Knee Osteoarthritis Drugs Market - By Drug Type, By Route of Administration, By Age Group - Global Forecast 2025 - 2034

Knee Osteoarthritis Drugs Market Size

The global knee osteoarthritis drugs market size was valued at USD 6.7 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 7.2 billion in 2025 to USD 14.3 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 8%. The growth of the market is attributed to the rising cases of knee osteoarthritis (OA) driven by increasing the ageing population, sedentary lifestyle and obesity necessitating the need for effective treatment.
 

For instance, a study published in Arthritis and Rheumatology indicated a steep rise of 113.2% in osteoarthritis cases from 1990 to 2019. However, knee OA is most frequently affected, responsible for approximately 365 million cases globally. The forecast suggested that by 2050, there will be an estimated 1 billion cases of OA, with knee OA accounting for 74.9%. This growing case expects to drive the demand for effective osteoarthritis drugs for knee such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), viscosupplements, corticosteroids and other drugs.
 

In addition, growing awareness for early diagnosis and treatment is anticipated to foster market growth. Growing focus on drug formulation advancement, including combination therapies and extended-release formulations to enhance patient treatment outcome has further gained traction in the market. For instance, formulations of hyaluronic acid (HA) have been developed with more focus on enhancing the favorable characteristics, while Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) increased endorsement of new HA-based injections alongside recent research activity has led to expansion of the market. Also, higher use of HA viscoelastic in sports medicine and orthopedics will propel the growth of the market.
 

Knee OA drugs refer to the pharmaceutical treatment managing the pain, inflammation and disease progression in OA patients. These drugs include NSAIDs, corticosteroids, viscosupplementation, analgesics and other drugs. The drugs aimed to relieve the symptoms related to joint mobility delaying the surgical procedures.
 

Knee Osteoarthritis Drugs Market Trends

Developments in drug formulations such as therapies using exosomes, long-acting formations, and regenerative medicine have improved treatment effectiveness for knee OA.
 

• Accelerated research efforts have led to enhanced pain management solutions, reducing the dosing frequency, and prolonged relief. For instance, in March 2025, RION, a clinical-stage company in regenerative medicine, reported the first patient’s enrollment in its Phase 1b clinical study investigating Purified Exosome Product (PEP) for knee OA.
   
• The objective of the PEP injection for knee OA patients through a single intra-articular injection was to achieve cartilage regeneration, while simultaneously reducing inflammation.
   
• Similarly, in June 2024, Sun Pharma and Moebius Medical unveiled novel data in EULAR 2024, reporting that symptomatic knee OA patients continued to experience significant pain alleviation up to 26 weeks post injections of MM-II in Phase 2b clinical trial. This new non-opioid treatment developed by Sun Pharma and Moebius Medical, utilizes a patented suspension system of large, empty, multilamellar liposomes which reduce wear and friction in the joints, thereby easing joint pain.
   
• The study finding has stimulated the company's focus toward advancement and initiated the need for further study exploration. These achievements and continuous efforts demonstrated to the developing advanced regenerative therapies that cater the challenges of knee OA treatment.
   
• However, the high treatment cost coupled with the potential side-effects of the drugs due to long-term use may limit its adoption in the market.
   
• Further, the availability of alternative therapies along with stringent regulatory challenges for new formulations are expected to hinder market growth.
   

Knee Osteoarthritis Drugs Market Analysis

Based on the drug type, the global market is segmented into non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, viscosupplementation, analgesics and other drug types. The NSAIDs segment generated the largest market revenue of USD 2.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5 billion by 2034, witnessing its growth of 7.7%.
 

• NSAIDs prominence was asserted due to its extensive use as the first-line intervention for managing pain and inflammation. The prescriptions of NSAIDs tend to include ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib because these drugs are effective, readily available, and less expensive than other prescription drugs.
   
• Also, the strong market position of these products is owing to its pain relief and mobility improvement coupled with ongoing advancement for efficacious and safer formulation such as topical and COX-2 selective inhibitors.
   
• Furthermore, the increased prevalence of OA coupled with the growing geriatric population prone to various orthopedic condition is expected to bolster the demand for NSAIDs, thereby augmenting the market growth.

Based on route of administration, the global knee osteoarthritis drugs market is categorized into oral, parenteral, and topical. The parenteral segment accounted for the highest market share of 51.3% in 2024.
 

• The rapid onset of action, better bioavailability, and extended duration of pain relief in comparison to oral and topical medications has strengthen the parenteral segment dominance in the market.
   
• This category also encompasses injectable corticosteroids, viscosupplementation (HA injections), and various biologics, all of which are standard practice in treating moderate to severe OA where oral therapy options are inadequate.
   
• The segment growth was further driven by the increasing preference for minimal invasive techniques and long acting injectables. Moreover, the development of advanced regenerative therapy including sustained release formulations, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and stem cell therapy anticipated to enhance market growth.
   

Based on the age group, the global knee osteoarthritis drugs market is categorized into 18 - 44, 45 - 64, and above 65. The above 65 segment is expected to hold the prominent position in the market with a growth rate of 7.6% with market revenue to reach USD 6 billion by end of 2034.
 

• Growing aging leads to the reduction in joints flexibility, increased inflammation, and cartilage degeneration associated with pain has resulted to the growing prevalence of OA including the knee OA. According to the report by Knee Pain Centers of America, among adults 65 and older, nearly 37% report experiencing knee pain.
   
• Therefore, increasing geriatric population, higher life expectancy, and rising awareness of treatment options has furthered spurred the demand for knee OA drugs.
   
• Additionally, increased healthcare spending, accessibility to advanced treatment options, and preference for long acting and minimally invasive solutions to improve mobility further strengthen the segment demand in the market.

In 2024, the U.S. hold a prominent position in the North American knee osteoarthritis drugs market, reaching a valuation of USD 2.6 billion, up from USD 2.4 billion in 2023.
 

• The high prevalence of knee OA, rising geriatric population and increasing preference for minimally invasive treatments has driven the demand for advanced therapies including viscosupplementation, NSAIDs, and corticosteroids in U.S.
   
• For instance, as per CDC, OA is most common in U.S. affecting 1 in 5 adults in U.S. Among adults 60 years and older with the prevalence of symptomatic knee OA reported in approximately 10% in men and 13% of women. This growing concern of knee OA has prompted the need for effective treatment fueling the demand for knee OA drugs in OA.
   
• Also, ongoing clinical trials, and FDA approvals for novel OA drugs for knee have strengthened the country’s dominance. The presence of major key players and increased investments in R&D have contributed to the expansion of treatment options.
   
• Furthermore, a growing focus on minimally invasive procedures and personalized medicine approaches continues to enhance patient outcomes, thus making the U.S. a key market for knee OA drugs.
   

Germany is poised to achieve significant growth in the Europe knee osteoarthritis drugs market.
 

• Germany is poised for significant growth driven by the growing aging population, increasing OA prevalence in the country including knee OA causing arthrosis.
   
• According to a study published in NIH, nearly 5 million adults are affected by knee OA, resulting in 7% of prevalence. These statistics highlighted the need for effective drug treatment catering to the OA challenges in the country.
   
• Moreover, the expanding care for sophisticated therapies like viscosupplementation and the usage of corticosteroids and NSAIDs also stimulates the market growth.
   
• The adoption of personalized medicine and minimally invasive procedures further enhances patient care. In addition, ongoing clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and growing awareness of knee OA treatments are few factors that will drive the product demand, thereby strengthening its position as a leading market in Europe region.
   

The China knee osteoarthritis drugs market is anticipated to witness rapid growth in Asia Pacific region in coming years.
 

• The large aging population with rising OA prevalence and expanding healthcare infrastructure drives the China’s leadership in Asia market. As per WHO, with currently over 300 million population aged above 50 and projected to reach 402 million by 2040 demand for non-surgical arthritis treatment.
   
• This rise in treatment demand is anticipated to spur the need for knee OA treatment, as knee OA is the most prevalent type of OA. Therefore, leading domestic manufacturers are focusing its accessibility to range of advanced treatments, thereby increasing adoption foster country level market.
   

Saudi Arabia’s knee osteoarthritis drugs market is poised to grow at a considerable growth rate in Middle East and Africa market.
 

• Saudi Arabia’s growth is asserted to the rising knee OA cases and government support for orthopedic care in the country. Also, government initiative like Vision 2030 and well-established healthcare infrastructure has witnessed Saudi Arabia’s growth in the region.
   
• Further, growing focus on improving healthcare accessibility and affordability for advance drug formulations will foster the adoption of knee OA drugs in the country.
   

Knee Osteoarthritis Drugs Market Share

The top 5 players in the market generated ~40% of the market share. The leading key players such as Pfizer, Sanofi, GSK, Bioventus, and Haleon dominate the industry through advanced OA based formulations for knee OA and extensive distribution network. Fidia Farmaceutici, Bioventus, and Anika Therapeutics are the key players specialized in viscosupplementation using HA injections for non-invasive surgical therapy. Also, new therapeutic approaches like disease-modifying OA drugs (DMOADs) are being developed by Pacira Pharmaceuticals.
 

The market is highly intense with the key players focusing on innovation, product expansion, and partnerships strengthening their position in the market. In addition, the growing mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations activities with the healthcare providers are anticipated to expand the market share of the company
 

Knee Osteoarthritis Drugs Market Companies

Few of the prominent players operating in the knee osteoarthritis drugs industry include:

• Anika Therapeutics
• Avanos 
• Biotech Healthcare
• Bioventus
• Ferring Pharmaceuticals
• Fidia Pharma
• GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
• Haleon
• Kenvue 
• Organon LLC
• Pacira Pharmaceuticals
• Pfizer
• Premier Surgical
• Sanofi
• Stellar Pharmaceuticals
   

Anika Therapeutics possess a strong focus on the development of innovative HA products particularly in orthopedics. The company strives to develop an innovative cross-linked HA-based combination therapy addressing the need for long-term treatment outcome and joint lubrication.
 

Pfizer’s robust portfolio of NSAIDs and biologics for the treatment of OA has led its strong position in the industry. The company utilizes advanced R&D strategies along with mergers and acquisitions to develop new therapies. For example, Celebrex is a well-accepted COX-2 inhibitor and this aids to reduce the symptoms of OA.
 

Sanofi has established a strong presence in the market with its product portfolio including Synvisc-One, used to reduce pain and discomfort in knee OA.
 

Knee Osteoarthritis Drugs Industry News

• In November 2024, Genascence Corporation received the fast track designation grant from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for GNSC-001, a potential first-in class gene therapy for knee OA. This approval signified an advancement in treatment option for knee OA addressing the unmet need for widespread, debilitating disease like OA.
   
• In September 2022, Alkem Laboratories received regulatory approval from Drug Controlled General of India (DCGI) for the launch of StemOne in India. This allogenic cell therapy is intended to treat knee OA. This approval enabled the accessibility of advanced drug formulation to treat knee OA in India.
   
• In December 2021, Avanos Medical acquired OrthogenRx, an emerging leader in viscosupplementation therapies for knee OA pain. This acquisition aimed to enhance the Avanos chronic pain portfolio providing solutions for OA treatment.
   

The knee osteoarthritis drugs market research report includes 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 Type

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroids
• Viscosupplementation
  • Single injection
  • 3 injections
  • 5 injections 
• Analgesics
• Other drug types

Market, By Route of Administration

• Oral
• Parenteral
• Topical

Market, By Age Group

• 18 - 44
• 45 - 64
• Above 65

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
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE