Japan Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The Japan osteoarthritis therapeutics market was valued at USD 407.66 Million in 2024, driven by the rising prevalence of osteoarthritis across the region. The market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.80% during the forecast period of 2025-2034, with the values likely to reach USD 716.40 Million by 2034. The market is further driven by the aging population, growing demand for biologic treatments, and advancements in regenerative therapies. The increased adoption of non-surgical options is expected to fuel market growth in the forecast period.

Japan Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Overview

Osteoarthritis therapeutics focus on managing the symptoms and progression of the disease by addressing pain, inflammation, and joint degeneration. The treatment landscape includes a variety of options such as pharmacological therapies, physical therapy, and surgical interventions, all aimed at improving mobility and enhancing the quality of life for individuals suffering from this chronic condition. The market is anticipated to reach USD 716.40 Million by 2034, driven by an aging population and increasing healthcare needs. The ongoing innovation in treatment options, coupled with the expanding healthcare infrastructure in Japan, will continue to shape the market dynamics in the coming years.

Japan Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Growth Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Osteoarthritis to Augment the Market Value

The rising prevalence of osteoarthritis among Japan’s aging population serves as a key driver for market growth. According to Toshinaga Tsuji et al., approximately 43% of men and 62% of women aged 40 years and older suffer from knee-related osteoarthritis, while 17% are affected by shoulder osteoarthritis. This widespread occurrence is significantly increasing demand for effective therapeutic solutions, thereby fueling market expansion.

Japan Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Trends

The market is experiencing several trends, notably the introduction of innovative therapies and an increasing shift toward long-acting, single-injection treatment options:

Rise in Innovative Product Launches to Enhance Market Growth

The launch of JOYCLU 30mg Intra-articular Injection marked a significant advancement in the osteoarthritis therapeutics market. In May 2021, Ono Pharmaceutical and Seikagaku Corporation introduced JOYCLU, the first ethical drug in Japan for hip osteoarthritis among joint function improvement agents. Designed for monthly intra-articular administration, it offers targeted symptom relief with minimal systemic side effects. This innovation is expected to drive market growth by addressing unmet therapeutic needs.

Growing Shift Toward Long-Acting Single-Injection Therapies to Boost Japan Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Demand

A notable trend in the market is the increasing focus on single-injection treatments that offer extended pain relief. In February 2025, Seikagaku Corporation launched three Phase III trials for Gel-One, a cross-linked hyaluronate hydrogel, targeting both knee and hip osteoarthritis. This innovation is expected to significantly boost market growth.

Japan Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Segmentation

The market report offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Hip Osteoarthritis
• Spinal Osteoarthritis
• Knee Osteoarthritis
• Hand Osteoarthritis
• Others

Market Breakup by Drug Class

• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
• Other Analgesics
• Corticosteroids
• Hyaluronic Acid Injections
• Others

Market Breakup by Dosage Form

• Tablets and Capsules
• Injections
• Creams and Gels
• Others

Market Breakup by Route of Administration

• Oral
• Parenteral
• Topical

Market Breakup by End User

• Hospitals
• Specialty Clinics
• Homecare Settings
• Others

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies
• Others

Japan Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Share

Segmentation Based on Type to Witness Substantial Growth

Based on type, the market is segmented into knee osteoarthritis, hip osteoarthritis, spinal osteoarthritis, hand osteoarthritis, and others. Knee osteoarthritis is projected to dominate the market due to Japan’s rapidly aging population, where individuals over 65 years are more prone to degenerative knee conditions. The rising burden of obesity and sedentary lifestyles further contributes to the increasing incidence of knee-related osteoarthritis, prompting greater demand for targeted treatments.

NSAIDs are Expected to Lead the Japan Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market by Drug Class

Various type of drug classes including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid injections, and other analgesics are available in the market. Among these, NSAIDs are expected to lead the segment, owing to their role as the first-line pharmacologic treatment for osteoarthritis in Japan. Their accessibility, affordability, and ability to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in mild to moderate cases make them a preferred option among both clinicians and patients.

Leading Players in the Japan Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market

The key features of the market report comprise clinical trials analysis, funding and investment analysis, and strategic initiatives by the leading players. The major companies in the market are as follows:

Seikagaku Corporation

Established in 1947 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Seikagaku Corporation is a key player in the market. In April 2025, the company entered a strategic partnership with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd to co-develop and market Gel-One, a cross-linked hyaluronate intra-articular injection aimed at providing long-term pain relief for osteoarthritis. Currently in Phase III clinical trials for knee and hip osteoarthritis, Seikagaku's commitment to non-surgical, sustained treatments for joint degeneration underscores its leadership in advancing innovative therapeutic solutions across Japan.

Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd

Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, founded in 1717 and based in Osaka, Japan, has entered a significant collaboration with Seikagaku Corporation to co-develop and market Gel-One, a cross-linked hyaluronate injection for osteoarthritis. This treatment, currently in Phase III clinical trials for knee and hip osteoarthritis in Japan, aligns with Ono's dedication to addressing the nation's growing osteoarthritis challenges. By partnering with Seikagaku, Ono strengthens its position in the expanding osteoarthritis therapeutics market, aiming to improve patient outcomes and accelerate access to innovative treatments.

Shionogi & Co., Ltd

Shionogi & Co., Ltd, headquartered in Osaka, Japan, is a leader in pharmaceutical innovation. In 2022, the company entered into a licensing agreement with Grünenthal GmbH to commercialize injectable resiniferatoxin (RTX) in Japan for osteoarthritis pain treatment. RTX, a TRPV1 agonist, offers long-lasting pain relief, marking a significant advance in osteoarthritis management. Shionogi's strategic focus on CNS diseases and pain aligns with this development, addressing a significant unmet need in the Japanese market.

MEDIPOST Co., Ltd

Medipost Co., Ltd, specializes in stem cell therapies. Its flagship product, Cartistem, is an allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell therapy derived from umbilical cord blood, designed for knee osteoarthritis treatment. In Japan, Medipost successfully initiated Phase 3 clinical trials for Cartistem in 2023, following approval from the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA). The company aims to expand its global footprint through partnerships and co-commercialization opportunities.

Other key players in the market include Pfizer Inc., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Eli Lilly and Company, Sanofi S.A., and Novartis AG.

Key Questions Answered in the Japan Osteoarthritis Therapeutics Market Report

• What was the Japan osteoarthritis therapeutics market value in 2024?
• What is the Japan osteoarthritis therapeutics market forecast outlook for 2025-2034?
• What are the major factors aiding the Japan osteoarthritis therapeutics market demand?
• How has the market performed so far, and how is it anticipated to perform in the coming years?
• What are the market's major drivers, opportunities, and restraints?
• What are the major Japan osteoarthritis therapeutics market trends?
• Which type is expected to dominate the market segment?
• Which drug class is projected to lead the market segment?
• Which dosage form is projected to lead the market segment?
• Which route of administration is anticipated to drive the market segment?
• Which end user is anticipated to drive the market segment?
• Which distribution channel is likely to dominate the market segment?
• Who are the key players involved in the Japan osteoarthritis therapeutics market?
• What are the current unmet needs and challenges in the market?
• How are partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions among the key market players shaping the market dynamics?

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