Corticosteroids Market To Reach USD 6.9 Billion By 2033

Overview

New York, NY – April 04, 2025 –  The global Corticosteroids Market was valued at the USD 4.3 Billion in 2023 and is further projected to register substantial growth of the USD 6.9 Billion by 2033, with a 4.9% CAGR.

Corticosteroids are a class of anti-inflammatory drugs widely used in the treatment of various medical conditions, including asthma, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and skin diseases. These synthetic drugs mimic cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands, to regulate immune response and reduce inflammation.

Available in multiple forms oral tablets, inhalers, topical creams, and injections corticosteroids provide targeted relief depending on the condition. Commonly prescribed variants include prednisone, hydrocortisone, and dexamethasone. While highly effective, prolonged use may lead to side effects such as weight gain, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Therefore, careful dosage management and medical supervision are crucial. Recent advancements in corticosteroid formulations have improved their safety profile, enhancing their therapeutic benefits while minimizing risks. Physicians and researchers continue to explore innovative ways to optimize their use in chronic disease management.

Key Takeaways

• Global Corticosteroids Market was valued at the USD 4.3 Billion in 2023 and is further projected to register substantial growth of the USD 6.9 Billion by 2033, with a 4.9% CAGR.
• Based on product, glucocorticoids leads the global corticosteroids market in the year 2023.
• Based on route of administration, topical corticosteroids segments grabbed a major market portion.
• Based on application, skin allery segment captured a prominent market share of 34.9% dominating the corticosteroids market.
• Based on distribution channel, hospital pharmacies are highly preferred by patients resulting into the market growth.
• North America leads the global corticosteroids market grabbing a revenue share of 32.6% in 2023.

Segmentation Analysis

By Product Analysis: Glucocorticoids dominate the corticosteroids market, accounting for a significant 65.3% revenue share in 2023. Their potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties make them essential in treating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and lupus. Additionally, glucocorticoids are widely used for respiratory disorders and acute allergies. Their extensive therapeutic applications, including dermatology and chronic disease management, drive market growth, ensuring continued demand and expansion in the pharmaceutical industry.

By Route of Administration Analysis: Topical corticosteroids led the market with a dominant 48.3% revenue share in 2023. Their effectiveness in treating skin conditions, minimal systemic absorption, and long-term safety contribute to their widespread use. The growing elderly population, more susceptible to dermatological disorders, further boosts demand. The availability of diverse formulations enhances patient adherence, allowing healthcare providers to personalize treatment plans. These factors collectively strengthen the position of topical corticosteroids in the market.

By Application Analysis: The skin allergy segment accounted for a substantial 34.9% market share in 2023, leading the corticosteroids market. The strong anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroids make them a preferred treatment for various skin conditions. Available in creams, ointments, and solutions, they offer targeted and efficient relief. Their effectiveness in alleviating itching, redness, and inflammation significantly enhances patient quality of life, reinforcing their widespread adoption in dermatological treatments.

By Distribution Channel Analysis: Hospital pharmacies dominated the corticosteroids market in 2023, capturing 52.4% of total revenue. Their structured distribution ensures systematic access to corticosteroids for critical treatments, including sudden inflammatory diseases and allergic reactions. As primary providers of prescription-based corticosteroids, hospital pharmacies play a vital role in delivering urgent care and managing severe conditions. Their reliability and accessibility make them the preferred distribution channel among healthcare professionals and patients.

Market Segments

By Product

• Mineralocorticoids
• Glucocorticoids

By Route of Administration

• Oral
• Inhaled
• Topical
• Injectable

By Application

• Skin Allergies
• Gastroenterology
• Endocrinology
• Acute Respiratory Disease
• Rheumatology Indications
• Other

By Distribution Channel

• Hospital pharmacies
• Retail pharmacies
• Online pharmacie

Regional Analysis

North America dominated the global corticosteroids market, capturing a significant 32.6% share in 2023. This growth is driven by the availability of advanced pharmaceutical solutions for inflammatory conditions and the strong presence of key industry players focusing on innovation, safety, and quality. Additionally, the rising prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases and increasing adoption of technologically advanced products further expand the market. According to the Globocan 2020 report, approximately 2,281,658 cancer cases were diagnosed in the United States in 2020.

Conversely, Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region due to rising healthcare expenditures, increasing prevalence of region-specific conditions, and government initiatives addressing unique healthcare needs.

Emerging Trends

• Combination Therapies: Combining corticosteroids with other medications, such as antifungal agents, is becoming more common. For instance, using miconazole or terbinafine with corticosteroids can effectively reduce inflammation and treat fungal infections simultaneously.
• Evolving Treatment Protocols: In managing conditions like primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), there is a trend toward shorter durations of corticosteroid use. A study in Japan observed that the average duration of corticosteroid therapy for ITP decreased over recent years, indicating a shift toward minimizing exposure to these drugs.
• Cautious Use in Viral Infections: The role of corticosteroids in treating viral infections, such as COVID-19, has been carefully evaluated. While they can reduce short-term mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation in severe cases, their use may also delay viral clearance and increase the risk of secondary infections. This has led to more judicious application of corticosteroids in viral illnesses.

Use Cases

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to manage RA, reducing inflammation and joint damage. In 2019, approximately 18 million people worldwide were living with RA, highlighting the significant demand for effective treatments like corticosteroids.
• Asthma Management: Inhaled corticosteroids are a cornerstone in controlling persistent asthma. Studies have shown that regular use can reduce asthma exacerbations by up to 50%, improving patient outcomes and reducing hospitalizations.
• Dermatological Conditions: Topical corticosteroids are widely used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. They help alleviate symptoms like itching and redness, with studies indicating that up to 80% of patients experience significant improvement after treatment.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Corticosteroids are employed to induce remission in IBD cases. However, their long-term use is declining due to the emergence of biologic therapies. For example, a study noted a yearly decrease in corticosteroid prescriptions as biologics became more prevalent in IBD treatment.
• COVID-19 Treatment: Systemic corticosteroids have been utilized in severe COVID-19 cases to reduce mortality. A meta-analysis found that their use was associated with a reduction in 30-day all-cause mortality among hospitalized patients.
• Adverse Effects and Risk Management: While effective, corticosteroids carry risks, especially with long-term use. Studies have reported that prolonged therapy can lead to adverse effects such as hypertension (over 30% prevalence), bone fractures (21–30%), and cataracts (1–3%). These statistics underscore the importance of monitoring and managing side effects during corticosteroid treatment.

Conclusion

The global corticosteroids market is experiencing steady growth, driven by their extensive use in treating inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. With glucocorticoids dominating the market and topical corticosteroids leading in administration, their role in dermatology, respiratory diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis remains crucial.

North America leads in market share, while Asia-Pacific is emerging as a fast-growing region. Trends such as combination therapies and evolving treatment protocols are shaping the future of corticosteroid use. While highly effective, careful risk management is essential to minimize side effects. Advancements in corticosteroid formulations continue to enhance safety and therapeutic benefits, ensuring sustained market demand.