CHINA DRY EYE DISEASE MARKET FORECAST 2023-2030

The China dry eye disease market scope includes distribution channel, type, and product. The product segment includes anti-inflammatory drugs, secretagogues, punctal plugs, artificial tears, and other products. The anti-inflammatory drugs segment further includes corticosteroid, cyclosporine, and other anti-inflammatory drugs.

Secretagogues are modern-day treatments for dry eye-related indications. The two forms of secretagogues, oral and topical, are widely recommended for first-line and second-line treatments. A major factor driving the segment’s growth includes the awareness campaigns regarding dry eye diseases by schools of vision science and optometry. Such campaigns promote the use of secretagogues in emerging and developed countries. In addition, 2% rebamipide ophthalmic suspension topical secretagogues and 3% diquafosol sodium ophthalmic solution are available internationally. On the other hand, the widely available oral secretagogues include cevimeline and pilocarpine, which activate acetylcholine receptors in the lacrimal and salivary glands to stimulate secretion. 

Further, artificial tears are commonly used for dry eye disease treatment. These are primarily used as the first line of treatment and are recommended by several doctors during the initial days of dry eye disease. Also, it is recommended for temporary relief of irritation and burning due to the dryness of the eye. Accordingly, it minimizes tear osmolarity. Additionally, the cost of over-the-counter artificial tears is low and has huge acceptance among all population segments. 

Moreover, several companies are working on modifying different formulations for artificial tears using sodium chloride as a hypertonicity agent, emollients, demulcent, zinc sulfate, and other combinations. The innovation is minimal at this level. However, consumers and manufacturers compromise with local developers engaged in a particular region or substandard products. 

Furthermore, corticosteroids are effective anti-inflammatory drugs that relieve the symptoms of moderate and severe dry eye. They are immensely useful in short-term efficacy, and are thus, prescribed for acute cases of dry eye diseases. At the same time, the long-term usage of corticosteroids has major side effects like cataract progression and intraocular pressure elevation. Two prominent market players established in this segment are Allergan and Bausch Health. 

Some of the prominent companies in the China dry eye disease market include Bausch Health Companies Inc, Johnson & Johnson, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Allergan Plc (Acquired by AbbVie), etc.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co Ltd operates businesses like nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, etc., through its subsidiaries. It focuses on the manufacture, sale, and research & development of medicines for treating cancer, ophthalmic disease, infectious diseases, gastrointestinal & respiratory diseases, allergies, etc. The company’s product portfolio includes functional foods and beverages, pharmaceutical products, electronic equipment, OTC products, fine chemicals, etc. It markets its products in Asia, Europe, and North America, with headquarters in Chiyoda-ki, Tokyo, Japan. 

One of its key products, Mucosta Ophthalmic Suspension, stabilizes the tear film and is effective in dry eye treatment.