Gel for Orthopedic Joint Injection Market, Global Outlook and Forecast 2025-2032

MARKET INSIGHTS

Global gel for orthopedic joint injection market size was valued at USD 1,776 million in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 1,854 million in 2025 to USD 2,307 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period.

Gel for orthopedic joint injection, commonly known as viscosupplementation, involves injecting hyaluronic acid-based solutions into joints to alleviate pain and improve mobility in osteoarthritis patients. These injections serve as a lubricating fluid substitute, primarily targeting knee osteoarthritis which affects over 32.5 million adults in the U.S. alone according to CDC prevalence data.

Market growth stems from multiple factors including the rising geriatric population (projected to reach 1.5 billion people aged 65+ globally by 2050 per WHO), increasing osteoarthritis cases, and preference for non-surgical treatments. The market features three product categories: single injection formulations holding 42% market share in 2024, followed by three-injection (35%) and five-injection (23%) regimens based on treatment protocols. Key industry players like Sanofi and Zimmer Biomet continue investing in advanced formulations to address limitations of current therapies.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Prevalence of Osteoarthritis to Accelerate Market Adoption

The global burden of osteoarthritis continues to rise significantly, with estimates indicating over 300 million affected individuals worldwide. This chronic degenerative joint disease drives substantial demand for viscosupplementation therapies as patients seek non-surgical treatment alternatives. The gel injections have demonstrated effectiveness in pain relief and functional improvement for osteoarthritis patients, particularly in knee joints where over 80% of current applications are concentrated. As aging populations expand globally – with projections showing nearly 1.5 billion people aged 65+ by 2050 – the addressable market continues to widen considerably.

Technological Advancements in Formulations Enhance Therapeutic Outcomes

Recent innovations in hyaluronic acid-based formulations are significantly improving treatment efficacy and duration. Cross-linked polymer technologies and novel biomaterials now allow for longer residence time in joints, with some advanced formulations demonstrating pain relief lasting 6-12 months. The introduction of single-injection protocols has reduced patient discomfort while maintaining therapeutic benefits, addressing previous concerns about multi-injection regimens. These product enhancements are driving greater physician adoption and patient compliance, contributing to an estimated 30% increase in treatment volumes over the past five years.

Furthermore, the development of combination products incorporating anti-inflammatory agents presents new possibilities for enhanced symptom management. While these formulations currently represent a smaller market segment, their potential to provide multi-modal therapy positions them for significant future growth.

➤ The average cost of advanced hyaluronic acid formulations has decreased by approximately 15% since 2020 due to manufacturing improvements, making treatment more accessible.

Additionally, emerging research into regenerative medicine applications is expanding the therapeutic horizon for joint injection gels, with several clinical trials exploring combinations with stem cell therapies.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Variable Reimbursement Policies Create Adoption Barriers

Insurance coverage inconsistencies present a significant market restraint globally, with reimbursement policies varying dramatically across regions. While some healthcare systems recognize viscosupplementation as standard care for osteoarthritis, others classify it as elective treatment with limited or no coverage. This creates substantial affordability challenges, particularly for patients requiring repeat treatments. In markets where patients bear significant out-of-pocket costs, adoption rates are typically 30-40% lower compared to regions with comprehensive coverage.

Additional Constraints

Competition From Alternative Therapies
Corticosteroid injections and emerging oral medications continue to compete aggressively with viscosupplementation products. While these alternatives may lack the durability of gel injections, their immediate pain relief and lower upfront costs make them attractive options for budget-conscious healthcare systems and patients.

Limited Clinical Consensus
Ongoing debates about treatment efficacy among medical professionals occasionally hinder broader adoption. Some clinical guidelines have downgraded recommendations for viscosupplementation in recent years, creating uncertainty that may delay therapeutic decisions.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Product Differentiation and Pricing Pressures Impact Profit Margins

The orthopedic joint injection market faces intensifying competition that challenges manufacturers' profitability. With multiple manufacturers offering similar hyaluronic acid-based products, differentiation becomes increasingly difficult beyond molecular weight variations and injection protocols. This competitive landscape has led to price erosion in some markets, with average selling prices declining up to 8% annually in price-sensitive regions. Manufacturers must balance investment in R&D for next-generation formulations with maintaining reasonable price points to preserve market share.

Furthermore, the commoditization trend in single-injection products squeezes margins particularly hard, forcing companies to explore value-added services and outcome-based pricing models. Some market leaders are responding through expanded educational programs for healthcare providers and patient support initiatives to demonstrate superior long-term value.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Expansion into Emerging Economies Presents Significant Growth Potential

Developing markets represent substantial untapped opportunities as healthcare infrastructure improves and patient awareness grows. Countries with rapidly aging populations and increasing osteoarthritis prevalence – particularly in Asia Pacific and Latin America – are witnessing accelerated adoption of viscosupplementation therapies. Market penetration in these regions currently remains below 30% of developed market levels, suggesting considerable room for expansion.

Strategic partnerships with local distributors and healthcare providers are proving effective in addressing unique market challenges such as payment models and clinical education. Several major manufacturers have established regional production facilities to reduce costs and facilitate market access, with at least four new manufacturing plants opening in strategic Asian locations since 2022.

Additionally, ongoing research into expanded indications beyond knee osteoarthritis – including hip and shoulder applications – could meaningfully broaden the total addressable market. Early clinical results from these exploratory applications show promise and may support regulatory approvals in coming years.

Segment Analysis:

By Type

Single Injection Dominates the Market Due to Patient Convenience and Cost-Effectiveness

The market is segmented based on type into:

• Single Injection

• Three Injection

• Five Injection

By Application

Hospitals Segment Leads Due to High Adoption of Advanced Treatments

The market is segmented based on application into:

• Hospitals

• Clinics

• Others

By End User

Geriatric Population Dominates Due to High Prevalence of Osteoarthritis

The market is segmented based on end user into:

• Geriatric Population (65+ years)

• Adult Population (18-64 years)

• Athletes & Sports Professionals

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Leading Companies Expand Offerings to Capture Growing Orthopedic Injectables Market

The global orthopedic joint injection gel market features a competitive ecosystem where established pharmaceutical companies compete with specialized medical device manufacturers. Sanofi currently maintains a leadership position, leveraging its extensive distribution network and established brands like Synvisc in the viscosupplementation segment. The company accounted for approximately 22% of global revenues in 2024, according to industry surveys.

Meanwhile, Anika Therapeutics has emerged as a strong challenger through its proprietary cross-linked hyaluronic acid technology (hylauronan), which offers extended duration of action compared to conventional formulations. The company's recent FDA approvals for additional indications have strengthened its position in the lucrative North American market.

Japanese firm Seikagaku Corporation holds particular strength in the Asia-Pacific region, where its Artz product line has captured significant market share. The company benefits from local manufacturing advantages and strong reimbursement policies in key markets like Japan and South Korea.

Recent market developments show Zimmer Biomet and Bioventus aggressively expanding their portfolios through strategic acquisitions. Zimmer's purchase of Cayenne Medical in 2023 strengthened its orthobiologics offerings, while Bioventus continues to invest in next-generation injection technologies that combine hyaluronic acid with platelet-rich plasma formulations.

Several Asian manufacturers including LG Chem and Haohai Biological are gaining traction by offering cost-effective alternatives, particularly in price-sensitive emerging markets. Their competitively priced products have begun challenging established western brands in regions with limited healthcare budgets.

List of Key Orthopedic Joint Injection Gel Companies

• Sanofi (France)

• Anika Therapeutics, Inc. (U.S.)

• Seikagaku Corporation (Japan)

• Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (U.S.)

• Bioventus LLC (U.S.)

• Ferring Pharmaceuticals (Switzerland)

• LG Chem Ltd. (South Korea)

• Freda Biopharm (China)

• Haohai Biological Technology (China)

• Shanghai Jingfeng Pharmaceutical (China)

GEL FOR ORTHOPEDIC JOINT INJECTION MARKET TRENDS

Rising Adoption of Minimally Invasive Treatments to Drive Market Growth

The global orthopedic joint injection gel market is experiencing significant traction due to the rising preference for minimally invasive treatments among both patients and healthcare providers. Viscosupplementation, involving hyaluronic acid-based injections, has emerged as a popular alternative to surgical interventions for osteoarthritis, particularly in knee joint applications. With the global osteoarthritis patient population exceeding 300 million and projected to grow further due to aging demographics, the demand for effective non-surgical solutions is accelerating. Recent innovations in cross-linked hyaluronic acid formulations have extended treatment duration from 6 months to potentially 12 months per injection, significantly improving patient compliance and reducing healthcare system burdens.

Other Trends

Bioengineered Hyaluronic Acid Formulations

The market is witnessing increased research investment in next-generation bioengineered hyaluronic acid formulations that demonstrate improved viscoelastic properties and longer joint residence times. Several major players have introduced high molecular weight gels with enhanced rheological characteristics that better mimic natural synovial fluid. Clinical trials demonstrate these advanced formulations can provide 50-60% pain relief in moderate osteoarthritis cases, compared to 30-40% with conventional options. The development of combination therapies incorporating anti-inflammatory agents with HA gels is creating new therapeutic possibilities for severe osteoarthritis management.

Expansion in Ambulatory Care Settings

The shift toward outpatient and ambulatory care is significantly impacting market dynamics, with clinics accounting for over 40% of joint injection procedures globally. This trend is particularly pronounced in developed markets where healthcare systems prioritize cost-effective treatment settings. The availability of single-injection protocols, combined with improved reimbursement pathways in many regions, has made viscosupplementation increasingly accessible. Emerging economies are seeing rapid adoption as well, with manufacturers developing regional-specific products optimized for different patient demographics and healthcare infrastructures.

Regional Analysis: Gel for Orthopedic Joint Injection Market

North America
North America dominates the global market for orthopedic joint injection gels, accounting for the largest revenue share due to advanced healthcare infrastructure, high adoption of innovative treatments, and increasing prevalence of osteoarthritis. The U.S. leads with robust insurance coverage for viscosupplementation therapies, though reimbursement policies remain inconsistent. Major manufacturers like Anika Therapeutics and Sanofi have a strong presence, investing in next-generation hyaluronic acid formulations. The region benefits from rising geriatric populations, with over 21% of Americans expected to be 65+ by 2030, directly correlating with osteoarthritis cases. However, market expansion faces hurdles from competing therapies like corticosteroid injections and emerging regenerative medicine alternatives.

Europe
Europe’s market growth is propelled by widespread osteoarthritis prevalence (affecting over 40 million people) and progressive healthcare policies supporting non-surgical interventions. Germany and France lead in adoption volume, driven by favorable reimbursement scenarios under national health systems. The EU’s stringent medical device regulations (MDR 2017/745) ensure high product safety standards, though compliance costs restrain smaller manufacturers. Cross-border collaborations between academic institutions and companies like Zimmer Biomet accelerate R&D for long-acting viscosupplements. Pricing pressures from centralized procurement systems and preference for physiotherapy as first-line treatment may moderate growth rates compared to other regions.

Asia-Pacific
This high-growth region is projected to exhibit the fastest CAGR, fueled by Japan’s aging society (33% population over 60 by 2030) and China’s expanding middle-class accessing premium treatments. Local players like Seikagaku and Haohai Biological capture significant shares through cost-competitive products, though international brands dominate premium segments. While single-injection therapies see rapid uptake in urban hubs, rural areas still rely on traditional pain management. Emerging economies face adoption barriers including limited insurance coverage and patient preference for oral medications, but medical tourism in Thailand and India creates ancillary demand for advanced joint therapies.

South America
Market expansion remains nascent but promising across Brazil and Argentina, where osteoarthritis affects approximately 15% of adults. Public healthcare systems struggle with treatment accessibility gaps, pushing demand toward private clinics offering viscosupplementation. Economic volatility impacts import-dependent supply chains, with local subsidiaries of MNCs controlling 70% of the branded market. Regulatory harmonization through the Pan American Health Organization gradually improves product approvals, while patient awareness campaigns by industry groups highlight the cost-benefits of joint preservation strategies over delayed surgical interventions.

Middle East & Africa
The Gulf Cooperation Council countries, particularly UAE and Saudi Arabia, drive regional demand through medical infrastructure investments and expatriate-friendly healthcare policies. Turkey emerges as a production hub for export-grade hyaluronic acid gels, leveraging its pharmaceutical manufacturing base. Sub-Saharan Africa shows minimal penetration outside private urban hospitals, constrained by affordability challenges and physician preference for conventional steroids. Cross-sector partnerships between governments and global health organizations could unlock growth by integrating joint therapies into broader NCD management programs targeting the region’s rising osteoarthritis burden.

Report Scope

This market research report offers a holistic overview of global and regional markets for the forecast period 2025–2032. It presents accurate and actionable insights based on a blend of primary and secondary research.

Key Coverage Areas:

• ✅ Market Overview

  • Global and regional market size (historical & forecast)

  • Growth trends and value/volume projections

• ✅ Segmentation Analysis

  • By product type or category

  • By application or usage area

  • By end-user industry

  • By distribution channel (if applicable)

• ✅ Regional Insights

  • North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa

  • Country-level data for key markets

• ✅ Competitive Landscape

  • Company profiles and market share analysis

  • Key strategies: M&A, partnerships, expansions

  • Product portfolio and pricing strategies

• ✅ Technology & Innovation

  • Emerging technologies and R&D trends

  • Automation, digitalization, sustainability initiatives

  • Impact of AI, IoT, or other disruptors (where applicable)

• ✅ Market Dynamics

  • Key drivers supporting market growth

  • Restraints and potential risk factors

  • Supply chain trends and challenges

• ✅ Opportunities & Recommendations

  • High-growth segments

  • Investment hotspots

  • Strategic suggestions for stakeholders

• ✅ Stakeholder Insights

  • Target audience includes manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, investors, regulators, and policymakers

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the current market size of Global Gel for Orthopedic Joint Injection Market?

-> The global gel for orthopedic joint injection market was valued at USD 1,776 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2,307 million by 2032 at a CAGR of 3.9%.

Which key companies operate in Global Gel for Orthopedic Joint Injection Market?

-> Key players include Sanofi, Anika Therapeutics, Seikagaku, Zimmer Biomet, Bioventus, Ferring, LG Chem, Freda, Haohai Biological, and Shanghai Jingfeng.

What are the key growth drivers?

-> Key growth drivers include rising osteoarthritis prevalence, aging population, and effectiveness of viscosupplementation therapy in managing joint pain and mobility.

Which region dominates the market?

-> North America currently leads the market share, while Asia-Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region due to improving healthcare infrastructure.

What are the emerging trends?

-> Emerging trends include next-generation hyaluronic acid formulations, combination therapies, and increased adoption of single-injection treatments for better patient compliance.