Global Acitretin Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Acitretin Market Size

• The global acitretin market size was valued at USD 34.86 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 81.50 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 11.20% during the forecast period
• The market growth is largely fueled by the increasing adoption of advanced dermatological treatments and rising awareness about chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, keratinization disorders, and lichen planus. acitretin, a second-generation retinoid, is gaining prominence due to its proven efficacy in treating severe psoriasis and related skin conditions that do not respond adequately to conventional therapies
• Furthermore, rising consumer demand for safe, effective, and targeted treatment options is establishing Acitretin as a preferred solution among dermatologists and healthcare providers. These converging factors are accelerating the uptake of acitretin solutions, thereby significantly boosting the industry's growth across both developed and emerging markets. The availability of generic formulations and the expansion of distribution channels are also making the drug more accessible, contributing to broader market penetration

Acitretin Market Analysis

• Acitretin, a synthetic retinoid primarily used for the treatment of severe psoriasis and other skin disorders, is gaining prominence due to its long-term efficacy, particularly in cases unresponsive to topical treatments or phototherapy
• The escalating demand for Acitretin is primarily fueled by increasing incidences of chronic dermatological conditions, greater patient awareness, and improved healthcare access, especially in emerging economies. Rising dermatology consultations and expanding healthcare coverage are also driving prescription rates
• North America dominated the acitretin market with the largest revenue share of 38.60% in 2024, driven by high diagnosis rates of psoriasis, access to advanced dermatological care, and the presence of major pharmaceutical manufacturers. In the U.S., adoption is reinforced by continuous drug innovation, improved reimbursement frameworks, and the rising prevalence of autoimmune skin conditions
• Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the acitretin market during the forecast period, with a CAGR of 7.9% from 2025 to 2032, owing to rapid urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and growing awareness of skin health. Countries such as India, China, and Japan are contributing significantly to regional growth through the expansion of generic drug manufacturing and dermatology infrastructure
• The psoriasis segment dominated the acitretin market with a market share of 61.9% in 2024, due to Acitretin’s established role in managing severe and chronic plaque psoriasis. Its long-term efficacy, particularly among patients who do not respond to biologic therapies, reinforces its clinical relevance and widespread adoption in dermatological practice

Report Scope and Market              

Acitretin Market Trends

“Increased Focus on Advanced Treatment Modalities and Patient-Centric Therapies”

• A significant and accelerating trend in the global acitretin market is the growing demand for advanced, targeted, and patient-centric therapies, particularly in chronic dermatological disorders such as psoriasis, ichthyoses, and Darier disease. With rising disease awareness and patient preference for long-term, oral therapies, Acitretin continues to gain traction as a key therapeutic option
  • For instance, leading dermatology clinics and hospitals are increasingly incorporating Acitretin into treatment protocols for moderate to severe psoriasis, where topical therapies fall short. This marks a shift toward systemic treatments that offer long-lasting relief and improved quality of life
• Acitretin's long-standing clinical efficacy, particularly its role as a second-generation retinoid with reduced teratogenic effects compared to its predecessors, is enhancing physician confidence and expanding its utilization across varied dermatological indications
• Moreover, advancements in pharmaceutical formulations, such as better bioavailability and modified-release capsules, are contributing to patient compliance and therapeutic success, further supporting market growth
• In parallel, increasing investment in dermatological research and the emergence of combination therapies are offering opportunities for synergistic use of Acitretin alongside phototherapy or biologics, especially for resistant cases
• The trend toward evidence-based, tailored treatments in dermatology is fundamentally reshaping prescribing practices, and Acitretin's versatility in treating multiple rare and common skin conditions positions it as a cornerstone in modern dermatological care

Acitretin Market Dynamics

Driver

“Growing Need Due to Rising Dermatological Disease Burden and Improved Awareness”

• The increasing global prevalence of chronic skin disorders such as psoriasis, pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP), and ichthyoses, along with rising awareness of dermatological health, is significantly driving demand for acitretin treatments
  • For instance, in April 2024, leading pharmaceutical companies initiated awareness campaigns across Asia-Pacific and North America to educate healthcare professionals and patients about the long-term benefits and safety profile of Acitretin in treating severe skin conditions. These strategic efforts are expected to bolster the Acitretin market in the forecast period
• Patients are increasingly seeking alternatives to biologics or topical treatments that may be less effective for severe or chronic cases. Acitretin, an oral retinoid with proven efficacy, provides an effective systemic option, especially for individuals unresponsive to other therapies
• Furthermore, the increasing inclusion of Acitretin in national treatment guidelines and reimbursement frameworks is expanding patient access. As the trend of teledermatology and remote prescription services grows, Acitretin's oral dosage form also supports ease of distribution and administration, particularly in remote and underserved areas
• The convenience of oral therapy, long-term disease control, and broader application across multiple dermatologic conditions are key factors fueling Acitretin’s growing adoption in both hospital and outpatient settings. Advances in pharmaceutical manufacturing and regulatory approvals in emerging markets are further expanding availability and market penetration

Restraint/Challenge

“Teratogenic Risks and Long-Term Safety Concerns”

• Despite its proven effectiveness, acitretin use is challenged by well-documented teratogenic risks, limiting its use among women of childbearing age. The requirement for strict contraception and long washout periods post-treatment can lead to patient reluctance and lower prescribing rates
• In addition, long-term use of Acitretin may lead to side effects such as mucocutaneous dryness, elevated liver enzymes, or lipid abnormalities, which necessitate frequent monitoring and may impact patient adherence
  • For instance, regulatory bodies such as the U.S. FDA and EMA emphasize strong warnings and risk mitigation strategies, which, while necessary for safety, may also hinder broader uptake in certain population segments
• The lack of pediatric labeling and limited clinical data in special populations such as geriatric and immunocompromised patients further restricts its use, particularly in non-specialist settings
• Overcoming these barriers through physician training, patient education, development of newer analogs with improved safety profiles, and enhanced pharmacovigilance practices will be essential to sustain Acitretin market growth while ensuring patient safety

Acitretin Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of type, application, dosage, end-users, and distribution channel.

• By Type

On the basis of type, the acitretin market is segmented into branded and generics. The generics segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 67.4% in 2024, owing to widespread availability, lower cost, and increasing prescription rates in emerging economies. Healthcare providers often prefer generics for long-term treatment of chronic dermatological conditions due to cost-effectiveness.

The branded segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 8.3% from 2025 to 2032, driven by increasing demand in North America and Europe for premium-quality, FDA-approved formulations and sustained marketing by key pharmaceutical players.

• By Application

On the basis of application, the acitretin market is segmented into psoriasis, solid organ transplants, Darier disease, pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP), ichthyoses, Grover disease (transient acantholytic dermatosis), lichen planus, and lupus erythematosus. The psoriasis segment held the largest share at 61.9% in 2024, due to Acitretin’s established use in treating severe and chronic plaque psoriasis. Its long-term effectiveness, especially in non-responders to biologics, supports its clinical relevance.

The ichthyoses segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 9.1% through 2032, as awareness and diagnosis rates improve, particularly in pediatric and rare disease clinics across Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

• By Dosage

On the basis of dosage, the acitretin market is segmented into 10mg, 25mg, and 50mg. The 25mg dosage segment accounted for the largest market share of 49.5% in 2024, as it represents the most commonly prescribed dose balancing efficacy and safety in adult patients.

The 10mg segment is projected to witness the highest growth rate of 8.7% from 2025 to 2032, particularly in pediatric and geriatric populations where lower dosages are required to mitigate side effects.

• By End-Users

On the basis of end-users, the acitretin market is segmented into dermatology clinics, specialty clinics, hospitals, ambulatory surgical centres, and others. Hospitals dominated the market with a 41.3% share in 2024, owing to the higher concentration of chronic skin condition treatments, access to specialist dermatologists, and integration with inpatient care for severe psoriasis or transplant-related cases.

The dermatology clinics segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 9.6%, driven by the shift toward outpatient care, teledermatology services, and focused specialty treatment in urban and semi-urban areas.

• By Distribution Channel

Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into direct tender, hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, online pharmacy, and others. The hospital pharmacy segment led the market in 2024 with a 36.8% revenue share, driven by large-scale procurement under government tenders and prescriptions initiated during inpatient care.

The online pharmacy segment is projected to record the highest CAGR of 10.2% from 2025 to 2032, fueled by rising e-commerce penetration, improved access in remote areas, and growing consumer preference for doorstep delivery and digital prescriptions.

Acitretin Market Regional Analysis

• North America dominated the acitretin market with the largest revenue share of 38.60% in 2024, driven by a rising prevalence of chronic dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, high adoption of branded therapies, and robust healthcare infrastructure
• Consumers in the region benefit from early access to advanced dermatology drugs, insurance coverage, and increasing dermatologist consultations, all of which support widespread Acitretin use
• The presence of key pharmaceutical companies and favorable regulatory pathways further reinforce North America's leadership in the global market

U.S. Acitretin Market Insight

The U.S. acitretin market captured the largest revenue share of 81.2% in 2024 within North America, driven by the increasing diagnosis rate of plaque psoriasis, strong preference for oral systemic retinoids, and growing awareness of long-term treatment efficacy. High healthcare spending, FDA approvals, and brand loyalty for products such as Soriatane further boost market performance.

Europe Acitretin Market Insight

The Europe acitretin market held a 27.30% share of the global market in 2024, with sustained growth anticipated due to the rise in rare skin conditions, increasing availability of generics, and strong public reimbursement frameworks. Growing awareness of chronic skin disorders, clinical trials, and dermatological conference participation also support the regional market. European patients benefit from well-established specialty clinics and access to systemic retinoids in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

U.K. Acitretin Market Insight

The U.K. acitretin market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2025 to 2032, supported by increasing diagnosis of psoriasis and ichthyoses, along with NHS funding for dermatological treatments. The country also benefits from early adoption of generics and a robust pharmacy distribution model.

Germany Acitretin Market Insight

The Germany acitretin market is expected to expand at a considerable CAGR during the forecast period,, driven by strong R&D investment, national health insurance support, and a preference for evidence-based dermatology treatments. Continued demand from academic hospitals and specialty centers is expected to accelerate growth.

Asia-Pacific Acitretin Market Insight

The Asia-Pacific acitretin market is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.9% from 2025 to 2032. Factors driving this growth include rising disposable incomes, expanding patient pools, and increased government focus on dermatological care. Countries such as China, Japan, and India are witnessing a surge in generic drug production and public-private healthcare initiatives.

Japan Acitretin Market Insight

The Japan acitretin market contributed 22.3% to Asia-Pacific’s revenue in 2024, supported by a highly developed pharmaceutical industry and a growing demand for effective treatment of age-related and chronic skin diseases. The aging population and high-tech infrastructure support steady demand for long-term oral retinoid therapies.

China Acitretin Market Insight

The China acitretin market accounted for the largest share in Asia-Pacific with 41.7% of the regional revenue in 2024, driven by rapid urbanization, rising incidences of psoriasis, and expanding insurance coverage. China's cost-effective manufacturing capabilities and growing access to generics further boost market expansion

Acitretin Market Share

The acitretin industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• Biophore (India)
• Hangzhou Jinlan Pharmaceutical Technology Development Co., Ltd (China)
• Sun Pharma Industries Limited (India)
• Chongqing Huapont Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (China)
• SGPharma Pvt Ltd (India)
• AvKARE, LLC. (U.S.)
• Merck KGaA (Germany)
• Sionc Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd. (India)
• Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. (U.S.)
• MANUS AKTTEVA BIOPHARMA LLP (India)
• Enomark Pharma (India)
• Glasier Wellness (India)
• Taj Pharma India Ltd. (India)
• ANGLE BIO PHARMA (India)

Latest Developments in Global Acitretin Market

• In April 2023, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. announced an expansion of its dermatology pipeline with a strategic initiative targeting psoriasis treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative leverages Sun Pharma's Acitretin-based formulations to enhance access to cost-effective therapies in regions with limited dermatological care. This move reinforces the company's global commitment to improving skin health in underserved populations while expanding its geographic footprint in the Acitretin market
• In March 2023, Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. launched a new generic Acitretin formulation in the U.S. market to increase affordability and accessibility for patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. The product launch aligns with Teva’s strategy to expand its generics portfolio and meet rising demand for effective oral systemic treatments in dermatology
• In March 2023, Merck KGaA announced a collaborative research initiative with leading European academic institutions to explore extended-release formulations of Acitretin for rare skin disorders such as Darier Disease and Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris (PRP). The partnership aims to address unmet clinical needs and enhance patient compliance through improved dosing regimens
• In February 2023, AvKARE, LLC received FDA approval for its Acitretin 25 mg capsules, which are now available across major hospital pharmacy chains and online distribution platforms. This marks a significant step in increasing the availability of cost-competitive Acitretin options in the U.S., particularly in rural and community health settings
• In January 2023, Glopec International Inc. entered into a strategic distribution agreement with pharmaceutical partners in Southeast Asia to supply Acitretin across public and private sector hospitals. The partnership is expected to boost market penetration in emerging markets such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, where the prevalence of dermatological conditions is rising

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