The global acute ischemic stroke (AIS) market is one of the most prominent segments in the overall stroke therapeutics industry. AIS occurs due to a blockage of blood flow to the brain, depriving it of oxygen and essential nutrients, and can lead to long term disabilities or even death. Treatment of AIS involves use of clot-busting drugs known as thrombolytic therapies administered via intravenous (IV) or intra-arterial (IA) methods to dissolve the clot. Other treatment options include endovascular thrombectomy procedures using catheters and stents to mechanically remove the clot.

The global AIS market is estimated to be valued at US$ 10612.22 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 18% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.

The steadily increasing incidence rates of stroke worldwide and rising geriatric population are major drivers of growth in the AIS market. As per WHO estimates, over 17 million people suffer a stroke annually with a mortality rate of 6 million. Early treatment with thrombolytic therapies can significantly reduce disablement and improve outcomes in AIS patients. Novel drugs with extended treatment windows, improved safety profiles and greater clot dissolving capabilities compared to traditionally used rt-PA are being researched. Endovascular therapies have also gained prominence aided by advances in microcatheters and stent designs.

Key Takeaways

Key players operating in the AIS market are F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bayer AG, Pfizer Inc., Biogen, Daiichi Sankyo, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, SanBio and Athersys Inc. The market is witnessing increasing consolidation activities such as acquisitions, partnerships and licensing deals between large pharmaceutical companies and smaller biotechs to strengthen their AIS product portfolios.

The demand for Acute Ischemic Stroke Market Demand is surging globally due to rising economic ability of patients to afford expensive therapies, greater awareness about early treatment benefits, and improving healthcare infrastructure even in developing nations. National healthcare programs for stroke in various countries are also supporting market growth.

Technological advancements include development of improved thrombolytics with longer time windows for administration post-onset of symptoms. Researchers are also working on genetically engineered thrombolytic biologics and stem cell therapies for AIS. Wearable devices and mobile stroke units for early detection of symptoms are enabling shortened time-to-treatment.

Market Trends

The trend towards personalization of AIS treatment based on individual patient attributes like severity of stroke, comorbidities, genetic profile etc. is gaining ground. This involves selection of optimal treatment strategies, drug dosing and choice of iv or IA administration routes.

Combination therapy approaches involving thrombolytic drugs along with endovascular treatments are demonstrating better reperfusion and clinical outcomes in AIS patients compared to single modality treatments. This has led to revised clinical guidelines recommending combined approaches.

Market Opportunities

With aging populations worldwide, the number of elderly stroke survivors with persisting disabilities will burgeon, driving demand for rehabilitation therapies, long term care solutions and assistive technologies. This presents lucrative opportunities for stakeholders.

Emerging nations offer high growth potential for AIS treatments due to their huge population bases and increasing spending capacity on healthcare. However, affordability challenges persist and innovative pricing models will be required to penetrate these markets.

Impact of COVID-19 on Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the growth of the acute ischemic stroke market. During the initial months of the outbreak, many elective procedures were delayed or postponed to avoid virus exposure and focus healthcare resources on COVID-19 patients. This impacted diagnostic procedures for AIS as well. However, telestroke and telehealth solutions helped facilitate remote consultations and management of AIS patients during this period. With lockdowns and restrictions easing now in many countries, diagnostic procedures and treatments for AIS are regaining lost momentum.

Still, post-COVID recovery may be gradual for the AIS market as hospitals focus on backlogs of elective surgeries first before non-emergency cases. Remote monitoring and early intervention strategies can help address waiting list issues to some extent. Initiatives to spread awareness about recognizing early signs of stroke and seeking immediate medical attention are also important to manage long term effects of diagnostic and treatment delays caused due to the pandemic. Drug makers will need to enhance supply chain resilience and explore fast track approvals for pipeline therapies to boost post-COVID market growth.

Regional Concentration of Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) Market

The North American region accounts for the largest share of the global acute ischemic stroke market in terms of value. This can be attributed to several factors like the rising prevalence of common risk factors for AIS such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking etc. in the region. As per estimates by the American Heart Association, over 800,000 strokes occur in the US alone annually. The presence of well-established healthcare and medical reimbursement infrastructure ensuring access to advanced treatments also contributes to the high market concentration in North America. Additionally, presence of major market players and continuous innovations in therapy options have ensured North America's dominance in the AIS market currently.

Fastest Growing Region in Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) Market

The Asia Pacific region holds immense growth potential and is projected to witness the fastest CAGR in the global AIS market during the forecast period. Factors such as the expanding geriatric population, growing patient awareness and better access to healthcare in emerging Asian countries are expected to drive the APAC market. Rising healthcare expenditure, health insurance penetration and medical tourism also make the region an attractive market for AIS players. Initiatives by public and private players to strengthen stroke diagnosis and management infrastructure as well as make treatment affordable can further augment the APAC acute ischemic stroke market in the coming years.

Get more insights on Acute Ischemic Stroke Market