Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU), commonly known as chronic hives, is a type of chronic urticaria that appears for more than six weeks. It is caused by mast cell and basophil degranulation and the release of vasoactive mediators, resulting in the formation of wheals and flare-like lesions on the skin. CIU is treated with antihistamines such as Hydroxyzine. With rising awareness about chronic hives and its available treatment options, people are increasingly opting for doctor consultation and treatment of the condition, thereby contributing to the growth of the chronic idiopathic urticaria treatment market.
The Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU) treatment market is estimated to be valued at USD 15.12 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 25.91 Bn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% from 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
- Key players operating in the CIU treatment market are Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson Services, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Sanofi, Allergan, Bayer, AbbVie, and Novartis.
- Increasing prevalence of chronic hives owing to rising environmental pollution and changing lifestyles is driving the Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria Treatment Market growth. According to estimates, CIU affects nearly 0.5-1% of the global population.
- Technological advancements have led to the development of novel therapeutic agents for CIU treatment. Drugs like Xolair (omalizumab) and Cimerli (rabeprazole) are more effective options with fewer side effects.
Market Trends
- Growing preference for biologics and targeted therapies: Biologics like omalizumab and targeted therapies inhibiting immunoglobulin E have shown promising results and are replacing the first-line antihistamines.
- Shift towards online pharmacies: Online pharmacies provide convenient access to CIU medications at lower costs. This trend is expected to gain traction over the forecast period.
Market Opportunities
- Scope for combinations and fixed-dose combinations of drugs: Combination therapies provide synergistic effects with reduced dosage and side effects.
- Potential in untapped Asian and Latin American markets: Developing regions in Asia Pacific and Latin America with large patient pools present significant growth opportunities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the growth of the Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU) Treatment market. During the initial stages of the pandemic, both patients and healthcare providers were advised to limit non-essential visits and procedures to help contain the spread of the virus. This resulted in postponement of chronic disease management, including follow-up consultations and treatment for CIU patients. Manufacturing and supply chain disruptions also led to shortages and delayed availability of certain antihistamines and immunosuppressants used for CIU treatment.
However, as the pandemic progressed and safety protocols were established, healthcare systems were able to gradually resume chronic disease management. Telemedicine also played a key role in maintaining consultations and treatment adherence for CIU patients during lockdowns. With growing awareness about managing chronic conditions even during the pandemic, demand is expected to rise in the post-COVID period. Nonetheless, occasional flare-ups of infections may lead to temporary declines depending on the severity of subsequent waves.
The market will need to focus on ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential medications, educating patients about treatment continuity, and further enhancing telemedicine capabilities. Collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers will be important to prepare for future crises while meeting needs of CIU patients.
In terms of geography, North America currently holds the largest share of the CIU treatment market in terms of value, due to high per capita healthcare spending and uptake of expensive biologics in the region. Within North America, the United States accounts for the major market share.
The Asia Pacific region is expected to exhibit the fastest growth over the forecast period for the CIU treatment market. This can be attributed to growing healthcare infrastructure, rising medical tourism, and increasing access to newer treatment options in emerging Asia Pacific countries like China, India and South Korea.

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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)