Middle East & Africa Gastrointestinal Drugs Market Report (2021-2031) by Scope, Segmentation, Dynamics, and Competitive Analysis

The gastrointestinal drugs market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is projected to grow significantly, with an expected market size of approximately US$ 2.88 billion by 2031, up from US$ 1.81 billion in 2023. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0% from 2023 to 2031.

Executive Summary and Market Overview

The MEA region encompasses key markets including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, along with other countries in the region. Among these, Saudi Arabia stands out as the largest market for gastrointestinal drugs. The growth of this market is primarily driven by increasing government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare and a rising prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The gastrointestinal drugs market in the MEA can be segmented based on various criteria, including drug class, application, route of administration, and distribution channel.

1. Drug Class: The market is divided into several drug classes, including biologics, antidiarrheal and laxatives, acid neutralizers, anti-inflammatory drugs, antiemetic and antinauseants, among others. In 2023, biologics held the largest market share, reflecting their growing importance in treating gastrointestinal conditions.
2. Application: The market is also segmented by application, which includes conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, gastroenteritis, celiac disease, and others. The IBS segment was the largest contributor to the market in 2023, indicating a high demand for effective treatments for this common condition.
3. Route of Administration: The route of administration is categorized into oral and parenteral methods. The oral administration segment dominated the market in 2023, likely due to the convenience and preference for oral medications among patients.
4. Distribution Channel: The distribution channels for gastrointestinal drugs include hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. In 2023, hospital pharmacies accounted for the largest share of the market, highlighting their critical role in the distribution of these medications.

Market Outlook

Companies in the gastrointestinal drugs sector are actively pursuing strategic initiatives such as product approvals, collaborations, funding, and new product launches to enhance their market presence and cater to a broader customer base. Notable developments in the market include:

• In September 2023, Vivante Health secured US$ 31 million in a Series B funding round led by Mercato Partners. This funding aims to advance their digital digestive health platform, GIThrive, which focuses on providing timely and effective care for gastrointestinal conditions through technological innovations.
• In May 2024, Strides Pharma Global Pte. Ltd received FDA approval for a generic version of Sucralfate Oral Suspension, which is used to treat various gastrointestinal diseases, including stomach ulcers and GERD.
• In May 2020, Sanofi entered the digestive health market with the launch of Buscobiota, a food supplement designed to support digestive health, particularly for chronic constipation.

These strategic initiatives indicate a robust focus on developing innovative treatments for gastrointestinal diseases, which is expected to drive market growth in the coming years.

Country Insights

The MEA gastrointestinal drugs market is further analyzed by country, with Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UAE, and the Rest of MEA being the primary regions. South Africa held the largest market share in 2023, driven by a high prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders and a need for increased awareness and early diagnosis of conditions such as IBS and constipation.

In South Africa, many gastrointestinal conditions remain undiagnosed, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about symptoms and the need for early intervention. The South African Gastroenterology Society (SAGES) reports that older adults are particularly susceptible to constipation-related issues, with a fivefold increase in risk as age increases. Approximately 8% of the South African population, or about 4.6 million people, experience IBS symptoms at least once a week.

Recent years have seen the introduction of new agents for managing constipation, addressing the limitations of existing therapies, especially for opioid-induced constipation and other severe gastrointestinal disorders. For instance, Lubiprostone has been approved for treating chronic idiopathic constipation and opioid-induced constipation in adults.

Company Profiles

Key players in the MEA gastrointestinal drugs market include major pharmaceutical companies such as Sanofi SA, GSK Plc, Johnson & Johnson, Bausch Health Companies Inc, AstraZeneca Plc, AbbVie Inc, Bayer AG, and Pfizer Inc. These companies are employing various strategies, including market expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions, to enhance their product offerings and increase their market share in the gastrointestinal drugs sector.

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