Global Viscosupplementation Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Dosage;
Single Injection, Three Injection, and Five Injection.By Arthritis Type;
Osteoarthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.by Application;
Knee Osteoarthritis, Hip Osteoarthritis, Shoulder Osteoarthritis, and Others.By End User;
Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, and Others.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Viscosupplementation Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2023, the Global Viscosupplementation Market was valued at USD 3,625.78 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 6,447.19 million by the year 2030, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.6%.
Viscosupplementation involves the intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid-based formulations into affected joints to restore lubrication, reduce friction, and alleviate pain associated with osteoarthritis. This market plays a pivotal role in addressing the growing burden of musculoskeletal disorders worldwide, offering safe and effective treatment options for millions of individuals affected by osteoarthritis, particularly in aging populations.
As the aging population continues to expand globally, the prevalence of osteoarthritis rises, driving the demand for effective therapeutic interventions to improve patients' quality of life and mobility. The Global Viscosupplementation Market responds to this need by providing minimally invasive, non-surgical treatments that offer symptomatic relief and functional improvement for patients with osteoarthritic joints. By restoring the viscoelastic properties of synovial fluid and cushioning joint surfaces, viscosupplementation helps alleviate pain, stiffness, and inflammation, allowing patients to maintain an active lifestyle and delay the need for surgical intervention.
Advancements in biotechnology and formulation technologies have led to the development of next-generation viscosupplements with improved efficacy, durability, and patient outcomes. These innovations include cross-linked hyaluronic acid derivatives, combination therapies, and extended-release formulations designed to provide prolonged pain relief and disease-modifying effects. Such advancements drive market growth and expand treatment options for patients with varying degrees of osteoarthritis severity, offering personalized and tailored approaches to disease management.
The Global Viscosupplementation Market also benefits from the expanding scope of indications and applications beyond knee osteoarthritis. While knee osteoarthritis remains the primary target indication for viscosupplementation, the market is witnessing increasing adoption in other joints such as the hip, shoulder, ankle, and temporomandibular joints. Additionally, viscosupplementation is being explored for use in post-surgical rehabilitation, sports medicine, and regenerative orthopedics, further broadening its therapeutic potential and market reach.
Global Viscosupplementation Market Recent Developments
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In April 2018, Bone Therapeutics S.A. finished clinical studies for its JTA-004 intra-articular injection for knee OA.
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In April 2022, Juniper Biologics licensed TissueGene-C low dose (TG-C LD), a non-surgical treatment for knee osteoarthritis, to Kolon Life Sciences for development and commercialization. According to the licensing agreement, Juniper will develop and commercialize gene therapy to medical professionals and hospitals in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.
Segment Analysis
The Global Viscosupplementation Market is segmented by Dosage, Arthritis Type, Application, End User and Geography, each of which provides insight into different aspects of the market's dynamics. By dosage, the market is generally divided into single-dose injections and multi-dose injections. Single-dose injections are typically used for patients with less severe joint pain, while multi-dose injections are often prescribed for more advanced joint degeneration. Multi-dose regimens may involve several injections over a period of time to achieve longer-lasting relief from pain and inflammation. The choice of dosage depends on the severity of the condition, the patient’s response to treatment, and the type of arthritis being treated. The growing preference for multi-dose injections is being driven by the increasing demand for more effective, long-term relief solutions, particularly in osteoarthritis, which is the most prevalent arthritis type.
In terms of arthritis type, the market is divided into osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis holds the largest share of the viscosupplementation market due to its higher prevalence, particularly among the aging population. OA is characterized by the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints, and viscosupplementation treatments, such as hyaluronic acid injections, help to restore joint function and reduce pain by improving the lubrication of the affected joint. Rheumatoid arthritis, while less common, is also a growing segment in the market as more research highlights the benefits of viscosupplementation for symptom management, especially in patients who experience inadequate relief from traditional therapies. As both conditions require different treatment approaches, viscosupplementation products are tailored to meet the needs of patients with each type of arthritis.
The application and end-user segments further define the market's dynamics. Applications for viscosupplementation include joint pain management, sports injuries, and post-surgical recovery, with the most significant demand coming from joint pain management, particularly in knee osteoarthritis. End users of viscosupplementation products primarily include hospitals, clinics, and specialized orthopedic centers, where injections are administered by healthcare professionals. Geographically, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa, with North America and Europe holding the largest market shares due to well-established healthcare infrastructure and higher adoption of advanced treatments. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth, driven by improving healthcare access, increasing awareness about arthritis treatment, and expanding healthcare investments in emerging markets.
Global Viscosupplementation Segment Analysis
In this report, the Global Viscosupplementation Market has been segmented by Dosage, Arthritis Type, Application, End User and Geography.
Global Viscosupplementation Market, Segmentation by Dosage
The Global Viscosupplementation Market has been segmented by Dosage into Single Injection, Three Injection and Five Injection.
Single injection regimens involve the administration of a single dose of hyaluronic acid into the affected joint, providing immediate symptomatic relief and convenience for patients. This option is favored for its simplicity and ease of administration, making it suitable for individuals seeking short-term pain relief or those with mild osteoarthritis symptoms.
Three injection regimens comprise a series of three hyaluronic acid injections spaced over several weeks, aiming to provide sustained symptom relief and functional improvement for patients with moderate osteoarthritis. This regimen allows for gradual improvement in joint lubrication and pain reduction, optimizing therapeutic outcomes over the treatment course. Three injection regimens strike a balance between efficacy and patient convenience, offering a comprehensive treatment approach without the prolonged commitment of multi-injection courses.
Five injection regimens involve a series of five hyaluronic acid injections administered over several weeks to months, offering extended relief and disease-modifying effects for patients with severe osteoarthritis. This regimen is designed to provide long-lasting joint lubrication, cartilage protection, and pain reduction, addressing the underlying pathophysiology of osteoarthritis and improving joint function over time. Five injection regimens are suitable for patients with advanced disease progression or persistent symptoms requiring intensive treatment and ongoing management.
Global Viscosupplementation Market, Segmentation by Arthritis Type
The Global Viscosupplementation Market has been segmented by Arthritis Type into Osteoarthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
The Global Viscosupplementation Market is segmented by arthritis type into osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, each representing distinct patient populations with different therapeutic needs. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and accounts for the largest share of the viscosupplementation market. OA involves the degeneration of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Viscosupplementation, which involves the injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) into the affected joint, is widely used to alleviate symptoms and improve joint function in OA patients. This treatment helps restore the viscosity and elasticity of synovial fluid, reducing friction and enhancing lubrication within the joint. As the global prevalence of OA increases with aging populations, the demand for viscosupplementation therapies in OA is expected to grow significantly.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and damage to the joints, is the second key segment in the viscosupplementation market. Although less common than osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can cause severe joint pain and disability, affecting patients’ quality of life. Viscosupplementation in RA patients is primarily aimed at reducing inflammation and providing pain relief, especially in the later stages of the disease when joint damage may limit the effectiveness of other treatments. The use of hyaluronic acid injections in RA is becoming more prevalent as an adjunct to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics. With the growing understanding of the role of viscosupplementation in managing joint pain in RA, this segment is also seeing growth in demand, though it remains smaller than the OA segment.
The segmentation of the Global Viscosupplementation Market by arthritis type highlights the distinct needs and treatment approaches for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While osteoarthritis remains the dominant market driver due to its higher prevalence, rheumatoid arthritis continues to expand as a significant area of interest for viscosupplementation research and development. With increasing awareness of joint health and the growing aging population, both segments are likely to see continued demand for viscosupplementation therapies. Additionally, advancements in hyaluronic acid formulations, combined with improving healthcare access in emerging markets, may further boost market growth across both arthritis types.
Global Viscosupplementation Market, Segmentation by Application
The Global Viscosupplementation Market has been segmented by Application into Knee Osteoarthritis, Hip Osteoarthritis, Shoulder Osteoarthritis and Others.
The Global Viscosupplementation Market, segmented by application, showcases the key areas where viscosupplementation is used to treat joint pain and improve mobility. Knee osteoarthritis is the largest application segment, as viscosupplementation is most commonly administered to alleviate pain and improve joint function in individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis. The knee joint is particularly vulnerable to osteoarthritis due to its weight-bearing nature, and viscosupplementation treatments, such as hyaluronic acid injections, help restore lubrication and reduce friction in the joint. With the rising prevalence of knee osteoarthritis, driven by aging populations and lifestyle factors, the demand for viscosupplementation in knee treatments continues to grow globally.
Hip osteoarthritis is another significant segment within the viscosupplementation market. Although less common than knee osteoarthritis, hip osteoarthritis still presents a major clinical challenge, particularly in elderly individuals. Viscosupplementation is used to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and delay the need for hip replacement surgery. As more people seek non-invasive treatments for hip osteoarthritis to avoid the risks and costs associated with surgery, viscosupplementation is becoming an increasingly important therapeutic option. This segment’s growth is expected to parallel the rising incidence of hip osteoarthritis as populations age.
The shoulder osteoarthritis segment is also gaining traction, as viscosupplementation becomes a viable treatment option for patients with shoulder joint pain and dysfunction caused by osteoarthritis. The shoulder is a critical joint for mobility and daily activities, and viscosupplementation can help relieve pain and enhance range of motion. Although this segment is smaller compared to knee and hip osteoarthritis, it is expected to grow as awareness of viscosupplementation benefits increases among patients and healthcare providers. The others category includes other joints affected by osteoarthritis, such as the ankle and elbow, where viscosupplementation may be used less frequently but still offers relief. As the understanding and use of viscosupplementation expand, these niche applications are expected to see incremental growth in the coming years.
Global Viscosupplementation Market, Segmentation by End User
The Global Viscosupplementation Market has been segmented by End User into Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, and Others.
Hospitals serve as primary centers for orthopedic care, offering comprehensive treatment options for patients with osteoarthritis, including viscosupplementation procedures. Orthopedic departments within hospitals are equipped with specialized equipment, resources, and expertise to perform viscosupplementation injections and provide comprehensive musculoskeletal care to patients. Hospitals cater to a broad patient population, ranging from individuals with mild to severe osteoarthritis, and play a pivotal role in managing complex cases and post-operative rehabilitation.
Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) offer outpatient services and minimally invasive procedures, including viscosupplementation injections, in a convenient and cost-effective setting. ASCs provide a range of orthopedic interventions, including joint injections, arthroscopic procedures, and minor surgeries, allowing patients to undergo treatment and return home on the same day. ASCs offer advantages such as shorter wait times, reduced healthcare costs, and lower infection rates compared to traditional hospital settings, making them an attractive option for patients seeking timely and efficient orthopedic care.
The category of "Others" encompasses specialty clinics, orthopedic practices, and rehabilitation centers where viscosupplementation procedures may be performed by orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists, or pain management specialists. These facilities offer personalized care and expertise in musculoskeletal conditions, providing patients with comprehensive evaluations, treatment plans, and follow-up care for osteoarthritis management. Specialty clinics may also offer adjunctive therapies such as physical therapy, exercise programs, and patient education to optimize treatment outcomes and improve long-term joint health.
Global Viscosupplementation Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Viscosupplementation Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Global Viscosupplementation Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
North America, comprising the United States and Canada, dominates the market owing to the high prevalence of osteoarthritis, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and favorable reimbursement policies. The region is characterized by extensive research and development activities, technological advancements, and the presence of key market players driving innovation in viscosupplementation therapies.
Europe, encompassing countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, is another significant market for viscosupplementation. The region benefits from a large aging population, increasing incidence of osteoarthritis, and robust healthcare systems supporting the adoption of advanced treatment modalities. Regulatory frameworks and guidelines ensure the safety and efficacy of viscosupplementation products, fostering market growth and innovation.
The Asia Pacific region, including countries like China, Japan, and India, presents lucrative opportunities for market expansion due to the growing prevalence of osteoarthritis, rising healthcare expenditures, and increasing awareness of non-surgical treatment options. Rapid urbanization, improving healthcare infrastructure, and expanding access to healthcare services drive market growth in this region, attracting investment from global manufacturers and driving technological advancements in viscosupplementation therapies.
The Middle East and Africa region exhibits steady growth in the viscosupplementation market, fueled by the rising incidence of osteoarthritis, improving healthcare infrastructure, and increasing healthcare expenditure. Market expansion is supported by government initiatives, healthcare reforms, and collaborations with international organizations to enhance access to musculoskeletal care and promote the adoption of advanced treatment modalities.
Latin America, comprising countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, represents a growing market for viscosupplementation, driven by the aging population, rising prevalence of osteoarthritis, and improving healthcare infrastructure. Market growth is facilitated by regulatory harmonization, increasing awareness of non-surgical treatment options, and partnerships between healthcare providers and industry stakeholders to address unmet needs in musculoskeletal care.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Viscosupplementation Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Aging Population
- Advancements in Viscosupplement Formulations
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Increasing Preference for Minimally Invasive Treatment Options - One key driver behind the increasing preference for minimally invasive treatment options, including viscosupplementation, is the desire to avoid or delay more invasive surgical procedures, such as joint replacement surgery. Osteoarthritis, the primary indication for viscosupplementation, is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and functional impairment. While joint replacement surgery remains a viable treatment option for severe cases of osteoarthritis, many patients and healthcare providers seek less invasive alternatives to preserve joint function, minimize post-operative complications, and avoid the risks associated with major surgery.
The aging population and the prevalence of osteoarthritis contribute to the growing demand for minimally invasive treatments that address the unique needs and preferences of older adults. With increasing life expectancy and active lifestyles, individuals are seeking non-surgical interventions that allow them to maintain mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. Viscosupplementation offers a conservative approach to managing osteoarthritis symptoms, providing pain relief, improving joint function, and delaying the progression of joint degeneration, thereby meeting the evolving healthcare needs of an aging population.
Advancements in viscosupplement formulations, injection techniques, and imaging technologies have enhanced the safety, efficacy, and precision of minimally invasive procedures, further driving their popularity among patients and healthcare providers. Newer viscosupplementation products offer improved viscosity, durability, and tissue penetration, allowing for more targeted delivery and longer-lasting symptom relief. Advanced imaging modalities, such as ultrasound and fluoroscopy, enable accurate intra-articular injections, ensuring optimal placement of viscosupplements and maximizing treatment outcomes.
Restraints
- Limited Reimbursement Coverage
- Potential Adverse Events
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High Cost of Viscosupplement Products - The high cost of viscosupplement products poses financial challenges for patients, particularly those without adequate insurance coverage or access to reimbursement programs. For individuals with osteoarthritis seeking relief from joint pain and stiffness, the out-of-pocket expenses associated with viscosupplementation injections can be prohibitive, leading to treatment barriers and delays in seeking care. Moreover, the cost burden of viscosupplements may exacerbate socioeconomic disparities in healthcare access, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and underserved communities with limited financial resources.
Healthcare systems and payers also face challenges in managing the escalating costs of viscosupplementation therapies within budget constraints. The high unit cost of viscosupplement products strains healthcare budgets, reimbursement models, and formulary decisions, prompting payers to impose restrictions, coverage limitations, or utilization management strategies to control expenditures. This may result in reimbursement denials, prior authorization requirements, or step therapy protocols that impede patient access to viscosupplementation treatments, despite their clinical benefits and efficacy in osteoarthritis management.
The high cost of viscosupplement products presents economic considerations for healthcare providers and facilities, impacting practice economics, revenue streams, and resource allocation decisions. Orthopedic practices, hospitals, and ambulatory surgical centers may face financial pressures in procuring viscosupplements, managing inventory, and balancing treatment costs with reimbursement rates and patient demand. The financial implications of viscosupplementation may influence treatment decisions, treatment modalities, and patient counseling, as healthcare providers navigate the complex landscape of healthcare financing and delivery.
Opportunities
- Expansion of Indications for Viscosupplementation
- Emerging Markets and Untapped Patient Populations
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Development of Next-Generation Viscosupplements - One key opportunity lies in the advancement of viscosupplement formulations with improved viscoelastic properties and rheological characteristics. Next-generation viscosupplements may incorporate modifications such as cross-linking, hybrid formulations, or combination therapies to enhance joint lubrication, reduce friction, and provide prolonged pain relief. By optimizing the molecular structure and biomechanical properties of hyaluronic acid, these formulations offer enhanced tissue penetration, joint residence time, and therapeutic efficacy, leading to improved symptom management and functional outcomes for patients with osteoarthritis.
The development of next-generation viscosupplements encompasses novel delivery systems and administration techniques aimed at improving treatment convenience, patient compliance, and intra-articular targeting. This includes advancements such as extended-release formulations, intra-articular depots, and smart injection devices designed to optimize drug delivery kinetics, minimize treatment frequency, and enhance drug localization within the joint space. By facilitating sustained drug release and intra-articular retention, these delivery systems offer potential benefits in reducing treatment burden, improving patient adherence, and maximizing therapeutic effects over time.
Next-generation viscosupplements present opportunities for personalized and precision medicine approaches in osteoarthritis management. Advanced technologies such as biomarker-guided therapy, genetic profiling, and tissue engineering may enable tailored treatment regimens and patient-specific interventions based on individual disease characteristics, joint biomechanics, and treatment response. By integrating patient-centric approaches and predictive analytics into viscosupplementation strategies, healthcare providers can optimize treatment outcomes, minimize adverse events, and optimize resource allocation in osteoarthritis care.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Viscosupplementation Market include:
- Fidia Farmaceutici spa
- Ferring Pharmaceuticals
- Anika Therapeutics Inc
- Bioventus LLC
- Sanofi SA
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
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Dosage
- Market Snapshot, By Arthritis Type
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By End User
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Viscosupplementation Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Aging Population
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Advancements in Viscosupplement Formulations
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Increasing Preference for Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
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- Restraints
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Limited Reimbursement Coverage
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Potential Adverse Events
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High Cost of Viscosupplement Products
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- Opportunities
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Expansion of Indications for Viscosupplementation
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Emerging Markets and Untapped Patient Populations
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Development of Next-Generation Viscosupplements
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Viscosupplementation Market, By Dosage, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Single Injection
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Three Injection
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Five Injection
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- Global Viscosupplementation Market, By Arthritis Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Global Viscosupplementation Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- Hip Osteoarthritis
- Shoulder Osteoarthritis
- Others
- Global Viscosupplementation Market, By End User, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Hospitals
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Ambulatory Surgical Centers
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Others
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- Global Viscosupplementation Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global Viscosupplementation Market, By Dosage, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Fidia Farmaceutici s.p.a
- Ferring Pharmaceuticals
- Anika Therapeutics Inc
- Bioventus LLC
- Sanofi SA
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market