The retinal drugs market is no longer dominated by North America; Asia-Pacific (APAC) has emerged as a key growth region, propelled by demographic shifts, rising healthcare expenditure, and improving access to advanced treatments. With a population of over 4.6 billion, APAC faces unique challenges, including a rapidly aging population—with 1 in 6 people projected to be over 65 by 2050—and one of the highest diabetes prevalence rates globally. These factors have increased the incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and other retinal conditions, creating a fertile market for retinal drugs.

China and India are leading APAC’s market growth. In China, AMD cases are estimated to reach 20 million by 2030, up from 12 million in 2020, driven by urbanization and lifestyle changes. The government’s “Healthy China 2030” initiative, which prioritizes ophthalmic care, has spurred investment in local biotech firms and partnerships with global pharma companies like Roche and Novartis. India, too, is witnessing a DR epidemic, with 12% of diabetics developing the condition. To address this, companies like Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Sun Pharma are launching affordable generic versions of anti-VEGF drugs, reducing costs and increasing accessibility.

Beyond these giants, Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Thailand are seeing rising adoption as healthcare infrastructure improves. Telemedicine platforms, such as Indonesia’s Halodoc, are connecting rural patients to ophthalmologists, enabling earlier diagnosis and timely treatment. Additionally, Japan’s aging population—with 29% over 65—has boosted demand for AMD therapies, with Eylea and Lucentis dominating the market. Regional regulatory harmonization efforts, like the ASEAN Medicines Regulation Harmonization (AMRH), are also simplifying market entry for drug developers, accelerating the approval of new therapies across multiple countries.

APAC’s growth potential is enormous, but challenges remain, including uneven access between urban and rural areas and varying levels of healthcare literacy. Companies that tailor their strategies to regional needs—through localized manufacturing, pricing models, and education initiatives—will be best positioned to capture market share. For a detailed breakdown of APAC’s market drivers, country-specific trends, and competitive strategies, the Asia-Pacific retinal drugs market growth and regional dynamics report by Market Research Future is an essential resource. It includes forecasts, key player activities, and insights into how policy and infrastructure changes will shape the region’s future.