Global Cortisone Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In August 2022, in a pilot study examining vamorolone as a potential cure for BMD (Becker muscular dystrophy), the first patient was administered a dose of vamorolone. As a potential treatment for several kinds of muscular dystrophy, ReveraGen BioPharma started studying and developing steroid medicine.

• In April 2022, Eli Lilly and Company combined Lebrikizumab and topical corticosteroids to treat atopic dermatitis (AD). During the 16th week of the trial conducted, 75% of improvement was observed among the patients. In these critical combination trials that met all primary and important secondary objectives, lebrikizumab significantly enhanced a number of areas crucial to those suffering from atopic dermatitis, including skin and itch.

The global cortisone market is segmented by product type, application, distribution channel, and region, each playing a significant role in shaping the market landscape. By product type, the market primarily includes oral, injectable, and topical forms of cortisone, with each form serving unique therapeutic needs. Injectable cortisone is commonly used in treating inflammatory conditions that require immediate relief, such as joint pain and severe allergies, while topical cortisone is often preferred for localized conditions like skin rashes and eczema. This variety allows healthcare providers to tailor treatments to individual patient needs, driving demand across various medical specialties.

In terms of application, cortisone is widely utilized in treating a range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including arthritis, asthma, and allergies. Rheumatoid arthritis remains one of the largest application segments, given cortisone’s effectiveness in managing pain and inflammation associated with chronic joint conditions. Additionally, cortisone is used in dermatology for conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, where its anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate symptoms and improve patients' quality of life. The broad application spectrum of cortisone supports its widespread use across multiple therapeutic areas, fueling steady growth in the global cortisone market.

The distribution channel segment is mainly divided into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. Hospital pharmacies are a significant distribution channel, especially for injectable cortisone, as these medications are often administered under medical supervision. Retail pharmacies, however, serve as an accessible source for oral and topical cortisone products, which are commonly prescribed and purchased for at-home use. The rise of online pharmacies has further expanded accessibility, enabling patients to obtain cortisone products more conveniently. As e-commerce in healthcare continues to grow, the online pharmacy segment is expected to capture an increasing share of the cortisone market, driven by ease of access and consumer preference for home delivery.

Regionally, North America leads the cortisone market due to high healthcare spending, a growing elderly population, and a high prevalence of chronic inflammatory conditions. Europe follows closely, with substantial demand driven by similar factors. In Asia-Pacific, the market is expanding rapidly due to increased healthcare infrastructure, rising awareness of cortisone’s therapeutic benefits, and a growing patient pool with inflammatory diseases. The Middle East, Africa, and Latin America are also experiencing gradual growth, supported by improvements in healthcare access and rising adoption of cortisone in medical treatments. Overall, the global cortisone market is poised for growth as awareness of its applications and accessibility continues to improve across regions.

Global Cortisone Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Cortisone Market has been segmented by Form, Indication, Distribution Channel and Geography.

Global Cortisone Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Cortisone Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Cortisone Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America and Europe are leading regions in the cortisone market due to their advanced healthcare systems, high prevalence of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, and substantial investment in healthcare research and development. These regions benefit from well-established medical infrastructure and high patient awareness regarding the benefits of cortisone treatments. The presence of major pharmaceutical companies and robust regulatory frameworks also support the widespread availability and adoption of cortisone therapies. In these markets, cortisone is extensively used for managing conditions like arthritis, asthma, and severe allergic reactions, contributing to the regions' significant market share.

The Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth in the cortisone market, driven by increasing healthcare expenditures, a rising burden of chronic diseases, and improving access to healthcare services. Emerging economies such as China and India are witnessing a surge in demand for cortisone treatments due to growing awareness about effective management of inflammatory conditions and expanding middle-class populations with higher disposable incomes. The Middle East and Africa, along with Latin America, are also seeing steady growth in the cortisone market. These regions benefit from improving healthcare infrastructure, government initiatives to enhance

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Cortisone Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities

Drivers

• Increasing Incidence of Chronic Diseases
• Growing Aging Population

• Advancements in Drug Delivery Technology: Innovations in drug delivery mechanisms have significantly impacted the efficacy and safety of cortisone drugs. Sustained-release formulations, for instance, allow for a gradual release of cortisone into the bloodstream over an extended period. This helps in maintaining a consistent therapeutic level of the drug, reducing the need for frequent dosing, and minimizing the peaks and troughs associated with conventional dosage forms. Such formulations not only enhance patient compliance but also reduce the likelihood of side effects by avoiding high concentrations of the drug in the system at any one time. Additionally, sustained-release formulations can provide more stable symptom control, improving the overall quality of life for patients suffering from chronic conditions like arthritis and asthma.

  Targeted delivery systems represent another significant advancement, where cortisone is delivered directly to the site of inflammation or disease. This localized approach minimizes systemic exposure and associated side effects, as the drug acts primarily where it is needed most. Targeted delivery can involve various techniques, including liposomal encapsulation, nanoparticles, and other innovative carriers that enhance the drug's precision and efficacy. By improving the delivery and absorption of cortisone at the specific site of action, these technologies ensure a higher concentration of the drug where it is most effective, thereby increasing its therapeutic benefits while reducing adverse effects. Collectively, these advancements are making cortisone therapy more effective, convenient, and safer for patients, thereby driving growth in the cortisone market.

Restraints

• Side Effects and Safety Concerns
• Stringent Regulatory Approval Process

• Availability of Alternative Therapies: The presence of alternative therapies for managing inflammatory and autoimmune conditions presents a significant challenge to the expansion of the cortisone market. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. These drugs are often preferred by patients and healthcare providers due to their efficacy and generally lower risk of severe side effects compared to cortisone. NSAIDs are widely available, relatively inexpensive, and suitable for a broad range of conditions, making them a strong competitor. Additionally, biologic agents, which target specific components of the immune system, have emerged as effective treatments for various autoimmune diseases. These biologics can offer more precise interventions with fewer generalized side effects, making them attractive alternatives to cortisone.

  Concerns about the side effects associated with prolonged cortisone use further exacerbate the market challenges posed by these alternatives. Cortisone, while highly effective at reducing inflammation, can cause significant side effects such as weight gain, osteoporosis, hypertension, and increased susceptibility to infections, especially when used long-term. These potential adverse effects make both patients and healthcare providers wary of using cortisone as a first-line treatment, particularly when safer or more targeted alternatives like NSAIDs and biologics are available. This hesitancy can limit the growth potential of the cortisone market, as patients and clinicians might opt for other therapies that offer effective disease management with a more favorable safety profile.

Opportunities

• Emerging Markets
• Development of Novel Formulations

• Personalized Medicine Approach: The trend towards personalized medicine, fueled by advancements in genomics and biomarker research, offers significant opportunities for the development of tailored cortisone therapies. Personalized medicine involves tailoring medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient, taking into account their genetic makeup, biomarkers, and specific disease pathways. By identifying genetic variations and biomarkers that influence how a patient responds to cortisone, healthcare providers can develop more effective and safer treatment regimens. This approach ensures that patients receive the optimal dosage and formulation of cortisone that aligns with their unique biological profile, potentially reducing the incidence of side effects and enhancing therapeutic outcomes.

  Personalized cortisone therapies could also lead to increased patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment plans. When therapies are customized to fit individual needs, patients are more likely to experience significant improvements in their condition, leading to higher satisfaction with their treatment. This can translate into better adherence to prescribed regimens, as patients are more motivated to continue with therapies that are specifically tailored to them and have fewer adverse effects. Additionally, personalized medicine can foster greater trust between patients and healthcare providers, as the treatment is seen as more precise and considerate of individual patient differences. These factors collectively drive market growth by positioning cortisone as a more versatile and patient-centered option in the management of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

Key players in Global Cortisone Market include

• Merck & Co., Inc
• Novartis AG
• Pfizer
• AstraZeneca
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
• Pharmascience Inc

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis