Acne Drugs Market Size 2024-2028

The acne drugs market size is estimated to increase by USD 863 million at a CAGR of 3.2% between 2023 and 2028. Several factors contribute to the growth of the market, such as the introduction of enhanced diagnostic methods, the release of novel acne treatments, and the rising incidence of acne cases. However, challenges impeding this growth include the existence of alternatives to acne medications, potential adverse effects linked to such drugs, and a deficiency in patient awareness. Despite advancements in diagnostic modalities and the introduction of new therapeutic options, the market faces hurdles due to the availability of substitutes for acne drugs and concerns surrounding their side effects. Moreover, a lack of awareness among patients regarding available treatments further complicates market expansion efforts. Overcoming these challenges necessitates concerted efforts to educate patients, mitigate potential side effects, and develop innovative solutions to address acne effectively, ensuring sustained market growth and improved patient outcomes.

What will be the size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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Market Segmentation

By Type

The market share growth by the prescription drugs segment will be significant during the forecast period. Prescription medications for acne reduce oil production, swelling, and inflammation while also treating bacterial infections. It can take months or even years for prescription acne medications to completely clear up acne.

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The prescription drugs segment was valued at USD 2.51 billion in 2018. Topical medications containing retinoic acids or tretinoin may be included in prescription medications. These are available as creams, gels, and lotions and are helpful for treating moderate acne. Tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A, and other brands), adapalene (Differin), and tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage, and other brands) are a few examples. Oral medications, such as antibiotics to lower bacteria, are also included in prescription medications. The antibiotic of choice for treating acne is tetracycline (minocycline and doxycycline) or a macrolide (erythromycin and azithromycin). The use of prescription medications for the treatment of acne is also anticipated to increase due to the growing emphasis on a better understanding of dermatologic conditions at the molecular level.  Thus, the availability of various drugs for acne treatment will drive the growth of the segment and, in turn, the market in focus during the forecast period.

By Region

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North America is estimated to contribute 36% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

The key market-leading nations in North America for acne medications are the US, Canada, and Mexico. Young consumers between the ages of 20 and 34 dominate the markets in these nations. Acute treatment works well for the majority of acne patients in the area, and topical therapy can help keep acne under control over time. On the other hand, patients with severe high acne need to continue receiving systemic treatment. Therefore, the adoption of acne medications is likely to be boosted by access to treatments that are successful in treating visible lesions and scarring on facial skin.

Additionally, the prevalence of acne among teenagers and adults has increased the demand for acne medications. For instance, acne, which affects nearly 50 million Americans annually, is the most prevalent skin condition in the US. Thus, it is anticipated that during the forecast period, the region's high acne problems will fuel the growth of the regional market. 

Market Dynamics and Customer Landscape

Within the bustling Acne Treatment Market, self-care practices play a pivotal role in managing the pervasive condition of acne. Characterized by its impact on appearance and often rooted in factors like excessive oil production and dead skin cells within hair follicles, acne affects individuals of all ages, particularly teenagers. While antibiotics and retinoids are conventional oral medications prescribed by dermatologists, the market sees a surge in combination therapies tailored to address modern lifestyles' stressors, including dietary habits and pollution exposure. Skincare products and dermatological interventions cater to changing hormone levels and the teenage population's unique skincare needs, targeting sebaceous gland activity. Amidst concerns like unhygienic lifestyles, the beauty industry continues to innovate, offering solutions that empower individuals to manage acne effectively, fostering confidence and skin health. Our researchers analyzed the data with 2022 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Key Market Driver

The emergence of improved diagnostic modalities is notably driving market growth. When the diagnosis is not clear from the patient history or a simple physical examination, there are other methods for diagnosing skin diseases like acne. Due to its accuracy, sensitivity, and speed, a gene-specific polymerase chain reaction is the newest addition to dermatological drugs in modern molecular diagnostics. Dermatologists can now test for cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying acne in addition to the standard treatment, owing to molecular diagnosis. Additionally, molecular diagnostics have improved risk assessment and provided prognostic data.

The incorporation of molecular data has improved the use of genetic techniques in dermatologic conditions like acne. The resistance of the immune system to Propionibacterium acnes, a bacteria that encourage acne, can also be influenced by genetics. The development of next-generation sequencing technologies has also made it possible for dermatologists to use new diagnostic tools. Therefore, improvements in acne diagnosis methods will result in an increase in the number of patients receiving treatment. Hence, such factors will drive the demand for acne drugs and, in turn, the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Significant Market Trends

The increasing research on gene therapy for dermatologic conditions is an emerging trend in the market growth. Due to developments in stem cell-based gene therapy for the treatment of genetic skin diseases, there has been an increase in research activities surrounding gene therapy for dermatological conditions. However, it is unclear how this strategy will perform clinically in the long run.

Acne is one of the many dermatological conditions that have been treated with gene therapy. Regulators like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the FDA place strict restrictions on these therapies. The improvements in the molecular characterization of dermatologic conditions have improved the knowledge of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying skin diseases like acne. This will increase the R&D of new acne drugs and, in turn, will drive the growth of the market in focus during the forecast period.

Major Market Challenge

The presence of substitutes is a major challenge impeding the market growth. Customers favor high-quality cosmetics that last for a long time, are less toxic, and have no negative effects on the skin. Additionally, as people's lifestyles have changed around the world, personal grooming at home has gained popularity, which has increased consumer demand for cosmetics like anti-acne face wash. Because of this, customers choose products with premium qualities even when they come at a high price. 

Affluent consumers who are concerned about their facial appearance and nourishment and can afford such high-quality products at premium price points are the target market for premium cosmetic products. Vendors concentrate on increasing their presence in the premium segment in order to cover the entire spectrum of cosmetics. For specific skin problems like acne, excessive oil, and dryness, a variety of vendors offer high-end anti-acne cosmetics. For instance, Johnson and Johnson offers the Complete Acne Therapy System, which consists of three products, an oil-free moisturizer, an acne cleanser, and an acne control lotion, under the Neutrogena brand. Both men and women can use these products to control acne problems. These products fall under the category of premium products. Thus, anti-acne cosmetic appears as an alternative to acne drugs. Therefore, the adoption of anti-acne cosmetics is expected to hamper the market during the forecast period.

Key Market Customer Landscape

The report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their growth strategies.

Market Customer Landscape

Who are the Major Market Players?

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

AndroScience Corp. - The company offers an androgen receptor and signal transducer and activation of the transcription pathway. The key offerings of the company include acne drugs such as ARD enhancers. 

The report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 15 market companies, including:

• Astellas Pharma Inc.
• Bayer AG
• Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc.
• Cosmo Pharmaceuticals NV
• Elorac Inc.
• Equalan Pharma Europe Sp. z o.o.
• F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd.
• GlaxoSmithKline Plc
• Johnson and Johnson Services Inc.
• Journey Medical Corp.
• McKesson Corp.
• Paratek Pharmaceuticals Inc.
• Photocure ASA
• Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc
• Skinvisible Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of vendors has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize vendors as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize vendors as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Segment Overview

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD Million" for the period 2024 to 2028, as well as historical data from 2018 to 2022 for the following segments.

• Type Outlook 
  • Prescription drugs
  • OTC drugs

• Route Of Administration Outlook
  • Topical
  • Oral

• Region Outlook 
  • North America
    • The U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • The U.K.
    • Germany
    • France
    • Rest of Europe
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
  • South America
    • Argentina
    • Brazil
    • Chile

You may also interested in below market reports:

• Topical Drugs Market:  by Product and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 

• Dermatological Drugs Market: by Product and Geography - Forecast and Analysis

• Non-Tumorous Skin Diseases Therapeutics Market: Analysis North America, Europe, Asia, Rest of World (ROW) - US, Canada, Germany, UK, China - Size and Forecast

Market Analyst Overview

The market experiences a dynamic interplay of various factors, from the emergence of novel treatments to the prevalence of skin conditions like Acne Vulgaris. With the primary target being hair follicles, treatments often address issues such as excessive oil production and dead skin cells accumulation, employing agents like retinoids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. Challenges, including antibiotic resistance and the side effects of medications like isotretinoin, underscore the need for safe and efficient treatments. Factors like changing hormone levels in the teenage population drive market demand, while modern lifestyles and pollution contribute to acne breakouts. Combining dermatology expertise with consumer interest in skincare, the market witnesses a surge in aesthetic procedures and OTC medications, ensuring a holistic approach towards acne management in all age groups.

Moreover, the market witnesses a continuous evolution driven by various factors encompassing skin disorders, self-care practices, and advancements in skincare products. From Over the Counter medications to prescription medicines, a plethora of options cater to diverse needs, addressing chronic inflammatory skin diseases and both non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne types. Combination therapies, including oral contraceptives and acne medications, offer comprehensive solutions, considering the impact of stress, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices. Sebaceous glands' activity, structural alterations in the skin, and hormonal changes in teens contribute to the rising incidence of acne worldwide. Clinical approvals and aesthetic skin care procedures like Accutane and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation treatments further shape the landscape, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches to skin health and beauty.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the market growth and forecasting of the market between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market size and its contribution to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming market trends and analysis and changes in consumer behavior
• Growth of the market industry across Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa
• Thorough market growth analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive market analysis and report on the factors that will challenge the market research and growth of market companies

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