• Global viscosupplementation market revenue is expected to increase by USD 10.9 billion by 2032, with a 9.3% CAGR from 2023 to 2032
• Asia-Pacific region led with more than 45% of viscosupplementation market share in 2022
• Europe viscosupplementation market growth will record a CAGR of more than 10.1% from 2023 to 2032
• By product, the three-injection are the largest segment of the market, accounting for over 43% of the global market share
• By end-user, the hospitals are one of the largest and fastest-growing segments of the viscosupplementation industry
• Aging population and rising prevalence of osteoarthritis, drives the viscosupplementation market value

Viscosupplementation is a medical procedure commonly used to treat osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It involves injecting a gel-like substance, typically hyaluronic acid, directly into the affected joint to provide lubrication and cushioning, thereby reducing pain and improving mobility. This procedure is often recommended when other treatments, such as oral medications and physical therapy, have not provided sufficient relief.

The market for viscosupplementation has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by several factors. One key factor is the aging population, as osteoarthritis is more common in older individuals. For instance, newly published government data reveals that in 2023, China's population aged 60 and above reached approximately 297 million, constituting 21.1% of the total population. This places the country in the category of a "super-aged society" according to World Bank criteria. Additionally, there has been growing awareness and acceptance of viscosupplementation as a viable treatment option among both patients and healthcare providers. For instance, according to National Institute of Heath, viscosupplementation (VS) proves superior to placebos, demonstrating greater efficacy than NSAIDs and corticosteroids in reducing pain and enhancing functionality. Advancements in technology and the development of newer, more effective formulations of hyaluronic acid have also contributed to the market's expansion. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of sports injuries and obesity-related joint problems has further fueled demand for viscosupplementation as a non-surgical alternative for managing joint pain and stiffness. For instance, each year, over 3.5 million children aged 14 and under require medical attention due to sports-related injuries. Overall, the viscosupplementation market is expected to continue growing as the population ages and as new treatment options and delivery methods emerge. 

Global Viscosupplementation Market Trends

Market Drivers

• Aging population and rising prevalence of osteoarthritis
• Technological advancements improving the efficacy of viscosupplements
• Increasing demand for minimally invasive treatments
• Growing awareness about the benefits of viscosupplementation
• Expansion of healthcare infrastructure in developing economies

Market Restraints

• High cost associated with viscosupplementation procedures
• Limited reimbursement policies in certain regions

Market Opportunities

• Development of next-generation viscosupplements with longer-lasting effects
• Personalized medicine approaches tailored to individual patient needs

Viscosupplementation Market Report Coverage

Viscosupplementation stands as a primary therapeutic procedure for addressing osteoarthritis, a prevalent joint condition characterized by cartilage degeneration and inflammation. This medical intervention entails injecting a gel-like substance, typically hyaluronic acid (HA), directly into the affected joint. In osteoarthritis, the natural lubricating properties of synovial fluid, containing hyaluronic acid, diminish, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Viscosupplementation aims to replenish hyaluronic acid levels within the joint, restoring its lubricating and cushioning functions, thereby alleviating discomfort and enhancing joint functionality. While primarily employed for knee osteoarthritis, viscosupplementation has demonstrated efficacy in treating osteoarthritis affecting other joints like the hip, shoulder, and ankle.

The market for viscosupplementation has witnessed significant expansion, propelled by various factors including the escalating prevalence of osteoarthritis, particularly among aging populations. As reported by the World Health Organization, the global incidence of osteoarthritis surged by 113% between 1990 and 2019, affecting approximately 528 million individuals worldwide. With the aging demographic on the rise, there is an increasing demand for effective treatments like viscosupplementation. Moreover, advancements in technology and research have led to the development of more potent viscosupplements, bolstering their efficacy and enhancing patient outcomes. For instance, collaborations such as the agreement between Juniper Biologics and Kolon Life to advance and market TissueGene-C low dose signify ongoing efforts to innovate and improve osteoarthritis treatments. Additionally, the preference for minimally invasive treatment options has surged, driving the demand for viscosupplementation. Patients seek alternatives to traditional pain medications and surgeries, favoring therapies with fewer side effects and shorter recovery periods. Viscosupplementation caters to this demand by offering a non-surgical approach to managing osteoarthritis symptoms, thus contributing to the overall growth of the industry.

Viscosupplementation Market Segmentation

The global viscosupplementation market segmentation is based on product, end-user, and geography.

• Single Injection
• Three Injection
• Five Injection

In terms of products, the three injection segment accounted for the largest industry share in 2022. This segment involves the administration of a series of three injections of hyaluronic acid into the affected joint over a specified period. One of the key drivers of growth in this segment is the growing recognition of the efficacy of multi-injection regimens in providing sustained relief from osteoarthritis symptoms. Compared to single-injection treatments, which may offer shorter-term benefits, the three-injection approach has been shown to provide more prolonged and consistent pain relief, enhancing patient satisfaction and outcomes. Another factor fueling the growth of the three-injection segment is the increasing emphasis on personalized medicine and tailored treatment approaches. Physicians are increasingly adopting multi-injection regimens to cater to the individual needs and severity of osteoarthritis in patients. This personalized approach allows for better optimization of treatment outcomes, leading to greater patient adherence and improved overall efficacy. Additionally, advancements in formulation technologies and the development of novel hyaluronic acid preparations have further contributed to the expansion of the three-injection segment, offering enhanced viscosity and durability of the injected fluid, thereby extending the duration of symptom relief.

• Hospitals
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers
• Others

According to the viscosupplementation industry forecast, the hospitals segment is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years. Hospitals are often the primary healthcare facilities where patients seek treatment for osteoarthritis and related joint disorders. With the increasing prevalence of osteoarthritis globally, hospitals have witnessed a rise in the number of patients seeking viscosupplementation as a non-surgical treatment option. This trend has significantly contributed to the growth of the hospitals segment in the viscosupplementation market. Moreover, hospitals typically have access to advanced medical equipment, experienced healthcare professionals, and specialized orthopedic departments, making them well-equipped to administer viscosupplementation procedures safely and effectively. Patients often trust hospitals for their healthcare needs due to the perception of higher quality care and comprehensive services. As a result, hospitals have become key providers of viscosupplementation treatments, further driving growth in this segment.

Viscosupplementation Market Regional Outlook

North America

Viscosupplementation Market Regional Analysis