The Acne Therapeutics Market size is estimated at USD 8.64 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 10.98 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.89% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
COVID-19 significantly impacted the growth of the market during the pandemic period. The strict regulations imposed by government organizations led to a decline in patient visits to dermatology hospitals and clinics. For instance, an NCBI study published in November 2021 in the National Library of Medicine reported decreased patient volume capacity in dermatology clinics, fewer aesthetic procedures, and an increase in the use of virtual medicine by board-certified North American dermatologists. However, the relaxation of strict lockdown regulation in the post-pandemic period leading to an increase in the patient inflow to dermatology clinics is expected to drive the market growth in the forecast period.
The key factors propelling the growth of the acne therapeutics market are increasing sedentary lifestyles, the rise in disposable income of consumers, rising awareness about upcoming trends in acne treatments, and the high prevalence of acne globally.
Acne is the most common skin condition affecting late adolescents across the world. Acne vulgaris is a common heath problem affecting adolescents with a considerable impact on their quality of life. For instance, the data published by ClickPharmacy in May 2022 reported that 34% of United Kingdom adults have suffered from acne at some point in their life. The same source mentioned that 6.1% of men are currently suffering from acne when compared to 2.5% of women in 2022. Also, the article published by Sahel Medical Journal in March 2021, mentioned that the prevalence of acne vulgaris in South Nigeria was 37.3% with high prevalence in females (37.6%) than in males (36.7%). Thus, the rising incidence of acne will lead to increased adoption of acne therapeutics, thereby driving the market's growth.
Furthermore, in March 2021, Galderma launched a new digital campaign. "Me Being Me" for topical acne treatment with Aklief (trifarotene) Cream. The company spent much of the year educating patients about Aklief, which is the first new retinoid molecule to gain approval for acne vulgaris in more than 20 years. Such initiatives provide insight into the upcoming treatment for acne. These campaigns increase the growth of the market during the forecast period.
Thus, the high prevalence of acne among the global population and the rise in awareness of acne treatment is expected to drive the market during the forecast period. However, safety issues related to acne products and the entry of generics into the acne market are expected to hinder market growth.
The retinoid segment is expected to hold a significant share of the acne therapeutics market. Retinoid creams and gels are very effective at stopping or reducing mild to moderate acne, which led to an increasing demand for retinoids, thereby contributing to the growth of the market. They can also be used as maintenance therapy to keep skin clear after successful treatment. Additionally, market players frequently launch novel and generic versions of retinoids to gain a competitive edge in the market. For instance, in February 2022, Stryke Club launched retinoid acne treatment with its Knockout Adapalene Gel that prevents pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores. FDA-approved prescription-strength retinoid acne treatment, available without a prescription. The rising product launches of retinoid treatment will lead to increased adoption due to its benefits in treating acne, thereby expected to drive the growth of this segment.
Furthermore, an increase in research and development for retired acne therapies will also contribute to the growth of this market over the forecast period. For instance, in April 2021, in Canada, Bausch Health's subsidiary Ortho Dermatologics announced positive topline data from its second Phase III trial for IDP-126, a three-compound combination gel tested in 193 patients with acne vulgaris. This clinical trial showed reductions in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions at week 12 in both problems. IDP-126 combines adapalene, retinol, and anti-microbial benzoyl peroxide. Such research around the products and combination of retinoids are expected to increase the sales and manufacturing of the same boosting the segment growth.
Therefore, owing to the above factors, such as increasing product development and launches, and increasing adoption of retinoids, the retinol segment is expected to show a significant share during the forecast period.
North America is expected to hold a notable share in the market over the forecast period owing to the increasing awareness among the population and the presence of major market players. The growing burden of acne in the region and recent product launches are also of crucial driving factors for the growth of the acne therapeutics market in North America. As per the MDAcne data published in January 2021, 85% of people have experienced acne in some form at some point in their lives in the United States. The report also mentioned that 50 million people in the United States have acne of some kind. Similarly, the survey report published by the Canadian Skin Patient Alliance (CSPA) in September 2022 mentioned that 37% of the respondents in the survey reported having mild acne, 47% reported moderate acne and 16% indicated severe acne in Canada. Likewise, the NCBI article published in September 2021 mentioned
Additionally, rising product approvals in acne treatment are also expected to drive the growth of this segment over the forecast period. For instance, in August 2022, Cutera received clearance from HealthCanada for the product AviClear, for the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe acne and acne scars.
Furthermore, the key market players in the area are developing novel products and technologies, competing with the existing products, while others are acquiring and partnering with the other companies trending in the acne therapeutics market. For instance,in July 2022, Sun Pharmaceuticals and Cosmo Pharmaceuticals announced territory expansion of license and supply aggrements for WINLEVI cream expanding to Mexico.
Also, in November 2021, Winlevi (Clascoterone cream 1%) by Sun Pharmaceuticals, the first-in-class topical therapy for acne vulgaris, was launched in the United States. The rising product launches in developed countries such as the United States will lead to increased adoption, thereby expected to drive growth in North America.
Thus, the frequent product launches and product approvals undergoing the development of novel acne therapies are expected to drive the market studied in the North American region.
The acne therapeutics market is highly competitive and consists of several major and local players. The market is expected to drive due to the rise in research on acne treatment and product approvals for acne treatment, among others. Some major players in this market include Abbvie Inc. (Allergan PLC), Johnson & Johnson, L'Oréal S.A. (La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique), Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc., amongst others.
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