Critical Care Antiarrhythmic Drugs Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Drug Class (Beta Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers, Sodium Channel Blockers, Potassium Channel Blockers, and Others), By Disease Type (Supraventricular Arrhythmias, Ventricular Arrhythmias, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

The global critical care antiarrhythmic drugs market size was USD 796.8 million in 2019 and is projected to grow from USD 899.8 million in 2020 to USD 1,319.7 million by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.6% in the 2020-2027 period. Based on our analysis, the global market will exhibit a stellar growth of 12.9% in 2020.  The global impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and staggering, with critical care antiarrhythmic drugs witnessing a positive demand shock across all regions amid the pandemic.

The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disorders across the globe will strongly propel market growth. According to a study published by the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiac disorders are the leading cause of death, accounting for more than 17.6 million deaths in 2016 and more than 23.6 million expected deaths by 2030 globally. Cardiovascular disorders (CVD) and stroke accounted for 14.0% of the total health expenditures in 2014-2015. This is one of the major factors augmenting the critical care antiarrhythmic drugs market growth during the projected timeframe.

Cardiovascular disorders such as atrial fibrillation (AFib) are one of the major conditions leading to irregular heartbeats, referred to as arrhythmia. Hence, the growing incidence of the disorder across the globe will strongly propel market expansion. AFib is the most common arrhythmia diagnosed in clinical practice. For instance, as per the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, it is estimated that 12.1 million people in the U.S. will have AFib by 2030. Also, in 2018, AFib accounted for 175,326 deaths across the U.S. Such factors are responsible for boosting the demand for critical care antiarrhythmic drugs.

Surge in COVID-19 Cases Increases the Risk of Recurrent Cardiac Arrhythmias in Critically Ill COVID Patients

It was originally thought that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2) was primarily a respiratory disorder, but as larger numbers of patients contracted the virus, many physiological manifestations of the disease are coming to the fore. The impact of COVID-19 goes well beyond the lungs to impact the cardiovascular system and cause complications, such as stroke, shock, heart failure, myocarditis, and arrhythmias.

As Covid-19 cases surge across the globe, the risk of recurrent cardiac arrhythmias in critically ill COVID-19 patients is also high. However, the arrhythmias may stem from cardiac complications and may not be caused by the virus alone. For instance, a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) states that, in February 2020, 44.4% of the patients assessed from China, Wuhan was treated in intensive care units due to complications related to arrhythmias. Arrhythmias may also be aggravated by severe systemic inflammatory conditions associated with COVID-19. Hence, this factor is likely to have a positive impact on the growth of the critical care antiarrhythmogenic drugs market amidst the pandemic.

LATEST TRENDS

Increasing Number of Clinical Trials Pertaining to Novel Anti-Arrhythmia Therapeutics is a Prominent Market Trend

The increasing number of new trials conducted recently for treating arrhythmias show improved outcomes and lower rates of hospitalization for patients with novel drug solutions. These clinical trials are being initiated to develop an effective therapeutic framework for atrial fibrillation drug development. For instance, in August 2020, a pilot and feasibility study was conducted at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (U.S.), where the enrolled patients with frequent symptomatic episodes of atrial fibrillation were observed and analyzed in a cross-over study testing two different classes of antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs). This study will provide preliminary data for a larger study in which the investigators will test the hypothesis that a common atrial fibrillation genetic risk allele modulates response to different AADs.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Adoption of Antiarrhythmic Drugs in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) Will Support Market Growth

One of the major factors supporting the growth of the critical care antiarrhythmic drugs market is the growing adoption of these therapeutics in intensive care units for the treatment of patients with acute arrhythmias. As per the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), atrial fibrillation is frequently observed in medical intensive care units (MICU), with up to 30% of MICU patients showing periods of atrial fibrillation. Cardiac arrhythmias are a common complication in ICUs, with reported rates as high as 40%. Many of the common disorder states seen in critically ill patients, including cardiac and pulmonary disease, are risk factors for the development of arrhythmias, making recognition and management in the ICU vitally important. This is one of the most prominent factors expected to augment market growth across the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Side Effects Associated with Antiarrhythmic Drugs Might Restrict Market Growth

Adverse effects associated with antiarrhythmic drugs might act as a growth hampering factor for the market. Quinidine, procainamide, mexiletine, flecainide, and propafenone are all class I antiarrhythmic drugs used for the treatment of various atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.

Despite the benefits of these drugs, there are certain side effects associated with the use of antiarrhythmic medications, such as cardiovascular toxicity, central nervous system toxicity, gastrointestinal symptoms, immune-mediated reactions, and few others. As a result, these undesirable effects may significantly restrict market potential.

SEGMENTATION

By Drug Class Analysis

Beta Blockers Segment to Dominate Supported by Growing Applications

Based on Drug Class, the global market is categorized into beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, sodium channel blockers, potassium channel blockers, and others.

Among them, the beta-blockers segment held the major market share in 2019. The segment’s dominant share is attributable to the fact that a growing number of research trials are being conducted across the globe to evaluate the efficacy of these drugs in treating arrhythmias. For instance, in November 2016, GlaxoSmithKline announced the initiation of a research study for the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Lovaza (Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters) beta blocker in recurrent, symptomatic atrial fibrillation.

The potassium channel blockers segment, on the other hand, is estimated to witness lucrative growth over the forecast period. This is due to the fact that these drugs are highly effective in treating atrial fibrillation and related arrhythmias. The increasing investments in research and development activities for the development of novel biologics will support the growth of the market in the coming years.

By Disease Type Analysis

Supraventricular Arrhythmias Segment to Hold Largest Market Share

In terms of disease type, the supraventricular arrhythmias segment held the leading market share in 2019. The high share of the segment is majorly supported by the growing prevalence of the condition across the globe. For instance, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2018, atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter were the most common subtypes of supraventricular arrhythmias, affecting approximately 6 million patients in the U.S.

The ventricular arrhythmias segment held a considerable market share in 2019. The segment is poised to experience a positive growth trajectory during the forecast period, owing to the increasing number of cases of the disorder worldwide. Moreover, with the increasing prevalence of the disorder, the demand for biologics pertaining to ventricular arrhythmias has spiked, thereby augmenting segmental growth.  

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market size in North America stood at USD 359.2 million in 2019. The increasing number of clinical trials pertaining to the development of novel antiarrhythmic drugs, especially in the U.S., is one of the major growth propelling factors. Moreover, the growing number of drug launches across the region will further support the regional expansion of the critical care antiarrhythmic drugs market. For instance, in June 2016, Mylan N.V. announced the U.S. launch of Propafenone Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules USP, 225 mg, 325 mg, 425 mg, a generic version of GlaxoSmithKline's Rythmol SR, which is indicated to prolong the time for the recurrence of symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with episodic AF who do not have structural heart disease.

Europe is projected to be the second-largest region in terms of market share and revenue. This is attributable to the rapidly rising geriatric population, along with an increasing number of cardiac issues, a large number of manufacturers, and favorable reimbursement policies.

The market in Asia Pacific is likely to expand at a significantly high growth rate. The rising number of government initiatives to raise awareness among the population about the ill effects of prolonged atrial fibrillation is strongly supporting the regional growth of the market.  

Increasing healthcare spending, growing penetration of market players, and a rising number of pilot studies being conducted in the region to evaluate the access to arrhythmia drug treatment among patients are the factors propelling market growth in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Sanofi, Pfizer, and Mylan N.V. to Dominate Supported by Increasing Number of Strategic Partnerships

The critical care anti-arrhythmic drugs market is considerably consolidated in nature, with major players, such as Sanofi, Pfizer, Mylan N.V., etc., accounting for a major portion in the industry. Sanofi was the dominant player operating in the antiarrhythmic drugs industry in 2019. The company has been continuously holding a strong position in the cardiovascular drugs industry. This is attributable to several factors, such as novel biologics launches, a robust distribution network across the globe, and a strong focus on mergers and partnerships with major pharmaceutical organizations. For instance, in February 2018, AnaBios announced a partnership with Sanofi to develop a new treatment for atrial fibrillation. The program will focus on compounds designed to modulate a novel cardiac ion channel target.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Pfizer Inc. (New York, U.S.)


• Novartis AG (Basel, Switzerland)


• Mylan N.V. (Pennsylvania, U.S.)


• Baxter International Inc. (Deerfield, U.S.)


• Sanofi (Paris, France)


• GlaxoSmithKline plc (London, U.K.)


• Mayne Pharma (Salisbury South, Australia)


• Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC. (Minnesota, U.S.)


• Amomed Pharma GmbH (Vienna, Austria)


• Other Prominent Players

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• September 2020 – Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited, a fast-growing manufacturer of generic pharmaceutical products and active pharmaceutical ingredients, received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval for flecainide acetate tablets for the treatment of arrhythmia.


• June 2020 – ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the launch of Mexiletine Hydrochloride Capsules USP, 150mg, 200mg, and 250mg, for the effective treatment of ventricular arrhythmias, such as sustained ventricular tachycardia.

REPORT COVERAGE

The critical care antiarrhythmic drugs market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects, such as leading companies, drug classes, and disease types. Besides this, it offers insights into the current market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation