Rising Need for Effective Medication to Boost the Americas GERD & NERD treatment market

Published On: March 2018

Americas GERD & NERD Treatment Market Research Report – Forecast till 2023

Reflux is considered as the back flow of any fluids or substance. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition, where the contents of the stomach flow back to the esophagus damaging the lower esophageal sphincter. Usually, during the process of digestion, the lower esophageal sphincter lets the food to pass into the stomach and shuts to prevent acidic stomach juices and food from going back into the esophagus. This condition develops due to the weak or inappropriate functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter, thereby allowing the back flow of acids leading to heart burn and other related conditions such as ulcers. Around 20% of people with gastroesophageal reflux may develop gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Currently, about 60 million adults in the U.S. suffer from gastroesophageal reflux every month according to a report by Florida hospital. It is projected that 25 million of those 60 million suffers from symptoms each day. As per Health line, persons above the age of 40 years and pregnant women are at a higher risk of gastroesophageal disease. An estimated 25% of pregnant women experience symptoms of this condition, and it increases with time. The report says that around 65% of patients who suffer from acid refluxes are 40 years of age or older. The occurrence of GERD, especially in North America is growing at an alarming rate, primarily because of the food habits. Therefore, the GERD treatment devices market in this region is expected to grow at a significant rate over the forecast period.

What is the most preferred treatment option witnessing rising demand in the coming years?  

GERD therapy is used to treat one of the most common & chronic gastric diseases that effects the quality of life of patients. The treatment aims to eliminate the symptoms such as heartburn, acidic taste in mouth, hoarseness, dry cough, and asthma as well as to cure the disease. The disease if not treated properly may lead to strictures, ulcers & predisposes to cancerous conditions. The GERD therapy market comprises of an array of treatments consisting of medications, devices & surgery.

There are numerous players operating in this market all over the globe. Many organizations, especially in the Americas region, have their own manufacturing units. While some organizations outsource their facility of manufacturing to other organizations. Moreover, the approval of Mederi's Stretta Therapy for GERD in China, Stretta therapy is now available to the Chinese population. These are the key developments that recently took place in the GERD market.

The GERD market is mainly driven by the scarcity of treatment options. Most of the blockbuster drugs have their patents expiring by 2018 paving way for the generic & OTC products in the market. Due to low safety, efficacy, poor reimbursement of devices & procedures, these are not popular among the end users. The lack of new regulatory approved medication, as well as limited acceptability of devices, are the major limitations of the market.

Development of Novel Treatment is Promoting the Growth of Americas GERD & NERD Treatment Market

The GERD and NERD treatment market is changing continuously during last few decades and is expecting a huge development in coming future. Through extensive research, it is found that the market players have adopted the strategy of FDA approvals and acquisitions to expand their market. The key players involved in this strategy are Pfizer Inc., Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Medtronic, Astra Zeneca and Eisai Co. Ltd among others.  A number of players are operating in the Americas GERD & NERD treatment market.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals is a leading player in the Americas GERD & NERD treatment market.  It operates as a specialty pharmaceutical company, engages in the development, manufacture, and marketing of a range of pharmaceutical products. The major strategies adopted are mergers and acquisitions so as to develop and identify new products and technologies, and applications of existing products and therapies for use. For instance, in February 2015, the company has signed a merger agreement with Salix Pharmaceuticals, a company mainly engaged in gastroenterology. The company currently has 22 gastrointestinal (GI) products in their drug portfolio.

Pfizer Inc. specializes in the fields of immunology, oncology, cardiology, diabetology, endocrinology, and neurology. For instance, Pfizer Inc. acquired the global rights to the OTC drug Nexium in the U.S. from AstraZeneca Plc. This acquisition will cater the growth of the company in North America.

Eisai Co. Ltd develops an innovative portfolio of pharmaceuticals products. The key strategy of each program is to develop and expand the product pipeline. The collaboration strategy with other firms is to sustain their position in the market. For instance, in April 2016, the EA Pharma Co., Ltd. was established through the splitting portion of Eisai’s gastrointestinal disease treatment business and its subsequent succession by Ajinomoto pharmaceuticals co., Ltd. EA Pharma (gastrointestinal specialty pharma) is a consolidated subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd

For instance, acquisition of Torax Medical in February 2017 will certainly facilitate Ethicon to offer LINX, a small implantable alternative to patients and ultimately strengthen Johnson & Johnson's position in the GERD market.

The market players which were involved are Addex Pharmaceuticals, RaQualia Pharma Inc, and Carbon Medical technologies among others in the American GERD and NERD treatment market.

Conclusion

The increase in the prevalence of GERD is due to many reasons such as increased consumption of fast food and leading a sedentary lifestyle. These factors will increase the growth of the Americas GERD & NERD treatment market during the forecast period.