Generic Drugs Market was valued at USD 416.06 billion in 2022 and is further anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.51%, during the forecast period, owing to rising demand for generic drugs. The Generic Drugs market is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by factors such as the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, expiration of patent drugs, growing demand for low cost drug and easy accessibility and supportive governments for allowing generic drugs in the market.

The increasing the number aging population along with growing demand for low cost generic drugs  will further drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. As consumers become more aware of the cost savings and efficacy of generic drugs, they are more likely to choose them over branded drugs which is a factor expected to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. Generic drugs are used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, just like their branded counterparts. They contain the same active ingredients and are equivalent in strength, dosage, safety, and effectiveness.

Advancements in generic drugs have also contributed to the growth of the Generic Drugs market. Some generic drugs are now being developed as combination therapies, which combine two or more drugs into a single pill or other delivery system. This can increase patient compliance and reduce the overall cost of treatment.

While the Generic Drugs market is growing rapidly, there are also several challenges that are impeding its growth. One of the biggest challenges global generic drugs market is facing is to ensure the quality of the generic drugs as same as branded drugs.  Others are Regulatory hurdles for approval of the generic drugs along with pricing pressures. Patent litigation is also a challenge which will hamper the growth of the global generic drugs market.

Growing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases due to long term illness such as genetic, environmental, behavioral, and physiological factors will drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. Chronic diseases impact all ages across the globe. Also, non-communicable diseases such as chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD, asthma, malignancies and diabetes, cardiovascular diseases are the most common diseases which will further increase the demand for the generic drugs in the forecast period. Similarly, some major factors like rapid urbanization, globalization of leading unhealthy lifestyle, and growing aging population is expected to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. The global prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases is increasing rapidly. As a result, there is a growing demand for affordable and effective treatments, which has driven the growth of the generic drugs market. So, patients are preferring generic drugs as demand grows with time. According to the National Health Interview Survey, 51.8% of U.S adults have one chronic disease and approx. 27% of people are suffering from several chronic diseases. Per year, 38 million people are affected because of chronic diseases across the globe, according to WHO. According to WHO, chronic diseases affect almost 41 million people  which is equivalent to 71% of all deaths globally and among these 17.9 million deaths are causes for heart diseases and 9.3 million deaths are caused due to cancer and 4.1 million deaths due to respiratory diseases, 1.5 million deaths due to diabetes per year. Additionally, other factors are also influencing the growth of the market such as exposure to the use of tobacco, increasing consumption of alcohol, and physical inactivity.

Chronic diseases can have a significant impact on the growth of the generic drugs market. Chronic diseases are long-lasting medical conditions that require ongoing medical attention and often require the use of medication. Examples of chronic diseases include diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and heart disease. Generic drugs are an attractive option for many patients with chronic diseases because they are typically less expensive than their branded counterparts. This is because generic drug manufacturers do not have to invest in expensive research and development or marketing campaigns, which can be passed on to consumers in the form of lower prices. The WHO also reports that chronic diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 71% of all deaths in 2019. However, according to the World Health Organization's 2021 Global Report on Trends in Prevalence of Tobacco Smoking, the global prevalence of smoking has decreased from 27% in 2000 to 20% in 2020.

Growing Demand for Generic Drugs

The expiration of patents for branded drugs is a major driver of growth in the global generic drugs market, creating opportunities for innovation and making medications more accessible to patients. The expiration of patents for branded drugs can have a significant impact on the global generic drugs market. When a patent expires, it allows other manufacturers to produce and sell generic versions of the drug, often at a lower cost than the branded drug. This creates an opportunity for generic drug manufacturers to enter the market and offer more affordable options to consumers. As a result, the demand for generic drugs increases, driving growth in the generic drugs market. For example, Cetuximab is an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor which is used for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer. It is manufactured under the patent by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Eli Lily Company in Europe, and it expires in 2018. It is thus expected to provide opportunity for a large number of market players to manufacture its generic version.

In addition to increasing competition and lowering prices, the expiration of patents can also lead to innovation in the generic drugs market. Generic drug manufacturers may develop new formulations or delivery methods for the drug, improving its efficacy and convenience for patients.

However, it is important to note that not all drugs have a significant impact on the generic drugs market when their patents expire. Some drugs may not be profitable for generic manufacturers to produce, or the original drug may have unique properties that cannot be easily replicated by a generic version. Additionally, supportive initiative by FDA for promoting the development of biosimilars is encouraging manufactures to focus on its development. .As patents on brand-name drugs expire, generic drug manufacturers can enter the market and produce lower-cost versions of the drug. However, the availability of generic drugs can still be delayed if there are patent disputes or if the brand-name manufacturer implements strategies to delay competition.

Growing Demand for Low-Cost Drugs

Low-cost generic drugs have a significant impact on the global generic drugs market, making medications more affordable and accessible to patients, reducing the financial burden on healthcare systems, and driving innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. Generic drugs are typically less expensive than their branded counterparts, which makes them a more affordable option for patients. The availability of low-cost generic drugs can have a major impact on healthcare systems, particularly in developing countries, where access to affordable medications can be limited. This has led to increased demand for generic drugs in these regions, which has in turn contributed to the growth of the global generic drugs market. The cost savings associated with generic drugs also benefit healthcare providers, insurance companies, and governments. By using generic drugs, healthcare providers can reduce the cost of treatment for their patients, which can improve access to care and reduce the financial burden on patients and their families.

Additionally, to lower costs, low-cost generic drugs can also drive innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. As companies compete to produce the most affordable and effective generic versions of a drug, they may further invest in research and development to improve the formulation, delivery, and efficacy of the drug. In December 2021, the US FDA approved the first generic version of the drug Gilenya, used to treat multiple sclerosis.

Recent Development

  • In November 2021, the Indian government announced a new policy aimed at reducing the cost of generic drugs and promoting their use in the country.
  • In September 2021, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the use of generic drugs can lead to significant cost savings for patients with diabetes in the United States.
  • In August 2021, the US FDA approved the first generic version of the drug Advair Diskus, used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • In July 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a new initiative aimed at increasing access to generic drugs and reducing the cost of medications worldwide.