Ulcerative Colitis Market

Ulcerative Colitis Market Size:

The global ulcerative colitis market size reached USD 8.2 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 12.5 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.82% during 2025-2033. The market is expanding due to rising disease prevalence, advancements in medical treatments, supportive government policies, and increasing global awareness regarding innovative therapies in developed and developing regions.

Ulcerative Colitis Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The surging number of ulcerative colitis globally, and the awareness about the existence of inflammatory bowel diseases, stimulate the demand for innovative treatments and diagnostic methods among patients. In addition, technological progress, the expansion of biologics and the invention of new therapies intensify market development. The growing expenditure on healthcare in developed and developing countries also promotes market enlargement.
• Key Market Trends: There is an increasing trend toward personalized medicine in treating ulcerative colitis, emphasizing customized therapeutic methods based on genetic, environmental, and phenotypic characteristics. Furthermore, the increased adoption of biologics and biosimilars for managing severe cases is significantly influencing the direction of the pharmaceutical industry in this market.
• Geographical Trends: North America leads the ulcerative colitis market due to advanced healthcare facilities, high healthcare expenditure, and established pharmaceutical companies. However, Asia Pacific is anticipated to develop at a significant rate, given the increased health facilities, patient awareness, and medical tourism centering the region, such as China and India.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the ulcerative colitis industry include Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie Inc., AstraZeneca plc, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co. Inc., Pfizer Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: The primary challenge of the market is the high cost of treatment, which may create barriers to access in low-income countries, particularly when biologics are involved. Another factor is the labor-intensive and lengthy drug approval process, which could delay new treatments from entering the market. Despite its severity, the challenge can serve as a basis for opportunities. Developing cost-effective therapies and streamlining the approval process can become beneficial for businesses across the globe.
   

Ulcerative Colitis Market Trends:

Increasing Prevalence of Ulcerative Colitis

The growth in the prevalence of ulcerative colitis, as well as the spread of awareness about the existence of inflammatory bowel diseases, stimulates the demand for innovative treatments and diagnostic methods among patients. In addition, technological progress, the expansion of biologics, and the invention of new therapies intensify market development. The growing expenditure on healthcare in developed and developing countries also promotes market enlargement. According to the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE, ulcerative colitis has an incidence of 9 to 20 cases per 100,000 persons per year. Its prevalence is 156 to 291 cases per 100,000 persons per year.

Advancements in Medical Treatments

Medical treatment of ulcerative colitis has come a long way with the development of biologics and small-molecule drugs. The positive spirit brought about by this progress has created more favorable market-related factors. On the one hand, advances in diagnostic technologies and the development of new targeted treatment approaches have positively affected the market due to increased adoption driven by the development of more effective treatments. For instance, Pfizer Inc. in 2023 announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved VELSIPITY™ (etrasimod), an oral, once-daily, selective sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator for adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC).

Government and Regulatory Support

Favorable government policies and increased healthcare spending significantly impact the ulcerative colitis market growth. With regulatory approvals facilitating the rapid market entry of new and effective drugs, patients gain access to advanced treatment options. Additionally, several governments have ramped up funding for research and development, encouraging pharmaceutical companies to invest in innovative therapies for ulcerative colitis, which further stimulates market growth.

Ulcerative Colitis Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type, disease type, molecule type, drug type, route of administration, and distribution channel.

Breakup by Type:

• Mild UC
• Moderate UC
• Severe UC
   

Mild UC accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes mild UC, moderate UC, and severe UC. According to the report, mild UC represented the largest segment.

The mild ulcerative colitis segment dominates owing to the greater prevalence of mild cases compared to moderate and severe forms. Patients with mild UC generally experience fewer symptoms, which can typically be managed with oral medications, such as aminosalicylates. It benefits from numerous first-line treatment options that are less expensive and have fewer side effects, making them accessible and favored by patients and healthcare providers. The availability of effective and affordable treatments contributes significantly to the dominance of this segment in increasing the overall ulcerative colitis market demand. Mild ulcerative colitis is treated with mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid, 5-ASA) and other UC medications across all countries. As per the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) treatment instruction, ulcerative colitis (UC) is categorized as mild in patients who have fewer than four (4) bowel movements per day, minimal bleeding, and no appreciable urgency or abdominal pain. In comparative studies of 2.4 g and 4.8 g daily doses of mesalamine, it was found that patients with mild disease will improve with 2.4 g and 4.8 g doses of mesalamine.

Breakup by Disease Type:

• Ulcerative Proctitis
• Proctosigmoiditis
• Left-sided Colitis
• Pancolitis or Universal Colitis
• Fulminant Colitis
   

Ulcerative proctitis holds the largest share in the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the disease type have also been provided in the report. This includes ulcerative proctitis, proctosigmoiditis, left-sided colitis, pancolitis or universal colitis, and fulminant colitis. According to the report, ulcerative proctitis accounted for the largest market share.

Ulcerative proctitis is considered the mildest due to the inflammation being confined to the rectum. Patients usually experience such symptoms as rectal bleeding, urgency, and tenesmus. As per the study by Matthew Mutch, in Shackelford's Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, 2 Volume Set (Eighth Edition), 2019, patients with ulcerative pancolitis for more than 8 years are at higher risk of colorectal cancer, with the risk ranging from 0.5% to 1% per year. The localized nature of symptoms is why it is easier to treat the condition with medicines that require the closest interaction with the perished area rather than using more invasive and less patient-friendly systemic treatment. The focused treatment combines fewer systemic side effects, which is why patients prefer using suppositories or enemas as treatment. Facing better treatment opportunities, patients with ulcerative proctitis have a very good prognosis. Hence, the demand for quality treatments is growing.

Breakup by Molecule Type:

• Small Molecules
• Biologics
   

Biologics represents the leading market segment 

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the molecule type. This includes small molecules and biologics. According to the report, biologics represented the largest segment.

Biologics represent the largest segment in the market. The key reasons for the popularity of this therapy type involve its high efficiency in reducing inflammation and achieving and maintaining remission in patients suffering from moderate to severe disease. These protein-containing drugs work by aiming at particular parts of the immune system that encourage developing inflammation in the body. The increasing demand for biologics is explained by the growing number of approvals and biosimilars, which will make these drugs more available and less costly. For illustration purposes, in March 2024, Johnson & Johnson unveiled the submission of a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration pursuing approval of TREMFYA® (guselkumab) to treat adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. It is supported by data from the Phase 3 QUASAR program evaluating the efficacy and safety of TREMFYA® to treat patients with moderately to severely active UC who had an inadequate response or intolerance to traditional therapy, prior biologics and/or JAK inhibitors.

Breakup by Drug Type:

• Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
• Anti-TNF Biologics
• Immunosuppressant
• Calcineurin Inhibitors
• Others
   

Anti-TNF biologics exhibits a clear dominance in the market 

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the drug type have also been provided in the report. This includes anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-TNF biologics, immunosuppressant, calcineurin inhibitors, and others. According to the report, anti-TNF biologics accounted for the largest market share.

The market is currently dominated by anti-TNF biologics, primarily due to their ability to control inflammation and sustain remission in patients with moderate-to-severe conditions. Anti-TNF biologics are accustomed to neutralizing the action of a protein in the body known as TNF that causes inflammation, making them a preferable option for patients who are not treated with monotherapy. In addition, the established success of anti-TNF biologics in patient quality of life would agree with these results, despite concerns about costs and side effects.

Breakup by Route of Administration:

• Oral
• Injectable
   

Injectable dominates the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the route of administration. This includes oral and injectable. According to the report, injectables represented the largest segment.

Injectable medications hold a prominent position in the ulcerative colitis market revenue, primarily due to their capacity to deliver treatments directly to the bloodstream, effectively bypassing the digestive system. This category includes biologics such as infliximab and adalimumab, which are particularly used for moderate to severe cases. The preference for injectables stems from their rapid action and high efficacy, especially beneficial for patients who do not respond to oral medications. Additionally, the less frequent dosing requirement compared to oral medications enhances the appeal of injectables, making them a popular choice in managing ulcerative colitis and contributing to their substantial market share. Top of FormFor instance, in 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicated that the subcutaneous administration of vedolizumab is an approvable maintenance therapy for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis following intravenous infusion. It is the only FDA-approved biologic in ulcerative colitis maintenance therapy that is based on IV and SC dose-approved medication.

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies
• Drug Store
• Others
   

Hospital pharmacies are the predominant market segment

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel have also been provided in the report. This includes hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, drug store, and others. According to the report, hospital pharmacies accounted for the largest market share.

Hospital pharmacies constitute the largest segment in the ulcerative colitis market forecast. Their pivotal role in distributing treatments stems from their proximity to patient care settings and their responsibilities in administering and monitoring therapies. Hospitals are often the first to receive new drug approvals, positioning them as primary channels for distributing advanced therapeutics. This segment benefits from direct interactions with pharmaceutical manufacturers and often engages in price negotiations, which can significantly influence treatment accessibility and adoption rates among patients. For instance, the Apollo Hospital pharmacy business is about to touch 10,000 crore in revenue this year with 5,790 pharmacies, Apollo is the largest pharmacy chain, adding 400-500 stores each year.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest ulcerative colitis market share

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America accounted for the largest market share.

North America dominates the ulcerative colitis market on account of the high occurrence of the disorder, superior medical facilities, and extensive funding for R&D activities. The American and Canadian health systems ensure the substantial usage of progressive treatments, and private insurance plans and campaigns further enhance the consumer understanding of products. Companies in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors accelerate the development of innovative treatment methods. They integrate the most successful ones into their treatment protocols at an early stage, advancing the market. At present, ulcerative colitis has an incidence of 9 to 20 cases per 100,000 persons per year and 156 to 291 cases per 100,000 persons per year as per National Institute of Health (NIH). Ulcerative colitis market recent opportunities include numerous key players collaborating to expand their market growth. For instance, Teva Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd., and Sanofi collaborated to create and co-commercialize asset TEV’574, to treat Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease.

Competitive Landscape:

• The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the keyword industry include Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie Inc., AstraZeneca plc, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co. Inc., Pfizer Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
  
  (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
   
• Leading players in the ulcerative colitis market recent developments include the development of advanced biologics and small molecule therapies, improved drug delivery systems, and expansion into untapped markets. The leading players are also involved in strategic initiatives such as partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, and increasing investment in research and innovation to enhance treatment efficacies. These efforts are aimed at boosting market share and addressing the unmet needs in ulcerative colitis management. Besides this, Pfizer Inc. unveiled that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) adopted a positive opinion for VELSIPITY™ (etrasimod), an oral, once-daily, selective sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator. This medication is intended for the treatment of patients aged 16 and older with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) who have had an inadequate response, lost response, or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a biological agent.

Latest News: 

• November 2021: Bristol Myers Squibb received European Commission approval for Zeposia (ozanimod) for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis.Top of Form
• March 2024: AbbVie Inc., and Landos Biopharma Inc. unveiled that AbbVie entered into a definitive agreement that provides for the acquisition of Landos, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical corporation keen on developing advanced novel oral therapeutics for individuals with autoimmune disorders.

Ulcerative Colitis Market Report Scope:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the global ulcerative colitis market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global ulcerative colitis market?
• What is the impact of each driver, restraint, and opportunity on the global ulcerative colitis market?
• What are the key regional markets?
• Which countries represent the most attractive ulcerative colitis market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the type?
• Which is the most attractive type in the ulcerative colitis market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the disease type?
• Which is the most attractive disease type in the ulcerative colitis market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the molecule type?
• Which is the most attractive molecule type in the ulcerative colitis market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the drug type?
• Which is the most attractive drug type in the ulcerative colitis market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the route of administration?
• Which is the most attractive route of administration in the ulcerative colitis market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the distribution channel?
• Which is the most attractive distribution channel in the ulcerative colitis market?
• What is the competitive structure of the market?
• Who are the key players/companies in the global ulcerative colitis market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the ulcerative colitis market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global ulcerative colitis market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the ulcerative colitis industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.