Global NAC (Acetylcysteine) Market Size, Share, Analysis, Trends, 2032

NAC (Acetylcysteine) Industry Prospective:

The global NAC (acetylcysteine) market size was worth around USD 1.93 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around USD 8.11 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 19.80% between 2024 and 2032.

Request Free Sample

NAC (Acetylcysteine) Market: Overview

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a derivative of cysteine, an essential amino acid. Market research suggests that NAC has several health benefits, driving extensive demand for N-acetylcysteine. It is known to have excellent antioxidant properties and it also provides nourishment to the brain.

Cysteine is a major component of high-protein food items such as turkey, chicken, eggs, cheese, legumes, and sunflower seeds. Healthcare experts suggest consuming appropriate amounts of cysteine and NAC for overall health benefits as the amino acids are also known to improve brain health, fertility, and respiratory conditions.

Furthermore, N-acetylcysteine is an important precursor to the production of glutathione, one of the most powerful antioxidants found in the human body. It is known to act against free radicals and protect the human body cells from damage caused by oxidation.

In addition, NAC has become widely known for its mucolytic action against mucus in the body. The demand for NAC is expected to continue growing in the next few years due to multiple factors. For instance, increasing awareness about the antioxidant properties of the compound, along with excessive use in the healthcare sector, will fuel market expansion. One of the major drawbacks for the NAC (acetylcysteine) industry will be the existence of complex regulatory challenges affecting the market’s final revenue.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global NAC (acetylcysteine) market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 19.80% over the forecast period (2024-2032)
• In terms of revenue, the global NAC (acetylcysteine) market size was valued at around USD 1.93 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 8.11 billion by 2032.
• The NAC (acetylcysteine) market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the increasing number of applications in the healthcare industry.
• Based on the form, the tablets & capsules segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projection
• Based on the distribution channel, the hospital pharmacies segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, North America is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

NAC (Acetylcysteine) Market: Growth Drivers

Increasing applications in the healthcare industry to drive market growth rate

The global NAC (acetylcysteine) market is expected to grow due to the rising applications of the compound in the healthcare industry. One of the major applications of NAC includes its actions against paracetamol overdose. It is a highly effective antidote for acetaminophen overdose.

Paracetamol is a globally famous otherwise safe painkiller to consume. However, excess dependence on paracetamol and consumption of more than the recommended dosage can lead to liver harm. Long-term exposure can affect the functioning of the kidneys. The most commonly used treatment for paracetamol overdose is the use of acetylcysteine. Generally, it is given in 2 parts as infusions and can take over 12 hours for the course to be completed.

Furthermore, the common method of NAC delivery for treating overconsumption of acetaminophen is generally through intravenous (IV) infusion. Extensive market study suggests that paracetamol is one of the most commonly consumed painkillers across the globe since the drug is easily available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine worldwide. Furthermore, it provides quick relief and enjoys a significant consumption rate in major economies. According to official data, more than 220 deaths were reported in England in 2021 due to paracetamol poisoning.

Rising demand for dietary supplements worldwide to generate extensive revenue for the industry players

N-acetylcysteine has gained popularity as an effective dietary supplement known to not only improve the overall health of the consumer but also reduce oxidative stress within the body. The increasing health consciousness among the general population globally has resulted in increased consumption and production of diet supplements.

In April 2023, researchers at the Department of Biomedicine of the University of Basel discovered that regular but controlled intake of N-acetylcysteine supplements can help overcome resistance to treatment among breast cancer patients thus helping the global NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) market grow. This is achieved by restoring the sensitivity of the neurofibromin 1 (NF1) gene to alpelisib.

NAC (Acetylcysteine) Market: Restraints

Extensive market regulations to impact the market’s growth rate during the forecast period

The global NAC (acetylcysteine) industry is expected to be restricted by the presence of an extensive and highly complex regulatory environment surrounding the non-medical use of the compound. In addition, NAC is heavily regulated and subject to extreme legal frameworks when used as a pharmaceutical product which can further complicate the industry’s final growth rate during the forecast period. Currently, market players have to invest higher resources in obtaining official permits from regional governments for using the compound for medical and non-medical purposes.

NAC (Acetylcysteine) Market: Opportunities

Rising rate of research & development (R&D) worldwide to generate growth opportunities for the market players

The global NAC (acetylcysteine) market is expected to generate growth opportunities due to the rising rate of research & development (R&D) across the globe. The compound is being extensively studied worldwide for its several health benefits as well as extended application, especially as the global healthcare infrastructure is witnessing a rapid surge in the number of patients across age groups. The demand for novel health-improving supplements or medicines is on the rise.

In April 2024, Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in the US announced the launch of a Phase 3 clinical trial of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for treating retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The study is branded as NAC Attack and will continue for 45 months with patients from Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the US. Retinitis pigmentosa refers to a group of inherited and rare genetic disorders that cause progressive degeneration of the cornea and declined vision.

In addition to this, another study posted in the National Library of Medicine indicates combining clomiphene citrate (CC) and NAC can improve ovulation and pregnancy rates in women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which is resistant to CC treatment. The industry is also witnessing growing research in learning the effect of NAC on mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. The rising number of patients worldwide suffering from several mental health disorders will encourage higher investments in future research toward NAC.

NAC (Acetylcysteine) Market: Challenges

Side effects associated with NAC-based treatments are a major challenge for the industry players

The global NAC (acetylcysteine) industry is expected to be challenged by the growing concerns over the side effects of NAC-based treatments. Some of the common side effects include rash or hives, nausea, allergic reactions, and odor caused due to sulfur content. The industry is also affected by the presence of several other alternatives to NAC, including synthetic drugs, which filter the final revenue generated by the industry.

NAC(Acetylcysteine) Market: Report Scope

NAC (Acetylcysteine) Market: Segmentation

The global NAC (acetylcysteine) market is segmented based on form, type, distribution channel, and region.

Based on the form, the global market segments are gummies, tablets & capsules, powder, sprays, and others. In 2023, the highest demand was listed in the tablets & capsules segment. It accounted for nearly 60% of the final market share. The growing use of NAC in medicines to treat several conditions, such as hormonal disorders and mental health conditions, is fueling the segmental demand rate. Market study indicates that the gummies segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 10% during the forecast period.

Based on the type, the global NAC (acetylcysteine) industry is divided into therapeutic and diabetic.

Based on the distribution channel, the global market segments are supermarkets & hypermarkets, online, hospital pharmacies, and others. In 2023, the highest demand was listed in the hospital pharmacies segment. It dominated nearly 43% of the final segmental revenue. NAC is a widely regulated component and hence mostly used by hospital pharmacies for treating patients with specific medical conditions. The online segment is led by increased demand for health supplements among the general population. During the projection period, the online segment can expect a CAGR of more than 10.01%.

NAC (Acetylcysteine) Market: Regional Analysis

North America to continue delivering exceptional revenue during the forecast period

The global NAC (acetylcysteine) market is projected to be led by North America during the forecast period. In 2023, it dominated nearly 42.05% of the global revenue with the US emerging as the leading player in the region. North America’s growth rate is influenced by several favorable factors such as the presence of a robust healthcare sector along with higher awareness and a curious pharmaceutical industry consistently investing in the latest research & development.

In November 2023, the United States Food & Administration (FDA) authority announced the addition of the agency’s systematic review of the literature regarding N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) to the Peer Review Agenda. The FDA completed the review of NAC-related safety which was subject to the peer review process.

In August 2022, the regulatory body announced the availability of more information on final guidance on the FDA’s policy regarding products labeled as dietary supplements that contain N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) contributing to the region’s regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, the growing case of mental health conditions and an urgent need to develop preventive care for patients suffering from depression and other such conditions will also assist in driving the regional demand rate.

NAC (Acetylcysteine) Market: Competitive Analysis

The global NAC (acetylcysteine) market is led by players like:

• Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
• Mylan Pharmaceuticals
• Fresenius Kabi
• Zydus Cadila
• Boehringer Ingelheim
• Aurobindo Pharma
• Stada Arzneimittel AG
• Lupin Pharmaceuticals
• Teva Pharmaceuticals
• Apotex
• Sandoz (a Novartis division)
• Elder Pharmaceuticals
• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries
• Hikma Pharmaceuticals
• AbbVie

The global NAC (acetylcysteine) market is segmented as follows:

By Form

• Gummies
• Tablets & Capsules
• Powder
• Sprays
• Others

By Type

• Therapeutic
• Diabetic

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Online
• Hospital Pharmacies
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa