Asthma and COPD drug sales in November recorded their highest growth in three years, as smog blanketed large parts of the country and pushed respiratory ailments to alarming levels, particularly in the north.
According to Pharmatrac data, the anti-asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) segment grew 10 percent year-on-year in November, marking its strongest performance for the month since 2022.
COPD is a progressive condition caused by damage to the lungs that limits airflow and causes breathing difficulties. COPD is most often caused by long-term exposure to irritating smoke, fumes, dust or chemicals.
Systemic antihistamines — used to treat allergic reactions triggered by pollutants — also surged 9 percent, reinforcing the link between deteriorating air quality and rising medicine consumption.
“Worsening AQI levels are now clearly reflected in increased consumption across core respiratory therapy categories,” said Sheetal Sapale, president (marketing) at Pharmarack.
Pharmatrac is a market research firm focused on the Indian pharmaceutical market.
North India leads the surge
The spike was most pronounced in the north, where air quality index (AQI) readings routinely breached hazardous levels. Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh saw a double-digit growth in key respiratory segments.
Systemic antihistamines’ sales in Punjab and Chandigarh jumped 35 percent and rose 27 percent in Uttar Pradesh’s western and central zones.
Anti-asthma and COPD therapies in Rajasthan climbed 14 percent and Delhi-Haryana registered a 9 percent uptick, underscoring the direct correlation between smog and medicine sales.
Even smaller clusters like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh saw antihistamine sales spike 45 percent year-on-year, signalling the widening pollution problem. Both are hill states where air quality is expected to better than metros.
Seasonal trend turns structural
“Emerging hotspots are showing alarming growth trends. Air pollution in winter months is no longer just a seasonal fluctuation — it’s becoming a structural demand driver for respiratory care,” Sapale said.
Historically, respiratory drug sales peaked during winter season due to infections but the latest data suggests a deeper shift: anti-asthma and COPD therapies now account for 61 percent of the respiratory category, while antihistamines contribute 8 percent, reflecting a chronic health crisis linked to pollution.
“Respiratory portfolios are becoming critical growth drivers. The industry needs to brace for sustained demand in these categories as pollution-linked ailments rise,” Sapale said.
Cipla, which leads the respiratory therapy segment, grew 9.4 percent in value and 7.8 percent in units in November. Its Foracort, Duolin and Budecort were among the top 10 selling brands in November.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
