Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Therapeutics Market - By Drug Class, By Route of Administration, By Stage, By Distribution Channel - Global Forecast 2025 - 2034

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Therapeutics Market Size

The global gastroesophageal reflux disease therapeutics market size was valued at USD 5.1 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at 2.5% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. Gastroesophageal reflux disease therapeutics are medications intended to treat symptoms and complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus. These medications seek to decrease the production of acid, neutralize acid, enhance gastrointestinal motility, or shield the esophagus from further injury.
 

The therapeutics market for gastroesophageal reflux disease is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing prevalence of GERD across the globe. For instance, according to the American College of Gastroenterology, the prevalence of GERD is 20% in the U.S., and this trend is also noticed in various western countries. The sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating patterns, and rising cases of obesity are considered the major causes behind the increasing cases of this disease. Thus, the increasing burden of GERD supports greater requirements for effective medicinal treatment aimed to cure or reduce the symptoms and avoid complications.
 

In addition, the market is being driven forward by improvements in drug development technologies. The introduction of new PPI formulations, extended-release drugs, and combination therapies are improving compliance and treatment effectiveness. In conjunction with ongoing research, which focuses on more selective treatment approaches, pharmaceutical companies will have new possibilities to solve unfulfilled clinical requirements in the management of GERD.
 

 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Therapeutics Market Trends

• The increasing rate of GERD cases is due to the growing elderly population globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that GERD cases will reach 1.4 billion by 2030 and 2.1 billion by 2050.
   
• Further, advancements are being made in the field of fixed-dose combination (FDC) therapies, and that is likely due to a demand for better treatment results. Symptom relief from GERD has been shown to be greater in patients treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) when used in conjunction with prokinetic agents. For instance, a 2021 article published by the National Library of Medicine concluded that combination therapy is superior to PPI monotherapy. However, studies with larger representative sample sizes are necessary to support the impact of combination therapy.
   
• Moreover, increased consumer knowledge of GERD as well as its symptoms and potential long-term complications are motivating people to seek medical care. Enhanced information access, coupled with numerous health campaigns and the growing availability of diagnostic and treatment tools, is the primary driver behind this increased awareness.
   
• For instance, the GERD Awareness Week by the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) seeks to draw attention to the scope of the condition, as well as its early identification and treatment. Such campaigns increase understanding about the condition and its therapeutics, facilitating the earlier intervention and optimized treatment needed, which is contributing to the overall growth of the GERD therapeutics market.
   

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Therapeutics Market Analysis

Based on drug class, the market is segmented into proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), antacids, prokinetic agents, and other drug classes. The global market was valued at USD 5.1 billion in 2023. The antacids segment held leading position in the market, accounting for USD 2.2 billion in 2024, owing to their effectiveness in providing rapid relief from heartburn and acid indigestion.
 

• Antacids, which is expected to reach USD 11 billion by 2032, are medicines used to get quick relief from the burning sensation in the heart and acid indigestion. This rapid action is the reason behind their high preference by those seeking immediate relief from GERD symptoms.
   
• For instance, calcium carbonate is commonly found in antacids and is economical and easy to manage, making it the ideal ingredient for dealing with mild GERD symptoms. It is sold as both chewable tablets and as liquid suspensions.
   
• Moreover, are widely accessible without a prescription, which makes them over the counter (OTC) drugs. This convenience, combined with their fast-acting relief, contributes to their dominance in the GERD therapeutics market.

Based on route of administration, the gastroesophageal reflux disease therapeutics market is segmented into oral and injectable. The oral route emerged as a dominant segment in the market, accounting for 80.2% of revenue share in 2024 and is expected to reach by USD 5.3 billion in 2034.
 

• Oral route of delivery for medicines is preferred, especially with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antacids, because of their ease of use. Patients also find the oral OTC drugs convenient as they lessen the need of professional intervention.
   
• For instance, omeprazole, which is a widely used PPI, is available as a tablet and capsule, providing dose flexibility along with daily symptom relief. Long-term management for patients is possible because no visits to a healthcare provider are necessary for injections.
   
• Also, the cost of oral forms is usually less expensive than the cost of injections, making them more accessible. Thus, owing to the simple method of delivery, oral segment is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period.
   

Based on stage, the gastroesophageal reflux disease therapeutics market is segmented into stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, and stage 4. Stage 1 accounted for the largest revenue share of 43.2% in 2024.
 

• Stage 1 involves the mildest form of GERD, which includes symptoms such as heartburn or acid reflux from time to time. Having such mild symptoms is quite common among a wide population, therefore stage 1 has been dominating the market.
   
• Also, patients in stage 1 highly count on OTC medicines such as antacids that are economically priced and provide immediate relief. The surging market demand is spurred by the widespread availability of these medications. For instance, Nexium 24HR (esomeprazole) is an OTC proton pump inhibitor marketed by Pfizer, used for treating frequent heartburn; it claims to provide 24-hour acid control with a single daily dose, thus making it a preferred choice among patients with mild GERD symptoms.
   

Based on distribution channel, the gastroesophageal reflux disease therapeutics market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. Retail pharmacies dominated the market, accounting for the largest share of revenue share of 45.2% in 2024 and is projected for significant growth to reach USD 3 billion by 2034.
 

• The accessibility of retail pharmacies in both urban and rural settings enhances convenience for patients who need medications associated with GERD. Their widespread reach makes it possible for patients to get the medical attention they need in a timely manner. The increased use of GERD medication is attributed to the availability of OTC treatment options as well as the easy accessibility of pharmacy services in rural and metropolitan regions.
   
• Further, retail pharmacy outlets target both prescription and OTC markets and sell proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids, and H2 receptor antagonists.
   
• Thus, there is expansion of the market in consideration of the increase in demand for these drugs as well as the contribution of pharmacists who provide consultations on the management of GERD.

North America: The U.S. gastroesophageal reflux disease therapeutics market is expected to grow significantly, reaching USD 2.6 billion by 2034.
 

• The rate of GERD in this country is quite high, impacting nearly 20% of adults. The increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases such as obesity and poor eating habits drives the need for efficient GERD treatment options.
   
• Also, programs such as GERD Awareness Week, which takes place during Thanksgiving week every year, help promote market growth in the country.
   
• Furthermore, the aggressive focus on innovation within the U.S. healthcare system has resulted in new treatment technologies being developed. The acute market competition due to the wide availability of branded and generic medications, along with the increased use of new therapy methods that include prokinetic agents, also enhances the market.
   

Europe: The UK gastroesophageal reflux disease therapeutics market is projected to experience steady growth between 2025 and 2034.
 

• The National Health Service (NHS) in UK contributes significantly to the market by ensuring affordable healthcare services such as enhancing the availability of generic medications and taking steps to improve the access to healthcare services across the country.
   
• Furthermore, improving awareness among patients and healthcare professionals regarding the long-term complications of GERD is driving the effectiveness of treatment options available and the need for diagnosis.
   

Asia Pacific: Japan gastroesophageal reflux disease therapeutics market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2025 – 2034.
 

• Japan’s population has been aging quite rapidly, and this demographic shift has increased the prevalence of GERD, which is more seen among elderly individuals owing to the physiological changes in their bodies and comorbidities.
   
• For instance, in 2022, people who were of 65 years and older represented around 29.9% of Japan's total population.
   
• Furthermore, the pharmaceutical industry in the country is focused on research and development, introducing advanced formulations and delivery mechanisms for GERD drugs, enhancing patient compliance and outcomes.
   

Middle East and Africa: The gastroesophageal reflux disease therapeutics market in Saudi Arabia is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• The demand for GERD treatment is on the rise in the country due to the increasing prevalence of obesity along with dietary patterns driving GERD and other acid-reflux diseases.
   
• For instance, according to Statista the adult obese population in Saudi Arabia was 40.4% in 2021 and is expected to reach 42.9% by the end of 2026.
   
• In addition to this, the expansion of healthcare systems and modernization of medical technologies is being supported by the government’s Vision 2030, including the improvement of treatment access for diseases such as GERD.
   
• Thus, the adoption of western cultures and urbanization are leading Saudi Arabia to experience higher levels of GERD related diseases and has increased the demand for antacids, PPIs and other therapeutic options.
   

 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Therapeutics Market Share

AstraZeneca, Eisai, GlaxoSmithKline, Takeda Pharmaceutical, and Pfizer are the leading players in GERD therapeutics, with ~40% of the market share; they boast strong investments in research and development as well as global reach. AstraZeneca contributes through Nexium (esomeprazole), a prominent name among PPIs used throughout the world. Takeda Pharmaceuticals bolstered its position with the addition of Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) with its unique property of dual delayed release. Moreover, leading companies, through innovation in formulation technologies, collaboration with other organizations, and commercial campaigns that promote the availability of effective treatments to patients, are working to improve the innovation in GERD treatment.
 

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Therapeutics Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the gastroesophageal reflux disease therapeutics industry include:

• AstraZeneca
• Camber Pharmaceuticals
• Eisai
• Johnson & Johnson
• Onconic Therapeutics
• Pfizer
• Phathom Pharmaceuticals
• Sebela Pharmaceuticals
• Takeda Pharmaceutical Company
• Teva Pharmaceuticals
• Viatris
   
• Phathom Pharmaceuticals focuses on creating innovative therapies for gastrointestinal diseases. Their lead drug, vonoprazan, is a first-in-class potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB) which is a substitution for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
   
• AstraZeneca possesses a robust international presence, advertising its GERD therapies in more than 100 nations. The company is known for its pharmaceutial giant Nexium (esomeprazole) which is a commonly used PPI to treat GERD.
   

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Therapeutics Industry News:

• In April 2024, Onconic Therapeutics announced that the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of Korea has approved JAQBO (zastaprazan citrate) for the treatment of erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults. This approval allowed the company to differentiate its product in a highly competitive market.
   
• In November 2023, Phathom Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA has approved VOQUEZNA (vonoprazan) tablets, 10 mg and 20 mg, for adults with non-erosive GERD. This product launch gave the company a competitive advantage in the market.
   

The gastroesophageal reflux disease therapeutics market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Drug Class

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
• H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs)
• Antacids
• Prokinetic agents
• Other drug classes

Market, By Route of Administration

• Oral
• Injectable

Market, By Stage

• Stage 1
• Stage 2
• Stage 3
• Stage 4 

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Hospital pharmacies
• Retail pharmacies
• Online pharmacies

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada 
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands 
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE