Gastrointestinal Therapeutics Market Size & Growth Analysis to 2030

The global gastrointestinal therapeutics market size was valued at around USD 40 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at a significant CAGR of around 4.5% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030. The market addresses the growing demand for treatments targeting disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and peptic ulcers. This market is fueled by an aging global population, rising prevalence of GI conditions, and increasing awareness of early diagnosis and treatment. Advancements in biologics and targeted therapies, coupled with a shift toward personalized medicine, are revolutionizing the treatment landscape. Additionally, improved healthcare access in emerging economies has boosted the availability of these therapies, contributing to market growth.

Regionally, North America dominates the market due to robust healthcare infrastructure, high disease awareness, and extensive R&D investments by major pharmaceutical companies. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is poised for rapid growth, driven by a large patient pool, increasing healthcare spending, and growing adoption of advanced therapies. With innovations in drug development and a focus on addressing unmet medical needs, the GI therapeutics market is expected to experience steady growth in the coming years.

Market Snapshot:

Market Drivers:

The gastrointestinal (GI) therapeutics market is primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of GI disorders worldwide. Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are becoming more common due to lifestyle changes, dietary habits, and rising stress levels. According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, it is estimated that 5-10% of the global population suffers from IBS, highlighting the substantial burden of GI disorders. Innovations in biologics and targeted therapies are enhancing treatment efficacy, while the rise of biosimilars has made these therapies more accessible, particularly in cost-sensitive regions. This is further complemented by the growing emphasis on personalized medicine, which is transforming the GI therapeutics landscape.

The aging global population is another significant driver of the GI therapeutics market. Older adults are more prone to chronic GI conditions, and with the proportion of individuals aged 65 and above increasing worldwide, demand for effective treatments is rising. Technological advancements, such as capsule endoscopy and AI-driven diagnostics, are enabling early detection, thereby increasing the uptake of therapeutic options. Additionally, healthcare investments are surging in emerging economies like Brazil, India, and South Africa, improving access to advanced GI therapies. For instance, recent healthcare reforms in India under the Ayushman Bharat scheme have increased funding for gastrointestinal treatments, boosting market growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

Market Trends:

Rise in Biologic and Biosimilar Therapies: Biologic therapies have become a cornerstone in the treatment of complex gastrointestinal disorders, particularly inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These therapies, including anti-TNF agents (e.g., infliximab, adalimumab) and interleukin inhibitors, offer targeted action and improved outcomes compared to traditional drugs. However, biologics are often expensive, limiting their accessibility in cost-sensitive markets. This has paved the way for biosimilars—cost-effective versions of biologics that retain the same efficacy and safety profile. With increasing regulatory approvals and adoption, biosimilars are transforming the landscape of GI therapeutics, making advanced treatments available to a broader patient base, especially in emerging markets.

Focus on Precision Medicine: Precision medicine, which tailors treatment plans to individual patients based on their genetic profile, microbiome composition, and disease subtype, is gaining momentum in the GI therapeutics market. For example, pharmacogenomics is helping identify which patients are more likely to respond to specific therapies, thereby minimizing trial-and-error prescribing. This approach is particularly impactful in managing conditions like IBD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), where treatment efficacy can vary widely among individuals. Advances in diagnostic technologies and genetic sequencing have accelerated the adoption of precision medicine, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Technological Advancements in Diagnostics: The introduction of innovative diagnostic tools is enabling earlier and more accurate detection of GI disorders, which is critical for effective treatment. Capsule endoscopy, for instance, allows for non-invasive visualization of the gastrointestinal tract, making it easier to diagnose conditions such as Crohn’s disease and small bowel tumors. AI-powered imaging tools are also becoming more prevalent, assisting physicians in identifying abnormalities with greater accuracy. Additionally, non-invasive biomarker tests are being developed to detect conditions like colorectal cancer and IBD without the need for invasive procedures, improving patient compliance and facilitating early intervention.

Increased Investment in Microbiome-Based Therapies: The gut microbiome has emerged as a key area of interest in gastrointestinal health and disease. Research into the microbiome’s role in conditions like IBS, IBD, and Clostridioides difficile infection has led to the development of innovative therapies that aim to restore microbial balance. Probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) are some of the promising approaches being explored. Biopharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in this space, with several microbiome-based products in clinical trials. These therapies represent a paradigm shift in treating GI disorders by addressing their root causes rather than just managing symptoms.

Growing Demand for Over-the-Counter (OTC) GI Products: With increasing awareness and self-medication trends, the demand for over-the-counter (OTC) gastrointestinal products has grown significantly. Products like antacids, laxatives, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used for managing common GI issues such as acid reflux, heartburn, and constipation. This trend is particularly pronounced in developed markets where consumers have easy access to OTC drugs. Additionally, e-commerce platforms have made it convenient for individuals to purchase these products online, further driving sales.

Market Opportunities:

The global gastrointestinal therapeutics market presents significant opportunities due to advancements in biotechnology and the growing focus on microbiome-based therapies. The increasing understanding of the gut microbiome’s role in gastrointestinal disorders has driven the development of new treatment approaches such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). According to a recent study by the American Gastroenterological Association, the global prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, including IBS and IBD, is rising steadily, with an estimated 3 million people in the U.S. alone diagnosed with IBD. This growing patient population creates a substantial market demand for innovative therapies targeting the root causes of GI disorders. As a result, companies that invest in microbiome research, personalized treatments, and novel biologics are positioned to capitalize on this rapidly expanding opportunity.

Emerging markets also present significant growth prospects for the gastrointestinal therapeutics industry. As healthcare systems in regions such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East improve, access to advanced GI treatments is increasing. The Asia-Pacific region, in particular, is seeing rapid growth in healthcare spending, driven by urbanization, rising income levels, and government initiatives focused on improving public health. For example, China’s healthcare reforms have led to increased access to essential medical treatments, including gastrointestinal care. Additionally, the rise of telemedicine and eHealth platforms in these regions is making it easier for patients to access specialized care and treatments, further expanding the market for GI therapeutics. These factors collectively position emerging markets as key areas for future growth and investment in the GI therapeutics market.

Market Restraints:

The global gastrointestinal therapeutics market faces several restraining factors, with one of the primary challenges being the high cost of advanced treatments, particularly biologics and specialized therapies. These treatments, such as biologic drugs for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), are often expensive, limiting accessibility for patients in low-income regions or those without adequate insurance coverage. Additionally, the side effects associated with certain therapies, including immunosuppressive treatments, are expected to deter patients from continuing their prescribed regimens. The complexity and time-consuming nature of developing and obtaining regulatory approvals for new drugs also pose challenges, particularly for smaller companies with limited resources. Furthermore, the market is constrained by the lack of awareness and diagnosis of certain gastrointestinal conditions in emerging markets, where healthcare infrastructure may be underdeveloped, leading to delayed treatment and poor patient outcomes.

Market Insights:

The global gastrointestinal therapeutics market is bifurcated into drug type, dosage form, application, and geography. On the basis of application, the inflammatory bowel disease segment dominated the market in the benchmark year 2023. This segment holds the largest share due to the rising global prevalence of IBD, particularly in developed regions such as North America and Europe. IBD is often a chronic, progressive condition that requires long-term management, and the demand for advanced therapies is growing. Biologics, such as TNF inhibitors and interleukin inhibitors, are now key treatments for moderate to severe cases, further driving the market’s expansion. The availability of these therapies, along with increased awareness and better diagnosis, is significantly contributing to the growth of the IBD segment. Moreover, with the increasing focus on personalized medicine and immunosuppressive therapies, the IBD segment is expected to remain dominant for the foreseeable future. According to the CDC, the U.S. prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is estimated to be between 2.4 and 3.1 million, with differing burdens across various demographic groups, further underscoring the growing demand for targeted treatments.

Another factor contributing to IBD’s dominance is the high unmet medical need in this area. While traditional treatments like corticosteroids and immunomodulators are effective, they often come with side effects, leading to the growing demand for safer, more effective treatments. Additionally, the increasing number of clinical trials focusing on IBD therapies, particularly biologics and new drug classes, indicates a continuous stream of innovation in this space. As the global burden of IBD continues to rise, driven by factors like urbanization, changes in diet, and genetic predisposition, the IBD segment is projected to maintain its dominance in the gastrointestinal therapeutics market. The segment’s robust pipeline of new therapies, along with the high patient population in need of treatment, further strengthens its position as the market leader.

The gastrointestinal therapeutics market research report presents the analysis of each segment from 2020 to 2030 considering 2023 as the base year for the research. The compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for each respective segment is calculated for the forecast period from 2024 to 2030.

Historical & Forecast Period

• 2020-22 – Historical Year
• 2023 – Base Year
• 2024-2030 – Forecast Period

Market Segmentation:

By Drug Type:

• Biologics/ Biosimilars
• Antacids
• Laxatives
• Antidiarrheal Agents
• Antiemetics
• Antiulcer Agents
• Others

By Dosage Form:

• Oral
• Parenteral
• Others

By Application:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
• Peptic Ulcer Disease
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Others

By Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

Regional Analysis:

Geographically, the dominant region in the global gastrointestinal therapeutics market is North America, particularly the United States. North America holds the largest market share due to the high prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The region benefits from advanced healthcare infrastructure, early diagnosis, and the widespread availability of novel therapeutics, including biologics and immunosuppressive drugs. In the United States, the healthcare system also ensures greater access to treatment options, with a large number of clinical trials and research initiatives further driving innovation in the market. Additionally, the high awareness of gastrointestinal diseases and the large healthcare expenditure in North America significantly contribute to the market’s dominance.

Moreover, North America’s dominant position is bolstered by the growing patient population and the increasing adoption of advanced therapeutic solutions. The rising demand for innovative treatments, such as biologics and biologic biosimilars for chronic conditions like IBD, has created a robust market for gastrointestinal therapeutics. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, GERD is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases, affecting up to 20% of the U.S. population, which significantly contributes to the demand for targeted treatments. With continuous investments in healthcare infrastructure, research, and the expansion of healthcare access, North America is set to remain the dominant region in the gastrointestinal therapeutics market.

Competitive Landscape:

Some of the prominent market players operating in the global gastrointestinal therapeutics market are Abbvie Inc., AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson (Janssen Global Services LLC), Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited., and Bausch Health Companies Inc. Companies are exploring markets by expansion, new investment, the introduction of new services, and collaboration as their preferred strategies. Players are exploring new geography through expansion and acquisition to gain a competitive advantage through joint synergy.

Key Companies:

• Abbvie Inc.
• AstraZeneca
• Johnson & Johnson (Janssen Global Services LLC)
• Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.
• Bausch Health Companies Inc.
• Abbott
• Bayer AG
• GSK plc
• Pfizer Inc.
• Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
• Cipla Inc.

Key Questions Answered by Gastrointestinal Therapeutics Market Report

• Global gastrointestinal therapeutics market forecasts from 2024-2030
• Regional market forecasts from 2024-2030 covering Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America
• Country-level forecasts from 2024-2030 covering 15 major countries from the regions as mentioned above
• Gastrointestinal therapeutics submarket forecasts from 2024-2030 covering the market by drug type, dosage form, application, and geography
• Various industry models such as SWOT analysis, Value Chain Analysis about the market
• Analysis of the key factors driving and restraining the growth of the global, regional, and country-level gastrointestinal therapeutics markets from 2024-2030
• Competitive Landscape and market positioning of top 10 players operating in the market