of nebulizers are driving global market growth. The increasing penetration of retail pharmacies and online pharmacies across global markets is anticipated to stimulate the growth of nebulizer sales. In addition, the increasing investments of the leading market players in the research and development of a variety of new nebulizers with innovative features are anticipated to drive the market. For example, in 2018, Philips introduced the InnoSpire Go, a compact, portable, and lightweight mesh nebulizer that administers medications in a matter of minutes. The presence of numerous leading competitors and their introduction of new products are driving market expansion. In addition, regulatory agencies such as FDA and EMA play a crucial role in the approval of new product launches by market participants. The active participation of these authorities in approvals and oversight of clinical trials has a significant impact on the expansion of the global nebulizer market.

What are the Restraints for The Global Nebulizer Market?

Nebulizer therapy requires a device that rapidly and repeatedly delivers sufficient drugs to the site of action with minimal waste. During nebulization, smaller aerosol particles are inhaled or delivered to the site of action, whereas larger particles return to the reservoir's feeding tube. In addition, some of the drug aerosols settle on the baffle's walls. This drug is either retained in the nebulizer (residual drug or dead volume) or released into the environment upon expiration. This leads to drug waste. Therefore, drug loss during exhalation hinders the market expansion of nebulizers.

What are the Future Opportunities for The Global Nebulizer Market?

Over the forecast period, the global aging population is projected to increase the demand for respiratory care devices, such as nebulizers. In 2020, for instance, there were 727 million people aged 65 or older. Between 2020 and 2050, it is anticipated that all regions of the world will experience an increase in the proportion of the elderly population. It is anticipated to rise from 9.3% in 2020 to approximately 16% in 2050. Multiple factors, including a gradual decline in immune function, make the elderly more susceptible to respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, and the recent COVID-19 virus. Consequently, the increase in the elderly population is anticipated to drive the growth of the nebulizer market.

Segmental Analysis

The global nebulizer market is segmented into product, modality and end user.

The market is segmented by product into ultrasonic nebulizers, jet nebulizers, and mesh nebulizers. In 2021, the jet nebulizer segment had the largest revenue share. Nebulizers' cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness are the primary factors driving this segment's revenue growth. High gas flow through a jet nebulizer enables solvent evaporation during nebulization, reducing the volume delivered and concentrating the aerosol with minimal patient cooperation. In addition, the convenience of medication delivery, mucolytic, liposomal formulations, and recombinant products, among others, is increasing patient demand for jet nebulizers. In addition, jet nebulizers can deliver formulations that Pressurized Metered-Dose Inhalers (pMDIs) and Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs) cannot, which is one of the primary factors driving the growth of this segment.

Over the forecast period, the mesh nebulizer segment is anticipated to record a significant growth rate. Mesh nebulizers offer constant and improved aerosol production efficiency, a predominantly fine-particle fraction reaching the peripheral lung, minimal residual volume, and the ability to nebulize in low drug volumes, which are among the primary factors driving revenue growth in this segment. In addition, the size of the pore, the aerosol chamber, and the reservoir, as well as the output rate of mesh nebulizers, can be adjusted for different drugs to optimize aerosol drug delivery to patients, thereby enabling efficiency, convenience, and the administration of higher drug doses to patients.

The market is segmented by modality into tabletop and portable submarkets. The operational benefits of nebulizer devices and the segment's cost-effectiveness are a few key factors driving the segment's revenue growth. The tabletop segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2021. In addition, the presence of major companies with an extensive tabletop nebulizer product line contributes to the expansion of this market segment.

The portable segment is anticipated to experience a significant growth rate over the forecast period due to its cost-effectiveness and compact size, making it easy to use for home care patients. The rapid adoption of portable nebulizer devices that provide shorter treatment duration and quiet operation, enhancing patient adherence to therapy, is a key factor driving growth in this segment. In addition, numerous R&D initiatives and technological advancements are increasing the demand for innovative portable devices. On 7 December 2020, the U.S. granted 510(k) clearance to AireHealth, an innovative digital health startup that empowers and improves healthy living through expensive treatments. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the connected nebulizer. This device is a portable electronic vibrating mesh nebulizer designed to nebulize liquid medications for inhalation. It is anticipated to support the development of an ecosystem of interconnected solutions for treating patients with respiratory conditions. VitalMed would be used to market the new nebulizer.

The market is segmented by end-user into clinics, hospitals, and home care settings. In 2021, the hospital's segment contributed significantly to total revenue. Increasing patient foot traffic and favorable reimbursement policies are two primary factors driving this segment's revenue growth. Numerous major corporations invest in and endorse hospital services and products. The utilization of nebulizers regardless of the age group of the patient being administered, such as infants and the elderly, is increasing hospital demand for nebulizers. On December 8, 2021, Pulmotect's second randomized, placebo-controlled Phase-2 trial of PUL-042 against COVID-19 was successfully administered via PARI nebulizer.

The homecare settings segment is anticipated to experience significant growth due to the increasing number of portable product launches and the comparative affordability of these products. Portable devices enable less waste and ease of use during inhalation therapy, requiring less patient effort. The high cost of hospital visits and stays is increasing patients' preference for home care, which is one of the primary factors driving the market growth.

Impact of covid-19

Globally, the rising prevalence of several respiratory diseases such as COVID 19, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) prompt the dire need for effective nebulizers for quick delivery of sufficient drug with minimal wastage. The coronavirus primarily attacks the human respiratory system, further rising the need for nebulization therapy during the course of the treatment. Currently, the market is facing a shortage of nebulizers as companies and wholesalers are running out of stock due to disruption in the supply chain, further hampering the market growth.

Regional Analysis

The global market for Nebulizer has been segmented based on geography into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA.

In 2021, the North American market had the highest revenue share. The rising prevalence of various respiratory diseases, increased government funding, and the presence of well-established healthcare facilities with cutting-edge R&D infrastructure are all expected to drive market revenue growth. According to AAFA, approximately 25 million people in the United States have asthma, and it is the most common chronic disease in children. Furthermore, rising air pollution due to urbanization is increasing the demand for nebulizers to treat various respiratory diseases such as COPD. According to the WHO, asthma affected approximately 262 million people in 2019 and resulted in 455,000 deaths.

Throughout the forecast period, the Europe market grew steadily. High-value funding for research into new innovative nebulizer products, rising Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), and increased adoption of various technologies in Europe are some key factors driving the region's nebulizer market growth. Furthermore, the growing prevalence of COPD due to the growth of manufacturing units, residential areas, thermal power plants, and the transportation sector is increasing the demand for nebulizer devices in the healthcare sector. According to research, the estimated prevalence of COPD in Europe is 12.4%. EnBiotix, Inc., a rare disease company focused on chronic respiratory disorders, closed a USD 11 million pre-merger financing on December 29, 2021, with Vectura Group plc., Sanford Biosciences LLC., and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Furthermore, EnBiotix and Vectura have agreed that EnBiotix will hold exclusive talks with Vectura about a potential strategic arrangement involving one or more of EnBiotix's inhaled medication products.

The Asia Pacific region grew rapidly during the forecast period, owing to an increase in the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases, the number of medical device companies, and high-value investments in various R&D initiatives for innovative product development. The growing elderly population increased focus on preventive care, and increased awareness is some factors driving market growth in the region. Increasing government support and favorable taxation policies encourage major foreign companies to invest and collaborate, driving the market growth.

Recent Developments

• On October 22, 2022, Aerogen, a global leader in aerosol drug delivery, signed an agreement with Synairgen plc., a UK-based biotechnology company, to provide an Aerogen Solo/Ultra nebulizer system for the direct delivery of SNG001 into the lungs of COVID-19 patients. Drug delivery technology has addressed major concerns about safety and improved patient outcomes, and it is now used in hospitals around the world to deliver aerosolized medication to critically ill ventilated COVID-19 patients.
• In July 2022, Ziccum made a deal with TEKCELEO, a company that makes innovative mechatronics and has a lot of experience with nebulizers, to make its new nebulizer. The part is a key part of Ziccum's LaminarPace system, which makes vaccines in the form of thermostable powders that don't need to be transported with a cold chain.
• On May 6, 2021, Vectura Group plc., an industry-leading inhalation Contract Development and Manufacturing Company (CDMO), and Inspira Pharmaceuticals Limited, a UK-based company focused on developing therapies for respiratory and infectious diseases, signed an agreement to develop potential inhaled formulations of Inspira's lead drug candidate for COVID-19 treatment. This new agreement will allow Vectura to conduct additional testing and development work and prepare for Phase 1 clinical studies using its FOX vibrating mesh nebulizer to deliver IPX formulations directly to the lungs.
• In March 2021, PARI Pharma GmbH got permission for the LAMIRA Nebulizer System to be used in Japan to deliver ARIKAYCE.

Nebulizer Market Segmentation

By Product

• Ultrasonic nebulizers
• Jet nebulizers
• Mesh nebulizers

By Modality

• Table-top
• Portable

By End-User

• Clinics
• Hospitals
• Homecare setting

By Region

North America

• The U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico

Europe

• Germany
• France
• The U.K.
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Russia
• The Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Australia
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Vietnam

Central and South America and the Caribbean

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• The Rest of Central and South America and the Caribbean

The Middle East

• Saudi Arabia
• The UAE
• Oman
• Bahrain
• The Rest of the Middle East

Africa

• Nigeria
• South Africa
• Ghana
• Tanzania
• The Rest of Africa