Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Route of Administration;
Oral, Parenteral, and Others.By Drug Type;
Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter Drugs.By Treatment;
NSAID’s, Corticosteroids, and Analgesics.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market was valued at USD 9,828.56 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 17,680.52 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.8%.
The global pharmaceutical industry is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector that plays a critical role in advancing healthcare outcomes worldwide. With a mission to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines and therapies, pharmaceutical companies are at the forefront of addressing unmet medical needs, improving patient care, and driving medical advancements. In this market introduction and overview, we delve into the key drivers, trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the global pharmaceutical landscape.
The pharmaceutical industry is vast, encompassing a wide range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, neurological disorders, and more. According to market research reports, the global pharmaceutical market size was valued at over $1 trillion in 2020 and is projected to continue growing at a steady pace in the coming years. Factors driving market growth include an aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, technological advancements, and rising healthcare expenditure globally.
The pharmaceutical industry is characterized by a diverse ecosystem of companies, ranging from multinational pharmaceutical giants to smaller biotech firms and specialty pharmaceutical companies. Some of the key players in the global pharmaceutical market include Sanofi, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer Inc., GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Novartis AG, Bayer AG, and Eli Lilly, among others. These companies drive innovation through research and development (R&D) initiatives, strategic collaborations, and acquisitions, aiming to bring novel therapies to market and address the evolving needs of patients and healthcare providers.
Research and development (R&D) are fundamental pillars of the pharmaceutical industry, fueling innovation and driving therapeutic advancements. Pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in R&D activities to discover and develop new drugs, biologics, and therapies targeting a wide range of diseases and conditions. With breakthroughs in areas such as genomics, immunotherapy, and gene editing technologies, the industry is witnessing a surge in innovative treatments, including precision medicine, gene therapies, and targeted cancer therapies.
The pharmaceutical industry operates within a complex regulatory environment governed by stringent regulations and guidelines aimed at ensuring patient safety, efficacy, and quality standards. Regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) in Japan play a crucial role in reviewing and approving new drugs and therapies for market authorization. Compliance with regulatory requirements is a critical aspect of pharmaceutical operations, influencing drug development timelines, market access, and commercialization strategies.
The global pharmaceutical market is influenced by various factors, including demographic trends, healthcare policies, economic conditions, and technological advancements. Rising healthcare expenditure, increasing access to healthcare services, and growing demand for personalized medicine are driving market growth. However, the industry also faces challenges such as pricing pressures, patent expirations, generic competition, and regulatory hurdles, which require companies to adapt and innovate to maintain competitiveness and sustain growth.
Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market Recent Developments
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In September 2022, Alkem Laboratories received approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for StemOne, an off-the-shelf cell therapy developed in collaboration with Stempeutics. This groundbreaking product is aimed at treating knee osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint disease in India, marking a significant advancement for Alkem in the field of regenerative medicine.
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In August 2022, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. and Grünenthal GmbH concluded a licensing agreement to introduce injectable resiniferatoxin, a promising product from Grünenthal's pipeline, to the Japanese market. This innovative therapy is designed to provide pain relief for patients with knee osteoarthritis, addressing an unmet need in Japan’s medical landscape with a novel approach to pain management.
Segment Analysis
The global osteoarthritis treatment market can be segmented by route of administration into oral, parenteral, and others, reflecting the diverse methods of drug delivery available for managing osteoarthritis symptoms. Oral administration remains the most common route, encompassing tablets, capsules, and liquid formulations, providing convenience and widespread accessibility for patients. Parenteral administration, including intra-articular injections and infusions, offers targeted delivery of medications directly into the affected joints, providing rapid relief from pain and inflammation. Other routes of administration may include topical formulations such as creams, gels, and patches, offering localized pain relief with minimal systemic side effects. Each route of administration offers unique advantages and considerations based on patient preferences, disease severity, and treatment goals. By segmenting the market based on route of administration, pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers can tailor treatment regimens to individual patient needs, optimizing therapeutic outcomes and enhancing patient adherence. Furthermore, the global osteoarthritis treatment market can be segmented by drug type into prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs. Prescription drugs, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs), are typically prescribed by healthcare providers for moderate to severe osteoarthritis symptoms. These drugs offer potent relief from pain, inflammation, and disease progression but may require medical supervision due to potential side effects. Over-the-counter drugs, such as acetaminophen and topical NSAIDs, are available without a prescription and offer milder symptom relief for mild to moderate osteoarthritis. While over-the-counter drugs provide greater accessibility and convenience for patients, they may be less effective in managing severe symptoms or disease progression. By segmenting the market based on drug type, pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers can differentiate between prescription and over-the-counter products, optimize marketing strategies, and ensure appropriate use and distribution of osteoarthritis treatments. Moreover, the global osteoarthritis treatment market can be segmented by treatment into NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and analgesics, representing the main classes of medications used for managing osteoarthritis symptoms. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are commonly prescribed for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, providing relief from pain and swelling associated with osteoarthritis. Corticosteroids, administered via intra-articular injections or oral formulations, offer potent anti-inflammatory effects and are often used for short-term symptom management in osteoarthritis patients. Analgesics, including acetaminophen and opioid medications, provide pain relief without anti-inflammatory effects, offering an alternative treatment option for patients with contraindications to NSAIDs or corticosteroids. By segmenting the market based on treatment, pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers can tailor treatment regimens to individual patient needs, optimizing symptom management and improving quality of life for individuals affected by osteoarthritis.
Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Segment Analysis
In this report, the global osteoarthritis treatment market has been segmented by Route of Administration, Drug Type, Treatment, and geography.
Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market, Segmentation by Route of Administration
The Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market has been segmented by Drugs into Route of Administration Oral, Parenteral, and Others.
Oral medications constitute a significant portion of osteoarthritis treatments, offering convenience and widespread accessibility for patients. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and analgesics are commonly administered orally to manage pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Additionally, oral supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are popular among patients seeking alternative therapies for symptom relief. Parenteral administration involves the delivery of medications via injections, including intra-articular injections directly into the affected joints or intravenous infusions.
Corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid injections (viscosupplements), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are examples of parenteral treatments used to alleviate pain and improve joint function in osteoarthritis patients. The "others" category encompasses alternative treatment modalities and emerging therapies such as topical formulations (e.g., creams, gels, patches), regenerative medicine approaches (e.g., stem cell therapy, tissue engineering), and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions (e.g., acupuncture, herbal remedies). These diverse treatment options cater to the varied needs and preferences of osteoarthritis patients, offering a comprehensive approach to symptom management and disease modification. By segmenting the osteoarthritis treatment market based on route of administration, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and policymakers can gain insights into the evolving treatment landscape, optimize therapeutic interventions, and enhance patient outcomes. Furthermore, ongoing advancements in drug delivery technologies, formulation science, and personalized medicine approaches continue to drive innovation in osteoarthritis treatment, offering new opportunities for market growth and differentiation.
Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market, Segmentation by Drug Type
The Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market has been segmented by Drug Type into Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter Drugs.
Prescription drugs encompass a wide range of pharmaceutical therapies prescribed by healthcare professionals for the management of osteoarthritis pain, inflammation, and joint damage. These may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics, corticosteroids, disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs), and biologic agents, among others. Prescription medications are typically recommended for patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis or those who have not responded adequately to OTC treatments. In contrast, over-the-counter drugs are readily available without a prescription and include common pain relievers such as acetaminophen (paracetamol), ibuprofen, and naproxen. OTC medications provide symptomatic relief from mild to moderate osteoarthritis pain and are often used as first-line treatment options or adjuncts to prescription therapies. By segmenting the osteoarthritis treatment market based on drug type, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and regulatory agencies gain insights into the utilization patterns, prescribing practices, and patient preferences for prescription versus OTC medications. This segmentation facilitates targeted marketing strategies, product development efforts, and regulatory oversight, ensuring that patients receive appropriate and effective treatment options tailored to their individual needs and preferences. Moreover, it underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to osteoarthritis management, combining pharmacological interventions with lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, and other non-pharmacological modalities to optimize patient outcomes and improve quality of life for individuals affected by this chronic and debilitating condition.
Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market, Segmentation by Treatment
The Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market has been segmented by Treatment into NSAID’s, Corticosteroids, and Analgesics.
By inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in the inflammatory pathway, NSAIDs offer effective relief from symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Corticosteroids, administered either locally via intra-articular injections or systemically through oral formulations, represent another essential class of medications in osteoarthritis treatment. These potent anti-inflammatory agents work by suppressing the immune response and reducing inflammation within the affected joints, providing rapid relief from acute flare-ups of osteoarthritis symptoms. Additionally, analgesics play a crucial role in managing osteoarthritis-related pain, particularly in patients who may not tolerate NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Acetaminophen, a commonly used analgesic, acts centrally to alleviate pain perception in the brain, offering relief from mild to moderate osteoarthritis pain without exerting significant anti-inflammatory effects. Tramadol, another analgesic medication, provides stronger pain relief by acting on the opioid receptors in the central nervous system, making it suitable for patients with more severe pain. By segmenting the osteoarthritis treatment market based on these pharmacological classes, healthcare providers can tailor treatment regimens to individual patient needs, optimizing therapeutic outcomes and improving quality of life for individuals affected by this debilitating condition. Furthermore, ongoing research and development efforts aimed at exploring novel drug targets, formulations, and combination therapies offer promise for advancing osteoarthritis treatment and addressing the evolving needs of patients in the global market. As the prevalence of osteoarthritis continues to rise worldwide, driven by factors such as aging populations and increasing obesity rates, the demand for effective and well-tolerated treatment options is expected to grow. By understanding the nuances of each treatment class and their respective roles in osteoarthritis management, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and patients alike can collaboratively work towards enhancing treatment outcomes and alleviating the burden of osteoarthritis on individuals and healthcare systems globally.
Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.
Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
The North American market is expected to grow, owing to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the rise in the geriatric population, and changes in the living lifestyles of people. As a result, the region's adoption of different treatments and drugs is increasing. The US will hold a significant share of the osteoarthritis treatment market in North America compared to Canada and Mexico. According to the National Public Health Agenda report for Osteoarthritis 2020, updated by the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It affects 1 in 7 adults in the US, and about 32.5 million people, from which more than 50% of adults with osteoarthritis are working age. Hence, the high prevalence of osteoarthritis in the region is expected to enhance the growth of the studied market.
Furthermore, the rising prevalence of osteoarthritis in Canada and Mexico is also driving the market's growth. For instance, according to the data published by the Arthritis Society Canada in September 2021, it is estimated more than 4 million Canadians have osteoarthritis, more than all other arthritis types combined. It is also estimated that about 1 in 7 Canadian adults live with the impact of osteoarthritis. Moreover, according to an article published by PubMed Central in January 2022, a study showed that the prevalence of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis was 7.1% in people over 18 years of age and 17.6% among those more than 40 years of age in Mexico. Hence, with the increasing prevalence of osteoarthritis in Canada and Mexico, the studied market is expected to experience growth during the forecast period of the study. Additionally, the availability of better treatment options, government reimbursement policies, increasing research and development activities in developing novel therapeutics, and launching new therapies in the North American region are also expected to boost the market growth. For instance, in January 2022, Merck, through its subsidiary Ares Trading SA entered into an out-licensing agreement for sprifermin with TrialSpark/High Line Bio of the US. Sprifermin is a recombinant form of human fibroblast growth factor 18 currently being investigated in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Hence, due to factors such as the increasing geriatric population, rising osteoarthritis prevalence, increasing research and development activities in developing novel therapeutics, and the launch of new therapies, the North American region is expected to hold a significant share in the studied market over the forecast period.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Increasing Prevalence of Obesity
- Rising Awareness and Diagnosis
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Patient-Centric Care- In the context of osteoarthritis, patient-centric care encompasses various aspects that prioritize the overall well-being and quality of life of patients, going beyond solely managing symptoms to address the physical, emotional, and social aspects of the condition. One key aspect of patient-centric care in the osteoarthritis treatment market is personalized treatment planning. Healthcare providers recognize that osteoarthritis affects individuals differently, with variations in symptom severity, disease progression, comorbidities, and treatment response. As such, adopting a personalized approach to treatment involves conducting comprehensive assessments to understand each patient's unique circumstances, preferences, and treatment goals. This may involve considering factors such as age, functional status, lifestyle, comorbidities, medication tolerance, and patient preferences for treatment modalities. Furthermore, patient education and empowerment are integral components of patient-centric care in the osteoarthritis treatment market. Educating patients about their condition, treatment options, self-management strategies, and lifestyle modifications empowers them to actively participate in decision-making regarding their care. By fostering patient understanding and engagement, healthcare providers enable patients to make informed choices that align with their values, preferences, and treatment goals. Patient education also helps promote adherence to treatment regimens, encourage lifestyle modifications, and facilitate shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers. Additionally, patient-centric care in the osteoarthritis treatment market extends beyond medical management to encompass holistic support for patients' physical, emotional, and social well-being. This may involve providing access to multidisciplinary care teams comprising healthcare professionals such as rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, and mental health professionals. Collaborative care teams work together to address the diverse needs of patients, offering a comprehensive range of services aimed at improving functional status, reducing pain, enhancing mobility, and optimizing overall quality of life.
Moreover, patient-centric care emphasizes the importance of ongoing communication, support, and follow-up to monitor treatment progress, address concerns, and adjust treatment plans as needed. Regular communication between patients and healthcare providers facilitates the timely identification of treatment response, adverse effects, or changes in disease status, allowing for prompt intervention and optimization of care. By fostering open and transparent communication, healthcare providers can build trust, rapport, and therapeutic relationships with patients, enhancing patient satisfaction and engagement in their care.
Restraints
- Limited Efficacy of Current Treatments
- Safety Concerns and Side Effects
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Limited Treatment Options for Severe Cases- While various pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are available for managing mild to moderate osteoarthritis symptoms, options for individuals with severe osteoarthritis are more limited and often inadequate. Severe osteoarthritis is characterized by advanced joint damage, debilitating pain, significant functional impairment, and decreased quality of life. Unfortunately, existing treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, analgesics, and physical therapy may provide only partial relief or have limited efficacy in severe cases. One of the primary challenges in treating severe osteoarthritis is the lack of disease-modifying therapies that can halt or reverse the progression of joint degeneration. While disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) are an area of active research, few options are currently available for clinical use. Additionally, surgical interventions such as joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty) may be necessary for severe osteoarthritis patients who have exhausted conservative treatment options. However, surgery carries inherent risks, requires significant recovery time, and may not be suitable for all patients.
Another constraint is the limited availability of effective pain management strategies for severe osteoarthritis. Chronic pain associated with severe osteoarthritis can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and functional abilities. While opioids are sometimes prescribed for severe pain, their long-term use carries risks of addiction, tolerance, and adverse effects. Moreover, many patients with severe osteoarthritis may have comorbidities or contraindications that limit the use of certain medications or treatment modalities. Furthermore, access to specialized healthcare services and multidisciplinary care may be limited for individuals with severe osteoarthritis, particularly in underserved regions or healthcare systems with resource constraints. Comprehensive management of severe osteoarthritis often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, pain specialists, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals. However, access to such integrated care may be challenging due to barriers such as geographical distance, financial constraints, or lack of specialized facilities.
Opportunities
- Rising Awareness and Diagnosis
- Expanding Treatment Options
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Regulatory Support and Incentives- Regulatory agencies worldwide, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) in Japan, are increasingly recognizing the need to expedite the development and approval of innovative treatments for osteoarthritis. These agencies offer various regulatory pathways and incentives to facilitate faster market entry and commercialization of novel therapies, thereby encouraging investment in osteoarthritis research and development. One significant opportunity provided by regulatory support is the availability of expedited pathways for drug approval. Regulatory agencies offer programs such as the FDA's Fast Track, Breakthrough Therapy, and Priority Review designations, which aim to accelerate the development and review of promising treatments for serious or life-threatening conditions, including osteoarthritis. By expediting the regulatory review process, these pathways enable pharmaceutical companies to bring new osteoarthritis treatments to market more quickly, addressing unmet medical needs and improving patient access to innovative therapies. Furthermore, regulatory agencies may grant orphan drug designations for novel treatments targeting rare diseases or conditions, including subsets of osteoarthritis. Orphan drug status provides companies with incentives such as extended market exclusivity, tax credits for research and development expenses, and protocol assistance from regulatory agencies. These incentives encourage investment in the development of innovative osteoarthritis treatments for specific patient populations, where traditional market incentives may be lacking.
Moreover, regulatory support extends to the approval of biosimilar products for osteoarthritis treatment. Biosimilars are biologic drugs that are highly similar to an already approved biologic reference product, offering cost-effective alternatives for patients. Regulatory agencies have established pathways for the approval of biosimilars, providing opportunities for competition and market access, which can lead to lower treatment costs and increased affordability for osteoarthritis patients.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market include:
- AstraZeneca
- Johnson & Johnson Private limited
- Pfizer
- Teva Pharmaceuticals
- Reckitt Benckiser Group plc.
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
- Bayer AG
- Perrigo Company
- Tolmar Pharmaceuticals
- Sanofi
- Horizon Therapeutics
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH.
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Route of Administration
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Market Snapshot, By Drug Type
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Market Snapshot, By Treatment
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Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Increasing Prevalence of Obesity
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Rising Awareness and Diagnosis
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Patient-Centric Care
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- Restraints
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Limited Efficacy of Current Treatments
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Safety Concerns and Side Effects
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Limited Treatment Options for Severe Cases
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- Opportunities
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Rising Awareness and Diagnosis
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Expanding Treatment Options
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Regulatory Support and Incentives
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market, By Route of Administration, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Oral
- Parenteral
- Others
- Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market, By Drug Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Prescription Drugs
- Over-the-Counter Drugs
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Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market, By Treatment, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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NSAID’s
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Corticosteroids
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Analgesics
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- Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global Osteoarthritis Treatment Market, By Route of Administration, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
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AstraZeneca
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Johnson & Johnson Private limited
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Pfizer
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Teva Pharmaceuticals
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Reckitt Benckiser Group plc.
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Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
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Bayer AG
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Perrigo Company
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Tolmar Pharmaceuticals
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Sanofi
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Horizon Therapeutics
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Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH.
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- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market