Corticosteroids Market Share, Trends & Market Forecast (2025-2035)

Key Corticosteroids Market Highlights

Corticosteroids Market Size Was Valued at USD 5.20 Billion in 2024, and is Projected to Reach USD 8.79 Billion by 2035, Growing at a CAGR of 4.89% from 2025-2035.

• Corticosteroids Market Size in 2024: USD 5.20 Billion
• Projected Corticosteroids Market Size by 2035: USD 8.79 Billion
• CAGR (2025–2035): 4.89%
• Leading Corticosteroids Market in 2024: North America
• Fastest-Growing Corticosteroids Market: Asia Pacific
• By Product: The Glucocorticoids segment is anticipated to lead the Corticosteroids Market by accounting for 62.2% of the Corticosteroids Market share throughout the forecast period.
• By Distribution Channel: The Hospital Pharmacies segment is expected to capture 37.04% of the Corticosteroids Market share, thereby maintaining its dominance over the forecast period.
• By Region: North America region is projected to hold 32.44% of the Corticosteroids Market share during the forecast period.

• Active Players: AbbVie Inc. (US), AstraZeneca plc (UK), Bausch Health Companies Inc. (Canada), Bayer AG (Germany), Cipla Limited (India), and Other Active Players.

Corticosteroids Market Synopsis:

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs used to manage a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, asthma, COPD, eczema, acne, and other immune-driven disorders. They work by suppressing the immune response, and are available in multiple forms such as oral tablets, syrups, injectables, topical creams, gels, and nasal sprays. These drugs are also used alongside cancer treatments, particularly in leukemia and lymphoid cancers, where inflammation is a major concern.

Corticosteroids Market growth is driven by the rising patient pool, increasing prevalence of autoimmune diseases, and strong clinical evidence supporting corticosteroid effectiveness. Favorable reimbursement policies further support adoption. However, high treatment costs, significant side effects, and pricing pressure from generics continue to challenge Corticosteroids Market expansion during the forecast period.

 Corticosteroids Market Dynamics and Trend Analysis:

 Corticosteroids Market Growth Driver

Increasing Prevalence of Inflammatory and Skin Disorders Boosts Corticosteroid Market

• The growing rising prevalence of chronic and skin-related inflammatory conditions are driving increased demand for corticosteroids in healthcare settings. Older adults experience higher rates of arthritis, COPD, eczema, and psoriasis, resulting in earlier initiation and longer courses of steroid therapy. Updated clinical guidelines now recommend corticosteroids for conditions such as septic shock and ARDS, expanding their therapeutic applications.

• The prevalence of skin disorders is also rising; for instance, the World Health Organization reports that eczema affects 15–20% of children and up to 3% of adults worldwide, supporting steady demand for topical corticosteroids. Combination therapies are gaining traction, with biologics like adalimumab paired with methotrexate or short-term steroids showing improved outcomes in patients. Concurrently, manufacturers are introducing low-toxicity, extended-release formulations to enhance safety, collectively strengthening global corticosteroid market growth. ?

 Corticosteroids Market Limiting Factor

Pricing Pressures and Affordability in Corticosteroid Therapy

• Corticosteroid manufacturers are increasingly affected by government-imposed pricing controls and reimbursement negotiations. In the United States, negotiated drug pricing programs, and in China, rigorous reimbursement discussions, are reducing margins for branded products. Many key inhalers and topical corticosteroids are approaching patent expiry by 2025, allowing low-cost generics to enter the Corticosteroids Market and quickly capture share. Companies may increase prices upfront or adjust rebate structures, but these strategies provide only short-term relief.

• High medication costs, especially for newer or combination corticosteroid therapies, can limit patient access. Treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in the European Union, for instance, accounts for about 6% of total healthcare, over half of all respiratory disease expenses. Affordability concerns can impact treatment adherence, making it essential for policymakers and healthcare providers to ensure access while sustaining the Corticosteroids Market growth.

Corticosteroids Market Expansion Opportunity

Growing Demand Driven by Rapidly Aging Populations

• The expanding global elderly population presents a strong growth opportunity for the corticosteroids Corticosteroids Market. As more individuals enter older age groups, the prevalence of age-related inflammatory and degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) continues to rise. This demographic shift is creating a sustained need for effective treatment options that can manage pain, inflammation, and respiratory complications common in older adults. Corticosteroids, being a core therapy for these conditions, are positioned to experience increased adoption. The rising geriatric patient base therefore represents a long-term Corticosteroids Market opportunity, supporting higher product demand and greater healthcare spending on anti-inflammatory and respiratory care solutions.

 Corticosteroids Market Challenge and Risk

Side Effects of Long-Term Corticosteroid Use

• Long-term or high-dose corticosteroid therapy is associated with a wide range of adverse effects, which pose significant challenges for the global corticosteroid Corticosteroids Market. Prolonged use can cause osteoporosis, weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, cataracts, gastrointestinal issues such as dyspepsia and dysphagia, and minor mood disturbances. The immunosuppressive action of corticosteroids also increases the risk of infections. Pooled data from 71 controlled clinical trials show that 12.7% of 2,111 patients receiving systemic corticosteroids experienced infectious complications, compared to 8% of 2,087 control patients.

• Neurological patients were at the highest risk, while patients with intestinal, hepatic, or renal disorders had lower infection rates. In response, manufacturers are developing receptor-selective modulators and targeted delivery systems to reduce systemic exposure, although payers require robust safety-benefit evidence before approving premium pricing.

 Corticosteroids Market Trend

Advancements in Corticosteroid Formulations and Combination Therapies

• The global corticosteroid market is growing due to new drug formulations, delivery systems, and combination therapies. Over-the-counter (OTC) corticosteroid antihistamine sprays are becoming popular in North America and Europe, helping patients manage mild allergies at home. Preservative-free, breath-actuated sprays reduce irritation, improve dose accuracy, and increase patient comfort. Advanced inhalers, such as dry powder and metered-dose inhalers, along with combination inhalers, deliver medication directly to the lungs for asthma and COPD, improving effectiveness and reducing side effects. Sustained-release oral and controlled-release injectable formulations also help patients follow treatment schedules more easily.

• Combining corticosteroids with biologics, like adalimumab or methotrexate, is increasingly common in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and asthma, providing better disease control and allowing lower steroid doses to reduce side effects. Surveys show over 40% of patients in Gulf countries use topical corticosteroids without guidance, highlighting both the Corticosteroids Market potential and the need for safe-use measures. These innovations are expanding treatment options and driving the global Corticosteroids Market growth.

Corticosteroids Market Segment Analysis:

 Corticosteroids Market is segmented based on Product Type, Route of Administration Product, Application, Distribution Channel, and Region

By Product Type, Glucocorticoids segment is expected to dominate the Corticosteroids Market with around 62.2% share during the forecast period.

• Glucocorticoids continued to lead the global corticosteroids Market in 2024, capturing between 62.2% of overall revenue, driven by strong clinical adoption and continual advancements in drug delivery and receptor-selective chemistry. Their widespread use across autoimmune, respiratory, and inflammatory disorders keeps demand consistently high.

• These agents remain the preferred option for conditions such as asthma, COPD, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and various skin disorders due to their broad therapeutic applicability and availability in multiple formulations, including oral, injectable, and topical forms. Innovation in nanoparticle carriers, selective glucocorticoid modulators, and new combination approaches aims to reduce long-term side effects while maintaining efficacy. Additionally, expanding manufacturing capacity in regions like South Korea and Ireland reflects Corticosteroids Market readiness for rising global demand.

By Distribution Channel, Hospitals is expected to dominate with close to 37.04% Corticosteroids Market share during the forecast period.

• Hospitals remained a key end-user segment in the topical corticosteroids Market in 2024, accounting for 37.04% of total demand. Their dominance is supported by the high volume of dermatology consultations and the need for controlled prescribing environments for conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and contact allergies. Hospital dermatology units rely heavily on topical corticosteroids due to their rapid anti-inflammatory action and the availability of multiple formulations including creams, ointments, gels, and foams that address varying disease severities.

• Hospitals also play a critical role in monitoring adverse reactions, drug interactions, and steroid-responsiveness, enhancing treatment accuracy. With ongoing clinical research, combination therapies, and improved patient education programs, hospitals remain central to effective topical corticosteroid deployment and are expected to maintain a strong Corticosteroids Market share throughout the forecast period.

Corticosteroids Market Regional Insights:

North America region is estimated to lead the Corticosteroids Market with around 32.44% share during the forecast period.

• North America continued to lead the global corticosteroids Market in 2024, holding 32.44% of total revenue. This strong position is supported by well-established healthcare systems, high disease awareness, and broad insurance access. The region has a large population affected by asthma, COPD, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and various skin conditions, all of which contribute to steady demand for corticosteroid therapies.

• In the U.S. alone, 51.6 million adults experience chronic pain, and national programs like Healthy People 2030 focus heavily on improving respiratory health, boosting the use of inhaled corticosteroids. Collaboration between government bodies, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies continues to encourage safe and effective treatment. Although pricing pressures from policies such as the Inflation Reduction Act are affecting profit margins, consistent clinical need, updated treatment guidelines, and the adoption of newer formulations ensure that North America remains the most influential Corticosteroids Market for corticosteroid products.

Corticosteroids Market Active Players:

• AbbVie Inc. (US)
• AstraZeneca plc (UK)
• Bausch Health Companies Inc. (Canada)
• Bayer AG (Germany)
• Cipla Limited (India)
• Eli Lilly and Company (US)
• Eton Pharmaceuticals (US)
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland)
• GlaxoSmithKline plc (UK)
• Johnson & Johnson (US)
• Lupin Limited (India)
• Merck & Co., Inc. (US)
• Novartis International AG (Switzerland)
• Pfizer Inc. (US)
• Sanofi S.A. (France)
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Israel)
• Other Active Players

Key Industry Developments in the Corticosteroids Market:

• In May 2025, Eton Pharmaceuticals received FDA approval for Khindivi (hydrocortisone) oral solution, indicated for the treatment of pediatric adrenocortical insufficiency, expanding therapeutic options for children with adrenal disorders.

• In May 2025, Novartis received European Commission approval for its new topical corticosteroid, Betamethasone Valerate Cream 0.1%, marking the company’s entry into the European Corticosteroids Market and expanding its product offerings in dermatology.

How Corticosteroids Transform Inflammatory and Autoimmune Disease Management

• In earlier clinical practice, the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases mainly focused on relieving symptoms rather than controlling the root cause of excessive immune activity. In conditions such as asthma, arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease, ongoing inflammation often leads to tissue damage, repeated flare-ups, frequent hospital visits, and poor quality of life. The absence of strong immune-regulating therapy made long-term disease control difficult.
• Corticosteroids help solve this problem by directly suppressing the overactive immune response and reducing the release of inflammatory chemicals in the body. They act in a similar manner to natural cortisol and regulate processes responsible for swelling, redness, pain, and immune cell activity. These drugs are available in multiple forms, including tablets, injections, inhalers, creams, and eye drops, allowing flexible use across different medical conditions. With their rapid action and strong anti-inflammatory effect, corticosteroids have greatly improved disease control, reduced complications, and enhanced patient recovery and treatment outcomes.