Viscosupplementation Market

Global Viscosupplementation Market Size

The global viscosupplementation market was worth US$ 5.4 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach a valuation of US$ 12.15 billion by 2033 from US$ 5.9 billion in 2025, and it is predicted to register a CAGR of 9.45% during the forecast period 2025-2033.

The viscosupplementation is a treatment procedure for arthritis where the healthcare professional injects hyaluronic acid into the patient's joints. This thick hyaluronic acid is estimated to help reduce the pain and swelling in the arthritic joint. This procedure is mainly used in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The global market for viscosupplementation has witnessed prominent growth in the recent period and is projected to have significant growth during the forecast period. The growing incidence of osteoarthritis worldwide due to the aging population contributes to the escalated demand for viscosupplementation, leading to the expansion of the market revenue. More than 32.5 million adults in the United States are affected by osteoarthritis. According to CDC data, nearly half (49.6%) of the individuals aged 65 years and older have reported being diagnosed with arthritis by medical professionals. The demand for viscosupplementation is high among the senior population in relieving joint pain and enhancing mobility, which fuels the market growth. The rising demand for minimally invasive procedures as they avoid surgical procedures for arthritis by providing a quality life for an older population provides market growth opportunities to the viscosupplementation market. The rising favorable reimbursement policies for viscosupplementation therapy in developed countries are accelerating patient adoption in these regions, contributing to market revenue.  

MARKET DRIVERS

The growing adoption of viscosupplementation treatment by patients primarily drives the global viscosupplementation market growth. Viscosupplementation is one of the promising treatment options for people suffering from osteoarthritis. The adoption and awareness of viscosupplementation have improved significantly in recent years. Viscosupplementation is effective in relieving pain and improving joint mobility in patients with osteoarthritis. A viscosupplementation is a fine option to patients suffering from osteoarthritis and seeking a non-surgical alternative to the pain of osteoarthritis. The minimal side effects that viscosupplementation offers compared to the other treatment options such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections further fuelling the acceptance and contributing to the increasing adoption by the patient population.

The growing incidence of osteoarthritis is another significant factor accelerating the market growth. Osteoarthritis (OA) is seen mainly in people aged 60 years and above. The geriatric population is much more likely to be prone to osteoarthritis noticed in 10% of men and 13% of women in a survey. According to the Population Reference Bureau, the American population is aged 65 years and older and is projected to rise two times from 46 million in 2016 to 98 million by 2060. Patients prescribed osteoarthritis take hyaluronic acid injections to get more relief than simple analgesics or drug treatment.

The growing number of advancements in the development of hyaluronic acid-based therapy and the rising popularity of lifestyle-induced disorders further boost the market growth. An increase in product launches and regulatory approvals fuels the demand levels for viscosupplementation. The growing prevalence of knee osteoarthritis and hip osteoarthritis drives demand for viscosupplementation products and supports market growth. For example, 10% of men and 13% of women suffer from knee osteoarthritis, aged around 60. Thus, globally, there are lucrative opportunities for the viscosupplementation market by ambulatory surgical centers. Ambulatory surgical centers provide treatment under a licensed physician's direction to medical care for needy patients.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Limited insurance coverage for viscosupplementation in some countries majorly hampers market growth. The expensiveness of viscosupplementation compared to other conservative treatment options for osteoarthritis further limits the market growth. Limited awareness among patients and healthcare providers regarding viscosupplementation, issues associated with regulatory requirements and obtaining necessary approvals for viscosupplementation products, and the availability of alternative treatment options for osteoarthritis, such as oral medications, physical therapy, and surgical interventions impede the viscosupplementation market growth. The lack of universally accepted guidelines for viscosupplementation treatment is another major roadblock to the growth of the viscosupplementation market.

REPORT COVERAGE

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

By Product Insights

Based on the product, the three injections segment is expected to account for the major share of the global viscosupplementation market during the forecast period due to the high adoption and commercialized products. The benefits associated with the three-injection product such as gradual and sustained symptom relief and enhanced durability drive the growth of the three-injection segment in the worldwide market. Three-injection segment is an established treatment protocol and has widespread acceptance among healthcare professionals. The clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of the three-injection regimen and the availability of multiple formulations and product options to cater to individual patient needs further propel the growth rate of the three-injection segment in the global market.

The single-injection segment is predicted to register a healthy CAGR during the forecast period due to the benefits of shorter regimens, no need to visit the hospital regularly, and less pain.  The growing demand for convenient and efficient treatment options, the rising preference among patients and healthcare providers for a single injection procedure, and the reduced number of visits to healthcare facilities majorly drive the growth of the single-injection segment in the global viscosupplementation market. The advantages in terms of quick pain relief, enhanced joint mobility, and improved quality of life and technological advancements in formulation and delivery systems to ensure the efficacy and durability of single injection viscosupplementation further boost the segment’s growth rate.

By End-User Insights

Based on end-user, the orthopedic clinics/ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) segment held the major share of the global market in 2024 and is estimated to witness a promising CAGR during the forecast period. The growing preference for outpatient procedures and minimally invasive treatment options, convenience and accessibility of orthopedic clinics and ASCs and faster scheduling of appointments and reduced waiting times for patients seeking viscosupplementation treatment drive the segmental growth. The cost-effective alternative to hospital-based treatments as ASCs generally have lower overhead costs and a growing focus on specialized orthopedic clinics and ASCs dedicated to joint care further boost the growth rate of the orthopedic clinics/ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) segment.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

North America had the largest share of the global market in 2024 and the lead of the North American region is estimated to continue throughout the forecast period. The presence of well-established healthcare infrastructure and advanced medical facilities, rising prevalence of osteoarthritis and joint-related disorders and strong emphasis on research and development activities in the field of orthopedics majorly drive the North American market growth. Favorable reimbursement policies and insurance coverage for viscosupplementation procedures and high awareness among patients and healthcare providers about the benefits of viscosupplementation further boost the growth rate of the North American market. The U.S. viscosupplementation market dominated the market in 2024, followed by Canada.

Europe is anticipated to account for a substantial share of the global market during the forecast period. Factors such as the growing geriatric population prone to osteoarthritis, technological advancements in viscosupplement formulations and delivery systems and strong regulatory framework ensuring the safety and efficacy of viscosupplementation products primarily propel the growth of the European market. The rapid adoption of minimally invasive procedures in orthopedic care and an increasing number of collaborations between healthcare organizations and manufacturers to enhance product availability and market reach further fuel the growth rate of the European viscosupplementation market.

APAC is projected to showcase the fastest CAGR among all the regions in the global viscosupplementation market during the forecast period due to factors such as the growing prevalence of osteoarthritis and joint disorders due to changing lifestyles and aging population, increasing healthcare expenditure and improving healthcare infrastructure in emerging economies. The rising awareness and adoption of advanced treatment options in orthopedic care and the expansion of multinational pharmaceutical companies into the region to provide access to a wide range of viscosupplementation products fuel the growth rate of the APAC viscosupplementation market. The initiatives from the governments of APAC countries to improve healthcare access and affordability further contribute to the APAC market growth.

Latin America is expected to grow at a healthy growth rate during the forecast period. The growing awareness about the benefits of viscosupplementation for managing joint-related disorders among the patient population of Latin America, increasing number of improvements in the healthcare infrastructure and improving access to specialized orthopedic care drive the Latin American market. The growing disposable income and willingness to invest in advanced treatment options and the presence of a large geriatric population that is susceptible to osteoarthritis favor the Latin American viscosupplementation market growth.

The viscosupplementation market in MEA accounted for a moderate share of the global market in 2024 and is expected to grow steadily during the forecast period owing to the growing patient population suffering from osteoarthritis and joint-related disorders, increasing aging population, rise in medical tourism attracting patients seeking advanced orthopedic treatments including viscosupplementation and the expansion of pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers in the region.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS

The global viscosupplementation market is competitive, and several new players have entered this market in the recent past. To neutralize the competition and strengthen their position, the leading companies invest in R&D and focus on new product launches.

Manufacturers such as Sanofi S.A., Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc., Bioventus LLC, Anika Therapeutics Inc., Fidia Farmaceutici S.p.A., Ferring B.V., Seikagaku Corporation, Chungai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., OrthogenRx Inc., and Mylan N.V are playing the leading role in the global viscosupplementation market.

KEY HAPPENINGS IN THIS MARKET

• In April 2018, for product JTA-004 intra-articular injection for knee O.A., clinical trials were completed by Bone Therapeutics S.A. It is a protein solution enhancement that is supplemented with hyaluronic acid and clonidine.
• In June 2019, Hyalofast, a new product showcased by Anika Therapeutics, Inc., repaired the cartilages at ICRS (International cartilage regeneration and joint preservation society).

MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report on the global viscosupplementation market has been segmented and sub-segmented based on the product, end-user, and region.

By Product

• Single Injection
• Three Injection
• Five Injection

By End-User

• Hospitals
• Orthopedic Clinic/ Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• The Middle East and Africa