Inhaled Therapy in Respiratory Disease Market Smart Inhaler Trend

Inhaled Therapy in Respiratory Disease Market Size, Top Key Players with Insights

The global inhaled therapy in respiratory disease market size is calculated at US$ 11.58 billion in 2024, grew to US$ 11.98 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around US$ 16.22 billion by 2034. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 3.44% between 2025 and 2034.

Due to growing respiratory diseases, there is a rise in the use of inhaled therapies, which in turn is driving their innovations. These are mostly being used in the treatment of COPD and asthma, where companies are utilizing AI technologies to develop personalized treatment options as well as smart inhalers. At the same time, the growing awareness and R&D are encouraging their use in different regions, where the companies are also contributing by collaborating, developing, and launching new innovative therapies. Thus, this promotes the market growth.

Key Takeaways

• Inhaled therapy in respiratory disease sector pushed the market to USD 11.58 billion by 2024.
• Long-term projections show USD 16.22 billion valuation by 2034.
• Growth is expected at a steady CAGR of 3.44% in between 2025 to 2034.
• North America held approximately a 42% share of the global inhaled therapy in respiratory disease market in 2024.
• Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period.
• By drug class/therapy type, the short-acting & long-acting bronchodilators segment held an approximate 28% share in the market in 2024.
• By drug class/therapy type, the inhaled biologics & nucleic-acid therapies segment is expected to be the fastest growing during the forecast period.
• By delivery device type, the metered-dose inhalers (MDI) segment held approximately a 35% share in the inhaled therapy in respiratory disease market in 2024.
• By delivery device type, the smart/digital inhaler add-ons & connected devices segment is expected to be the fastest growing during the forecast period.
• By indication/clinical use type, the COPD segment held an approximate 38% share in the market in 2024.
• By indication/clinical use type, the acute respiratory infections/hospital-administered inhaled therapies segment is expected to be the fastest growing during the forecast period.
• By end user/distribution channel type, the retail/outpatient pharmacies (prescription & OTC) segment held an approximate 60% share in the global inhaled therapy in respiratory disease market in 2024.
• By end user/distribution channel type, the homecare & long-term care segment is expected to be the fastest growing during the forecast period.

Quick Facts Table

What is Inhaled Therapy in Respiratory Disease?

The inhaled therapy in respiratory disease market is driven by growing global incidences of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The inhaled therapy in respiratory disease covers drugs and delivery systems administered via the respiratory tract (nasal or pulmonary) for the treatment of chronic diseases, acute exacerbation management, and targeted pulmonary delivery for systemic or local therapy. Additionally, innovation in inhaled formulations and devices, digital adherence solutions, and the development of inhaled antibiotics and biologics are other market drivers.

Market Outlook

• Industry Growth Overview: The industries are expected to experience growth in the market as there is a rise in respiratory diseases due to factors such as an increasing aging population, growing air pollution, rising smoking rates, and rising technological advancements in inhalers. Moreover, the smart and digitally connected devices are also contributing to this growth.
• Sustainability Trends: Sustainability is reshaping the development of inhalable therapeutics, as the companies are transitioning away from high global warming potential (GWP) propellants in metered dose inhalers (MDIs) towards eco-friendly alternatives and encouraging dry powder inhalers (DPIs).
• Major Investors: The primary investors in the inhaled therapy in respiratory disease market are the major pharmaceutical companies, which are investing in their R&D, manufacturing, and clinical trials. Moreover, large institutional investors are other major investors promoting their development.

AI Technological Shifts in the Market

The use of AI in inhaled therapy in respiratory disease market is increasing as it is promoting real-time monitoring as well as enhancing the development of personalized treatment plans. Additionally, they are also being used in the development of smart inhalers, which can monitor inhaler usage and provide accurate drug dosing. Moreover, they are also being used in the development of targeted and personalized treatment regimes.

For instance,

• In September 2025, positive clinical outcomes along with record adherence rates and consistent engagement with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients for Hailie® Smartinhaler® technology were announced by the collaboration between Adherium Limited, Intermountain Health, and CareCentra.

What are the Recent Market Trends?

Growing innovations: Due to increasing respiratory diseases, there is a growth in the demand for inhaled therapies. This, in turn, is increasing their innovations, leading to an increase in their clinical trials and launches. Moreover, new acquisitions and collaborations are also being formed among the companies, which is enhancing the inhaled therapy in respiratory disease market.

For instance,

• In July 2025, the acquisition of Verona Pharma for $107 per American Depository Share (ADS) was announced under the definitive agreement between Merck and Verona Pharma plc. Moreover, the U.S. FDA approved Ohtuvayre® (ensifentrine) for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adult patients will also be added to the Merck cardio-pulmonary pipeline and portfolio.
• In March 2025, a collaboration between Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was formed, which announced that they had been granted the marketing and manufacturing authorization for Dupixent® (dupilumab) for the treatment of COPD by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan. Moreover, it was also added to the maximal standard-of-care inhaled therapy in adults with elevated blood eosinophils and uncontrolled COPD in its trials.

Table: Latest Advancements in the Market

Segmental Insights

Why Short-Acting & Long-Acting Bronchodilators Segment Dominated the Market?

By drug class/therapy type, the short-acting & long-acting bronchodilators segment held the largest share of approximately 28% in the inhaled therapy in respiratory disease market in 2024, as they were used in COPD and asthma cases. At the same time, they also provided fast relief along with long-term action. This increased their use in emergency situations.

By drug class/therapy type, the inhaled biologics & nucleic-acid therapies segment is expected to show the fastest growth rate during the predicted time. These therapies provide targeted action, which is increasing their use. This is enhancing their innovation to minimize their side effects and enhance their action duration.

How Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDI) Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

By delivery device type, the metered-dose inhalers (MDI) segment led the inhaled therapy in respiratory disease market with approximately a 35% share in 2024, driven by their wide availability. Moreover, due to their long duration of action, they were the preferred choice. Additionally, their affordability and portability also enhanced their use.

By delivery device type, the smart/digital inhaler add-ons & connected devices segment is expected to show the highest growth during the predicted time. They help in providing accurate doses and reminders to the patient if the dose is missed. Additionally, their real monitoring is enhancing their use in the management of various respiratory diseases and enhancing patient adherence as well.

Which Indication/Clinical Use Type Segment Held the Dominating Share of the Market in 2024?

By indication/clinical use type, the COPD segment held the dominating share of approximately 38% in the inhaled therapy in respiratory disease market in 2024, due to growing incidences. At the same time, their chronic nature increased the use of inhaled therapies for a long time. Additionally, combination therapies were also recommended to these patients.

By indication/clinical use type, the acute respiratory infections/hospital-administered inhaled therapies segment is expected to show the fastest growth rate during the upcoming years. Their growing occurrences are increasing demand for fast-action inhaled therapies. Moreover, the use of smart inhalers, or inhaled antibiotics, is also increasing.  

Which End-User Segment was Dominant in the Market in 2024?

By end user/distribution channel type, the retail/outpatient pharmacies (prescription & OTC) segment led the global inhaled therapy in respiratory disease market with approximately 60% share in 2024, driven by their wide availability. They helped the patient by providing a quick refill of the inhaler, which enhanced the patient's convenience. At the same time, patient counseling also enhanced the patient outcomes.

By end user/distribution channel type, the homecare & long-term care segment is expected to show the highest growth during the upcoming years. For the chronic management of the respiratory disease, the patients prefer at-home care and home treatments. Additionally, the growing aging population and advances in portable devices are also encouraging the same to enhance patient convenience and comfort.

Regional Insights

Growth In Respiratory Disease Burden Drives North America

North America dominated the inhaled therapy in respiratory disease market with 42% in 2024, due to the growth in respiratory diseases. At the same time, growth in RD, along with technological innovation, increased their development. Moreover, with the use of AI technologies, access to these devices was also enhanced, which contributed to the market growth.

U.S. is Driven by High Healthcare Investments

Due to growing respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma, the use of inhaled therapies is increasing. These developments and their innovations are being supported by the healthcare investments. Additionally, they are also promoting the development of personalized therapies and smart inhalers to reduce the rate of hospitalization.

For instance,

• As per the American Lung Association, the millions of hospitalizations are due to the growing incidence of asthma affecting 26.8 million adults and 4.5 million children.

Advanced Healthcare Systems Propel Canada

The presence of advanced health care systems is increasing the use of advanced inhaled therapies in Canada. Smart inhalers are also being used to deal with chronic respiratory diseases. Moreover, the industries as well as the institutes are also contributing to their development by forming new collaborations.

Growing Air Population Boosts the Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is expected to host the fastest growth in the inhaled therapy in respiratory disease market in the forecast period, due to growing air pollution, which is increasing the respiratory disease burden, driving the demand for inhaled therapies. Moreover, the expanding healthcare sector is utilizing advanced technologies to accelerate the development of smart or digital inhalers to enhance patient adherence to the treatment. These factors, along with growing R&D and government support, are promoting the market growth.

For instance,

• There is a growth in the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) incidence, where a total of 59 cases have been reported by 11 States/UTs in India between January 6th, 2025, and January 29th, 2025. Thus, to monitor and control its spread, the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is taking required measures.

Market Value Chain Analysis

R&D

The development of highly efficient drug delivery systems through advancements in device engineering and nanotechnology to enhance the therapeutic outcomes and reduce the side effects by providing targeted and optimal lung deposition of the drugs is the focus of R&D for inhaled therapy in respiratory diseases.

Key Players: GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Teva Pharmaceutical, and Boehringer Ingelheim.

Clinical Trials and Regulatory Approvals

The confirmation of the therapeutic equivalence, safety, and efficacy of drug formulation and specific delivery device is the main focus in the clinical trials and regulatory approval of the inhalation therapy in respiratory diseases.

Key Players: GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Teva Pharmaceutical, and Boehringer Ingelheim.

Patient Support and Services

The patient support and services for inhaled therapy in respiratory diseases consist of personalized programs like pulmonary rehabilitation, continuous monitoring and adherence with the diagnostic health tool and telehealth, and comprehensive education for patients in inhaler techniques.

Key Players: GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Teva Pharmaceutical, and Boehringer Ingelheim.

Top vendors and Their Offerings

• GlaxoSmithKline (GSK): The company has launched products such as Anoro Ellipta, Benlysta, Benlysta, Flixotide/Flovent, Nucala, Relvar/Breo Ellipta, Seretide/Advair, Trelegy Ellipta, and Ventolin.
• AstraZeneca: Products like Saphnelo, TULIP 1 & TULIP 2 AZALEA, Tezspire, NAVIGATOR DIRECTION, tozorakimab OBERON TITANIA PROSPERO MIRANDA, and tozorakimab TILIA are developed by the company and are in phase 3 clinical trials.
• Boehringer Ingelheim: Products such as Atrovent, Berodual, Berotec, Combivent, Respimat, Spiriva, Spiolto, and Striverdi are launched by the company.
• Cipla: The company has launched products such as Synchrobreath, Seroflo Autohaler, Triohale, Duonase, Tiova pMDI, and Transparent Rotahaler.
• Roche/Genentech: The company has contributed to the market with the launch of products like Pulmozyme (dornase alfa).

Which are the Top Companies in the Market?

• Chiesi Farmaceutici
• Teva Pharmaceutical/ProAir Digihaler
• Novartis
• Viatris/Mylan
• Insmed
• Vertex Pharmaceuticals
• PARI GmbH
• Philips Respironics
• Omron Healthcare
• Aptar Pharma
• Nemera
• Vectura Group/specialist inhalation formulators
• Propeller Health (part of ResMed)
• Adherium
• Catalent/Lonza (CDMO partners)

What are the Recent Developments in the Market?

• In September 2025, novel nebulized antibiotic therapy was developed by a Hyderabad startup for the treatment of pneumonia. This development was supported by the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
• In April 2025, Aspiro Therapeutics was established by Tech Launch Arizona. It is a biotech startup that will be focusing on developing innovative inhaled therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)and asthma.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Drug Class/Therapy Type

• Short-acting & Long-acting Bronchodilators (SABA/LABA/SAMA/LAMA)
• SABA (short-acting β2 agonists)
• LABA (long-acting β2 agonists)
• SAMA/LAMA (antimuscarinics/long-acting muscarinic antagonists)
• Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS)
• Combination Inhalers (ICS/LABA, LABA/LAMA, ICS/LABA/LAMA)
• Nebulized Antibiotics & Antimicrobials (e.g., tobramycin, liposomal aminoglycosides)
• Mucolytics & Enzymatic Therapies (e.g., dornase alfa)
• Inhaled Biologics & Nucleic-Acid Therapies
• Inhaled monoclonal antibodies, inhaled peptides, inhaled RNA/DNA therapeutics
• Supportive/Rescue Therapies & Others (bronchodilator combos, adjuncts)

 By Delivery Device Type

• Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDI)
• pressurized MDIs (pMDI) with propellants
• digital/M2M-enabled MDIs (dose counters, sensors)
• Dry Powder Inhalers (DPI)
• single-dose, multi-dose reservoirs/cartridges
• Nebulizers
• jet nebulizers, ultrasonic, mesh nebulizers
• Soft-Mist Inhalers (SMI)
• Smart/Digital Inhaler Add-ons & Connected Devices
• integrated sensors, adherence platforms, data analytics

By Indication/Clinical Use 

• COPD
• Asthma
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Bronchiectasis & NTM/Chronic Pulmonary Infections
• Pulmonary Hypertension & Other Niche Indications
• Acute Respiratory Infections/Hospital-administered inhaled therapies

By End User/Distribution Channel

• Retail/Outpatient Pharmacies (Prescription & OTC)
• Hospitals & Acute Care Settings
• Homecare & Long-term Care
• E-commerce/Online Pharmacies & Direct-to-Patient

By Region 

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Thailand
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Denmark
  • Norway
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Kuwait