The global osteoarthritis therapeutics market size was estimated at USD 5.02 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 10.89 billion by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 9.0% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is primarily driven by the growing global burden of osteoarthritis (OA), which continues to impact millions of people and significantly diminish quality of life. The increasing prevalence of OA, combined with the chronic nature of the disease and rising demand for long-term management solutions, is reinforcing the need for more effective therapeutic options. Healthcare systems worldwide are devoting greater attention to OA due to its association with pain, disability, and rising healthcare costs, which further strengthens the demand for advanced treatment solutions.

According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2020, approximately 595 million people were living with osteoarthritis, representing 7.6% of the global population. This number continues to climb due to aging demographics, higher obesity rates, and sedentary lifestyles that worsen joint stress. The GBD report released in November 2024 highlighted a sharp increase in new OA cases, with around 466.3 million new cases documented in 2021 alone, indicating the accelerating spread of the condition. Weight-bearing joints especially the knee are the most commonly affected areas, making OA a major cause of mobility limitations worldwide. This rise is particularly concentrated among older adults, as confirmed by the CDC report (February 2024), which revealed that in adults aged 75 and older, arthritis prevalence reaches 53.9%, demonstrating a strong association between aging and OA incidence.

The osteoarthritis treatment landscape is undergoing a major transformation with the increasing focus on disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs), novel biologics, and regenerative therapies. Innovations such as stem cell–based approaches and tissue-engineered implants hold strong potential to restore cartilage and modify disease progression. Notable advancements include StemOne, launched by Alkem Laboratories in September 2022, aimed at repairing knee cartilage using regenerative techniques. Biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, are under clinical investigation to target inflammatory pathways and structural degeneration. In parallel, AI-driven diagnostics are evolving, enabling more accurate assessment of joint damage and supporting personalized treatment planning. Despite these breakthroughs, many therapies remain in clinical trial phases, making the segment promising yet high-risk due to uncertain long-term outcomes and regulatory complexities.

Entering the OA therapeutics market presents significant challenges due to high R&D expenditures, extensive clinical trial requirements, and complex regulatory pathways. For instance, advanced stem cell therapies like CARTISTEM have experienced regulatory delays, underscoring the difficulties in gaining approval for regenerative treatments. Even after approval, companies must invest in distribution networks and navigate reimbursement barriers to ensure market access. Additionally, the growing presence of generic drugs and biosimilars, such as ABP-980, is intensifying price competition, making differentiation essential. Companies must therefore offer meaningful therapeutic innovation or improved clinical outcomes to secure competitive advantage in this evolving market. 

Key Market Trends & Insights:

• North America dominated the global market with a 35.05% share in 2024, largely driven by the high prevalence of osteoarthritis, substantial elderly population, and access to advanced treatment solutions.
• By Product: The viscosupplements segment held the largest share at 48.85% in 2024, with hyaluronic acid (HA) injections serving as a major therapeutic option for knee OA due to their ability to improve joint lubrication and reduce pain. Meanwhile, the Other segment (Cartilage Resurfacing Products) is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR, supported by increasing preference for treatments that delay or prevent the need for total joint replacement among patients with localized cartilage damage.
• By Application: The knee osteoarthritis segment held a dominant 59.82% share in 2024, reflecting the high incidence of knee-related OA and global population aging. The Ankle & Foot Osteoarthritis segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR as innovative, minimally invasive treatments gain traction for improving mobility and reducing pain.
• By Primary User: The orthopedic surgeons segment held the largest share at 37.67% in 2024, driven by increasing adoption of advanced cartilage restoration therapies, such as the Agili-C implant. The Regenerative Medicine Specialists segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR due to the rising use of biologics and regenerative treatments for OA management.

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Market Size & Forecast:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 5.02 Billion
• 2033 Projected Market Size: USD 10.89 Billion
• CAGR (2025-2033): 9.0%
• North America: Largest market in 2024

Key Companies & Market Share Insights:

Leading companies are strengthening their positions through product innovation, R&D investments, and expansions in regenerative and biologic treatments for OA.

• Stryker Corporation plays a major role through its orthopedic solutions, including advanced joint replacement systems and minimally invasive therapies aimed at restoring mobility.
• Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. remains a leader with cutting-edge joint replacement platforms and biologic solutions that address OA-related degeneration.
• Medtronic continues to expand its footprint with minimally invasive orthopedic procedures and diagnostic innovations to enhance treatment precision.
• Bioventus is strongly positioned in regenerative medicine, offering products such as DUROLANE hyaluronic acid injections and orthobiologics to treat joint pain.
• Anika Therapeutics, Inc. focuses on HA-based therapies and regenerative biologics, delivering solutions targeted at joint pain management and cartilage repair.

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Conclusion:

The global osteoarthritis therapeutics market is expected to witness robust long-term growth as rising prevalence, aging demographics, and lifestyle-related risk factors continue to expand the patient pool worldwide. Increasing demand for effective, minimally invasive, and regenerative treatment options is further strengthening market momentum, especially as patients seek solutions that provide longer-lasting relief and delay the need for joint replacement. Ongoing advancements in biologics, disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs), and stem cell–based therapies are creating new opportunities, although high development costs and regulatory complexities remain key challenges. At the same time, the strong adoption of viscosupplements and innovative cartilage restoration technologies underscores the market’s shift toward personalized and targeted interventions. Growing involvement of orthopedic surgeons and regenerative medicine specialists is expected to accelerate the uptake of next-generation therapies across clinical settings. With major companies expanding their therapeutic portfolios and emerging players investing in novel modalities, competitive intensity is likely to deepen. Overall, the market is poised for substantial and sustained expansion as technological innovation, demographic trends, and clinical needs continue to converge.