Pruritus Therapeutics Market Report 2025

The pruritus therapeutics market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $11.89 billion in 2024 to $12.38 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in the incidence of pruritus, diverse causes and conditions, rising aging population, and patient quality of life focus.

The pruritus therapeutics market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $15.7 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to expanding knowledge of pruritus pathophysiology, innovative drug formulations, and delivery, focus on personalized medicine, rise in dermatological research and development, increasing awareness and diagnosis rates, and growing interest in botanical and herbal remedies. Major trends in the forecast period include the development of itch-specific receptor agonists and antagonists, market emphasis on personalized therapeutic approaches, integration of technology in itch monitoring and management, and collaborations for cross-disciplinary research.

The forecast of 6.1% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.3% from the previous estimate for this market. This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. Tariff barriers may hamper U.S. dermatology clinics by driving up prices of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists and chronic itch treatments sourced from France and Belgium, exacerbating dermatological care costs and reducing patient access to specialized therapies. The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.

The increasing prevalence of dermatological disorders is anticipated to drive the growth of the pruritus therapeutics market in the coming years. Dermatological disorders encompass conditions affecting the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes, ranging from acne and eczema to skin cancer and fungal infections. The underlying cause of itching often influences the choice of pruritus treatments for these dermatological conditions, which may include topical treatments, emollients and moisturizers, immunosuppressant medications, and anti-itch medications. For instance, in January 2024, the American Cancer Society, a U.S.-based non-profit organization focused on eliminating cancer, reported an expected 108,270 cases of skin cancer, reflecting a 3.2% increase from the 104,930 cases documented in 2023. Consequently, the rise in the incidence of dermatological disorders is driving the expansion of the pruritus therapeutics market.

The growth of the global geriatric population is expected to further propel the pruritus therapeutics market in the years ahead. The geriatric population typically includes individuals aged 65 and older. Pruritus therapeutics are vital in addressing the unique needs of the aging population, which is more susceptible to experiencing itching or pruritus due to various age-related factors. For example, in July 2023, Age UK, a registered charity in the UK that advocates for older individuals, reported that there are 11 million people over 65 in England in 2023. This figure is projected to increase by 10% over the next five years and by 32% by 2043, equating to an additional 1.1 million and 3.5 million individuals, respectively. Therefore, the growing geriatric population worldwide will drive the growth of the pruritus therapeutics market.

Major companies in the pruritus therapeutics market are concentrating on developing targeted treatments for rare diseases and specific patient populations, such as non-systemic ileal bile acid transport inhibitors, to provide personalized medicine that addresses unmet medical needs. A non-systemic ileal bile acid transport inhibitor is a type of medication designed to target bile acid absorption in the intestine while minimizing effects on systemic circulation, thereby reducing potential side effects. For example, in June 2023, Ipsen, a pharmaceutical company based in France, received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Bylvay (odevixibat) to treat cholestatic pruritus in patients aged 12 months and older with Alagille syndrome (ALGS). Bylvay is a once-daily, non-systemic ileal bile acid transport inhibitor (IBATi) with minimal systemic exposure and is the first drug approved in the U.S. for cholestatic pruritus due to progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). It had previously received approval for PFIC treatment in Europe and is now available by prescription for eligible ALGS patients.

Major companies in the pruritus therapeutics market are also focusing on the development of innovative biologic therapies, such as monoclonal antibody treatments, to effectively target and alleviate itching associated with conditions like atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis. Monoclonal antibody treatments involve the use of lab-engineered molecules designed to target specific proteins in the body that are typically involved in disease processes. For instance, in June 2024, Maruho Co., Ltd., a pharmaceutical company based in Japan, launched Mitchga Subcutaneous Injection (30 mg vials) in Japan to treat pruritus related to atopic dermatitis in children (ages 6-13) and prurigo nodularis in adults and adolescents (ages ≥13) when other treatments have proven ineffective. This product contains nemolizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the interleukin-31 (IL-31) receptor. By inhibiting IL-31, the drug aims to alleviate itching and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from these conditions.

In March 2023, Ipsen, the France-based biopharmaceutical company, acquired Albireo Pharma, Inc., a US-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. This strategic acquisition aims to expand Ipsen's portfolio by incorporating promising medicines for pediatric and adult uncommon cholestatic liver disorders. Albireo Pharma, Inc., specializes in oral drugs, including the first treatment for pruritus in patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). The acquisition enriches Ipsen's capabilities with unique pipeline potential and scientific and commercial expertise.

Major companies operating in the pruritus therapeutics market include Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie Inc., Sanofi S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Astellas Pharma Inc., Bausch Health Companies Inc., Galderma Laboratories LP, Cipla Limited, LEO Pharma AS, Cara Therapeutics Inc., GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Novan Inc., Escient Pharmaceuticals Inc., Nerre Therapeutic Ltd., EPI Health LLC, Trevi Therapeutics Inc., Evelo Biosciences, Toray Medical Co. Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the pruritus treatment market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the pruritus therapeutics market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the pruritus therapeutics market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The sudden escalation of U.S. tariffs and the resulting trade tensions in spring 2025 are having a significant impact on the pharmaceutical sector. Companies are grappling with higher costs on imported active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), glass vials, and laboratory equipment - many of which have limited alternative sources. Generic drug manufacturers, already operating with minimal profit margins, are particularly affected, with some scaling back production of low-margin medications. Biotech firms are also experiencing delays in clinical trials due to shortages of specialized reagents linked to tariffs. In response, the industry is shifting API production to regions like India and Europe, building up inventory reserves, and advocating for tariff exemptions on essential medicines.

The pruritus therapeutics research market report is one of a series of new reports that provides pruritus therapeutics market statistics, including pruritus therapeutics industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a pruritus therapeutics market share, detailed pruritus therapeutics market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the pruritus therapeutics industry. This pruritus therapeutics market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Pruritus therapeutics pertains to the treatments employed to alleviate an uncomfortable skin sensation prompting a desire to scratch. This approach is commonly applied to alleviate swelling and inflammation in moderate-to-severe inflammatory skin conditions.

The primary product categories of pruritus therapeutics encompass corticosteroids, antihistamines, local anesthetics, counterirritants, immunosuppressants, calcineurin inhibitors, and others. Corticosteroids denote synthetic anti-inflammatory medications utilized to address itching and inflammation resulting from pruritus. These medications can be administered through various routes, including oral, parenteral, and topical, aiding in the treatment of diverse disease types such as atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, urticaria, cutaneous T-cell, among others. They find application in hospitals, clinics, and other medical settings.

The pruritus therapeutics market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing topical therapy, phototherapy, and systemic therapy. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The pruritus therapeutics market also include sales of hydroxyzine, benadryl, banophen, diphedryl, and allermax. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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