Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – May 08, 2025 – Global Inhaled Nitric Oxide Market size is expected to be worth around USD 1.9 billion by 2033 from USD 0.9 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period 2024 to 2033.
The global inhaled nitric oxide market is experiencing steady growth, primarily fueled by the increasing incidence of respiratory conditions such as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is a medical gas used as a vasodilator to improve oxygenation and reduce pulmonary artery pressure.
As of 2023, the market is supported by the growing adoption of iNO in intensive care units and neonatal respiratory care, especially in developed healthcare systems. The gas is commonly administered through ventilators or inhalation delivery systems in hospital settings. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved iNO for treating hypoxic respiratory failure in neonates, further expanding its clinical usage.
The increasing prevalence of premature births, advancements in gas delivery systems, and expanded research into iNO applications for COVID-19 and other viral pneumonias are expected to drive market demand over the coming years. Moreover, emerging clinical trials investigating the use of nitric oxide in antimicrobial therapies and cardiovascular conditions are opening new therapeutic avenues.
North America currently leads the global market due to advanced healthcare infrastructure and early adoption of respiratory innovations, while the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period due to rising healthcare expenditure and growing awareness of neonatal care standards.
Key Takeaways
- Market Size: The global inhaled nitric oxide market is projected to reach approximately USD 1.9 billion by 2033, rising from USD 0.9 billion in 2023.
- Market Growth: The market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.
- By Product Type: In 2023, the gas-based nitric oxide segment accounted for the largest market share at 54.7%, reflecting strong demand in clinical respiratory applications.
- By Application: Neonatal respiratory treatment emerged as a key application area, capturing a substantial market share of 24.1% in 2023, driven by increasing prevalence of pulmonary complications in newborns.
- By End-Use: Hospitals remained the primary end-use segment, representing 60.2% of the total market revenue in 2023 due to widespread use of inhaled nitric oxide in critical care and emergency settings.
- Regional Insights: North America led the global market in 2023, contributing the highest revenue share of 38.7%, supported by well-established healthcare infrastructure and increased adoption of advanced respiratory therapies.
Segmentation Analysis
- By Product Type Analysis: In 2023, the gas segment dominated the inhaled nitric oxide market with a 54.7% share, driven by increased use in treating respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Rising cases of pulmonary hypertension and neonatal respiratory failure have led to higher demand in hospital settings. Technological innovations in gas delivery systems ensuring precise dosing and safety further support growth. Greater awareness of nitric oxide’s clinical benefits is expected to sustain strong demand across critical care applications.
- By Application Analysis: Neonatal respiratory treatment accounted for 24.1% of the market in 2023, largely due to the rising prevalence of conditions such as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Increased rates of preterm births have amplified the need for effective oxygenation therapies. Inhaled nitric oxide, known for its ability to reduce the need for invasive ventilation, remains a cornerstone in neonatal intensive care. Ongoing research to expand its clinical use is expected to further accelerate segment growth.
- By End-User Analysis: Hospitals led the end-use segment with a 60.2% revenue share in 2023, supported by the widespread need for advanced respiratory therapies in critical care settings. Facilities equipped with intensive care units are key providers of nitric oxide therapy, especially for neonates and adults with severe pulmonary conditions. Growth is further driven by the availability of specialized equipment, trained personnel, and a focus on managing complex respiratory illnesses like ARDS and pulmonary hypertension.
Market Segments
By Product Type
- Gas
- Delivery System
By Application
- Asthma & COPD
- Neonatal Respiratory Treatment
- Malaria Treatment
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
- Tuberculosis Treatment
By End-user
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Ambulatory Care
Regional Analysis
North America Leads the Inhaled Nitric Oxide Market
In 2023, North America held the largest share of the global inhaled nitric oxide market, accounting for 38.7% of total revenue. This leadership is attributed to increasing clinical adoption of nitric oxide therapy for neonatal hypoxia and pulmonary hypertension, supported by a robust healthcare infrastructure capable of delivering advanced respiratory treatments.
A key development took place in January 2021, when VERO Biotech secured a US\$ 50 million loan from Runway Growth Capital LLC to support the GENOSYL® Delivery System—a tankless, FDA-approved inhaled nitric oxide device. This innovation has improved the accessibility and efficiency of therapy in hospital settings by eliminating the need for traditional gas tanks.
Continued research, favorable clinical outcomes, and growing recognition of nitric oxide’s therapeutic benefits have further strengthened regional market expansion.
Asia Pacific Expected to Register the Highest CAGR
The Asia Pacific region is projected to grow at the fastest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period. This growth is fueled by increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure and a rising burden of respiratory conditions. Countries such as China and India are at the forefront, driven by greater awareness and adoption of nitric oxide therapy in critical care.
In January 2021, SOL expanded its presence in India by increasing its stake in SICGILSOL—the country’s first provider of inhaled nitric oxide therapy. This strategic investment reflects a broader commitment to modernizing medical gas systems and meeting international care standards. As advanced respiratory care becomes more accessible, the region is poised for substantial market growth.
Emerging Trends
- Use in COVID-19 Treatment: Recent studies have explored using iNO for patients with severe COVID-19. Some findings suggest that iNO can improve oxygen levels in the blood for these patients. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in reducing death rates or speeding up recovery.
- High-Dose iNO for Lung Infections: Researchers are investigating the use of higher doses of iNO to fight lung infections. Early studies indicate that high-dose iNO might help kill certain bacteria and viruses in the lungs, offering a new way to treat infections without relying solely on antibiotics.
- Expanded Use in Adults: While iNO has been commonly used for newborns with lung issues, its use in adults is being studied more. In adults with conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or high blood pressure in the lungs, iNO may help improve oxygen levels, although it doesn’t necessarily reduce the risk of death.
- Development of Portable iNO Devices: Advancements in technology have led to the creation of portable iNO delivery systems. These devices allow for easier administration of iNO, especially in emergency situations or during patient transport, making the therapy more accessible.
Use Cases
- Newborns with Lung Problems: iNO is approved for treating newborns (born after 34 weeks of pregnancy) who have serious lung issues causing low oxygen levels. It helps relax blood vessels in the lungs, improving oxygen flow. This treatment has reduced the need for more invasive procedures like ECMO (a type of life support).
- Adults with Severe Lung Conditions: In adults suffering from ARDS, iNO can temporarily improve oxygen levels in the blood. However, its use hasn’t been shown to significantly reduce death rates, so it’s often used as a short-term solution while other treatments are considered.
- Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension: For individuals with high blood pressure in the lungs, iNO can help lower this pressure and improve breathing. It’s sometimes used during or after heart surgery to assist with blood flow and oxygenation.
- Potential Antimicrobial Effects: High doses of iNO are being studied for their ability to kill harmful bacteria and viruses in the lungs. This could offer a new way to treat lung infections, especially those resistant to antibiotics.
Conclusion
The inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) market is experiencing steady growth, driven by rising respiratory complications, technological advancements in gas delivery systems, and expanding therapeutic applications. iNO’s established use in neonatal care, coupled with ongoing research into adult respiratory conditions and potential antimicrobial benefits, is widening its clinical value.
North America maintains market dominance due to robust infrastructure, while Asia Pacific is poised for rapid growth due to healthcare investment and rising awareness. With innovations such as portable delivery devices and trials exploring broader disease applications, iNO is set to remain a critical tool in respiratory and intensive care management.
