Asia-Pacific Viscosupplementation Market Set to Reach $3.8 Billion by 2033 Amid Rising Osteoarthritis Cases

Asia-Pacific Viscosupplementation Market Overview

According to Renub Research Latest Report Asia-Pacific viscosupplementation market is projected to reach US$ 3.80 billion by 2033, up from US$ 1.60 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 10.1% from 2025 to 2033. This significant growth is largely driven by the rising prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis, along with an increasing consumer preference for non-surgical, minimally invasive treatments.

Viscosupplementation involves injecting hyaluronic acid (HA) into joints to improve lubrication, reduce pain, and enhance mobility. The treatment is especially popular for knee, hip, hand, wrist, ankle, and foot osteoarthritis, offering an effective alternative to surgery. In addition to providing pain relief, viscosupplementation supports outpatient care and faster recovery, making it a preferred option in the Asia-Pacific region.

Key factors boosting market growth include aging populations, improved access to healthcare, technological advances in HA formulations, and rising awareness of joint health. Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India are driving regional expansion, with both domestic and international pharmaceutical companies actively entering the market.

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Key Growth Drivers for the Asia-Pacific Viscosupplementation Market

Rising Prevalence of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is increasingly common across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in aging populations. Sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and unhealthy diets have also contributed to earlier onset of the disease among younger populations.

For instance, studies indicate that in India, 40.3% of adults are obese, with South India having the highest prevalence rate at 46.51%. Osteoarthritis, particularly of the knee, affects 22% to 39% of the Indian population, making it the second most prevalent rheumatological condition. Meanwhile, Japan reports that more than 60% of adults have radiographic knee osteoarthritis, with 26% experiencing symptomatic conditions.

These figures highlight a pressing need for effective, non-surgical treatment solutions. Viscosupplementation meets this demand by providing joint lubrication, pain relief, and mobility improvement, thereby reducing the need for joint replacement surgeries.

Growing Preference for Minimally Invasive Treatments

Patients increasingly prefer minimally invasive procedures over surgery due to faster recovery times, lower risks, and outpatient convenience. Viscosupplementation is ideal in this context, as HA injections allow patients to resume normal activities sooner while minimizing side effects.

Hospitals and orthopedic clinics across the region are responding to this demand, offering tailored injection regimens—single, three, or five injections—based on patient needs. Greater patient awareness, wider access to orthopedic care, and improved injection techniques are further fueling adoption.

Technological Advancements in Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Products

Technological innovations in HA formulations have enhanced treatment efficacy and patient convenience. Extended-release formulations and single-injection therapies reduce the number of clinic visits, improve patient compliance, and provide longer-lasting pain relief.

These advancements allow healthcare providers to customize treatment plans, optimize outcomes, and improve overall patient satisfaction. The introduction of next-generation HA products, supported by increased R&D investment, is accelerating market acceptance in the region.

Challenges Facing the Asia-Pacific Viscosupplementation Market

High Cost of Treatment

Despite growing demand, high treatment costs remain a key barrier. Advanced HA formulations, particularly single-injection or extended-release products, are often expensive and not fully covered by insurance.

Patients in middle- and lower-income brackets, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, may opt for cheaper alternatives like corticosteroid injections or oral medications. Until pricing becomes more competitive and reimbursement policies improve, market penetration may remain limited.

Limited Awareness in Rural Areas

Low awareness of osteoarthritis management options in rural and underdeveloped regions hinders market growth. Patients often underestimate the benefits of viscosupplementation and rely on traditional treatments or over-the-counter drugs.

Healthcare providers in these areas may also lack updated training or access to advanced treatments, resulting in underdiagnosis and limited treatment adoption. Expanding patient education programs and improving infrastructure are essential to enhance accessibility and adoption.

Country-Level Market Insights

China

China’s market is growing steadily due to an aging population and rising awareness of non-surgical osteoarthritis therapies. Viscosupplementation is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to joint replacement surgery, particularly in urban areas with better access to advanced medical care.

Technological improvements, such as single-injection HA treatments, enhance patient convenience and clinical outcomes. However, high costs, limited insurance coverage, and awareness gaps between urban and rural areas restrict wider adoption.

Japan

Japan’s aging population and high prevalence of osteoarthritis are key drivers of market growth. Over 60% of adults have radiographic knee osteoarthritis, and there is significant demand for non-surgical solutions.

Major companies in Japan include Chugai Pharmaceutical, Seikagaku, Bioventus, Fidia Farmaceutici, Sanofi, Bloomage Freda Biopharm, Zimmer Biomet, and Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Seikagaku’s ARTZ, launched in 1987, maintains a strong reputation and market share.

Challenges include high medical costs, limited insurance coverage, and strict regulatory procedures, which can slow the introduction of novel HA products. Addressing these barriers is critical to unlocking Japan’s full market potential.

India

India’s viscosupplementation market is expanding due to rising osteoarthritis prevalence, especially among the elderly. Knee osteoarthritis is particularly common, affecting 22% to 39% of the population.

HA injections provide a non-surgical alternative to joint replacement or opioid-based therapies. However, high treatment costs and limited insurance coverage remain major barriers. Expanding awareness and improving reimbursement policies could boost market adoption.

South Korea

South Korea’s market growth is driven by an aging population, increasing osteoarthritis prevalence, and the demand for non-surgical treatments. The healthcare system emphasizes affordable and patient-friendly therapies, making viscosupplementation an attractive alternative.

Product offerings include single, three, and five-injection regimens, administered in hospitals and orthopedic clinics. Despite strong adoption, high costs and limited insurance coverage still restrict wider accessibility. Policy adjustments and awareness programs could significantly enhance market penetration.

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Market Segmentation

By Product:

Single Injection

Three Injection

Five Injection

By Application:

Knee Osteoarthritis

Hip Osteoarthritis

Hand/Wrist Osteoarthritis

Ankle/Foot Osteoarthritis

Others

By End User:

Hospitals

Orthopedic Clinics / Ambulatory Surgical Centers

By Country:

China

Japan

India

South Korea

Thailand

Malaysia

Indonesia

Australia

New Zealand

Rest of Asia-Pacific

Competitive Landscape

Leading companies operating in the Asia-Pacific viscosupplementation market include:

Anika Therapeutics, Inc.

Zimmer Biomet

Smith & Nephew PLC

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

Sanofi

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co.

Lifecore Biomedical

LG Life Sciences Ltd.

These companies are actively engaged in R&D, strategic partnerships, and product launches to enhance accessibility, expand their footprint, and capture market share. The market is characterized by frequent product innovations, mergers, and strategic alliances, which increase competition and accessibility across the region.

Future Outlook

The Asia-Pacific viscosupplementation market is expected to continue its upward trajectory due to:

Rising osteoarthritis prevalence in aging populations

Increasing preference for minimally invasive treatments

Technological advancements in HA formulations, including extended-release and single-injection therapies

Expanded access to orthopedic care and outpatient services

Investment in patient education programs and R&D

With growing awareness, improved insurance coverage, and ongoing technological developments, viscosupplementation is set to play a critical role in non-surgical osteoarthritis management. The market is projected to offer sustained opportunities for pharmaceutical companies, orthopedic clinics, and healthcare providers throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

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