Get a Sample
Schedule a Meeting
Get a Sample
Table Of Content
January 2025
The global non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) drug market size is calculated at USD 21.98 billion in 2025 and is forecasted to reach around USD 33.6 billion by 2034, accelerating at a CAGR of 4.83% from 2025 to 2034. The market sizing and forecasts are revenue-based (USD Million/Billion), with 2024 as the base year.
The global non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) drug market size accounted for USD 20.97 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 21.98 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 33.6 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 4.83% from 2025 to 2034. The market growth is attributed to the rising awareness of NAFLD and its complications, increasing demand for effective therapeutics, and the growing aging population.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the market for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) drugs by enhancing diagnosis, prognosis, and drug discovery. AI algorithms not only analyze vast amounts of data, including clinical, biochemical, and imaging data but also identify risk factors for NAFLD and predict disease progression. Moreover, AI-powered tools can assist in identifying potential drug targets and forecasting the efficacy of new medications. As AI technology continues to advance, it promises to play an even greater role in improving NAFLD care and treatment.
The non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) drug market is expected to grow rapidly, as NAFLD represents a significant global health concern with increasing prevalence worldwide, especially in areas with high rates of obesity and related metabolic disorders. The absence of effective treatments prompted a focus on novel drug development. As a result, several research and development efforts are underway. Although NAFLD treatments are still in the early stages, there is a high need for effective therapeutics, including personalized medicine, to prevent the proliferation of NAFLD. Various therapeutic approaches for NAFLD include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and other non-drug therapies.
| Report Coverage | Details |
| Market Size by 2034 | USD 33.6 Billion |
| Market Size in 2025 | USD 21.98 Billion |
| Market Size in 2024 | USD 20.97 Billion |
| Market Growth Rate from 2025 to 2034 | CAGR of 4.83% |
| Dominating Region | North America |
| Fastest Growing Region | Asia Pacific |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025 to 2034 |
| Segments Covered | Drug Class, Stage, Distribution Channel, Disease Cause, and Region |
| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa |
Rising Global Prevalence of Obesity and Diabetes
The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes is a major factor driving the growth of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) drug market. These conditions are strongly associated with NAFLD, with obesity being a significant risk factor and type 2 diabetes often found alongside NAFLD. This prevalence is exacerbated by sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits, which significantly contribute to the rise in the number of NAFLD cases. These conditions have potential for progression to severe liver conditions, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, underscoring the demand for effective treatments. Moreover, rising government funding for R&D activities to address chronic diseases fuels the growth of the market.
Lack of FDA-Approved Treatments
The primary restraint in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) drug market is the lack of FDA-approved treatments, specifically for NAFLD. While various drugs are used for related conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol, there are currently no medications approved to directly treat NAFLD. Furthermore, many of the available drugs for addressing NAFLD have not been extensively tested in head-to-head trials, making it challenging to determine their long-term efficacy. Therefore, the absence of approved drugs for NAFLD creates challenges in the market.
Development of Novel Targeted Therapies and Diagnostic Tools
A key future opportunity in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) drug market lies in the development of novel targeted therapies and diagnostic tools. Since lifestyle modifications currently represent the primary treatment for NAFLD, there is increasing demand for more effective pharmacological interventions. Pharmaceutical companies are actively focusing on developing novel drug therapies that target crucial metabolic, inflammatory, and fibrotic pathways associated with NAFLD. In addition, advancements in diagnostic technologies can facilitate early detection and treatment, reducing long-term complications.
Which Drug Class Dominated the Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Drug Market?
The antioxidants segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share in 2024 because of its crucial role in mitigating oxidative stress, a key contributor to the progression of NAFLD and its complications. Antioxidants are readily available as nutraceuticals and supplements, including vitamins, carotenoids, and polyphenols, which help neutralize free radicals, reduce lipid peroxidation, and protect cellular structures from damage. Furthermore, ongoing research emphasizes identifying new antioxidant compounds and delivery systems for NAFLD, making them accessible and certainly affordable treatment options.
The biguanide segment is expected to expand at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This is mainly due to the widespread use of metformin for type 2 diabetes. Biguanides help control blood sugar levels by reducing glucose production in the liver. They are useful for insulin resistance patients. The increasing awareness of their potential benefits in NAFLD is supporting segmental growth. Furthermore, their global acceptance and familiarity among healthcare professionals and patients facilitate their incorporation into NAFLD treatment plans. Biguanides, particularly metformin, are generally affordable compared to other potential NAFLD treatments, making them an attractive option for both patients and healthcare providers.
Why Did Cirrhosis Segment Dominate the Market in 2024?
The cirrhosis segment dominated the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) drug market with the highest revenue share in 2024. Due to its severity and the potential for life-threatening complications, the demand for effective therapeutics has been rising. Advanced cirrhosis often leads to the need for liver transplantation, further propelling research into effective treatments that can prevent disease progression. The progression of NAFLD to cirrhosis significantly increases mortality risk and the demand for liver transplantation, making it a major public health concern. This prompted the need for identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis, allowing targeted interventions and preventing progression to advanced stages.
The fibrosis segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR over the projection period. Fibrosis directly correlates with the severity and risk of complications, ultimately influencing treatment decisions and drug development strategies. Patients with early-stage fibrosis might be treated with lifestyle modifications or medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists, while those with advanced fibrosis may require more aggressive therapies, including the possibility of a liver transplant. Therefore, this stage predicts patient outcomes and the risk of progression to cirrhosis and other complications, helping to make informed decisions about surveillance, treatment, and management of NAFLD patients.
What Made Hospital Pharmacies the Dominant Segment in the Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Drug Market?
The hospital pharmacies segment dominated the market by holding the largest revenue share in 2024. This is because of the increased patient pool in hospitals and the high preference for hospitals as a primary care center. Hospitals are equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, including specialized staff and facilities for managing patients with liver diseases. Hospitals offer a multidisciplinary team, which is crucial for the complex management of NAFLD. They also have access to a broad range of treatment options, which include medications, bariatric surgery, and liver transplantation, for managing NAFLD and its complications. There are currently no OTC medications approved for NAFLD, bolstering the segment’s growth.
The drug stores segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The rapid expansion of drug stores, particularly retail pharmacies, is likely to drive segmental growth. These stores offer convenient access to medications, enabling patients to obtain their prescriptions. The rising prevalence of NAFLD and the emergence of new pharmaceutical therapies make them a crucial point of contact for patients seeking treatment, which contributes to their significant growth in the market. The rise of online pharmacies further contributes to market growth.
Why Did the Obesity Segment Dominate the Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Drug Market?
The obesity segment dominated the market with the maximum share in 2024. This is due to it being a major risk factor for the development and progression of NAFLD. A significant portion of the NAFLD population is overweight or obese, leading to a strong focus on developing treatments that target the underlying metabolic dysfunction associated with obesity. Additionally, FDA-approved weight loss medications, including semaglutide, have shown promising results in reducing NAFLD in some clinical trials. This makes obesity-related therapies a crucial area for research and development in the field of NAFLD drugs.
The heart disease segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the coming years because NAFLD and heart diseases are strongly linked and often occur together. As cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in NAFLD patients, they often occur before advanced liver disease. NAFLD increases the risk of heart disease. As NAFLD prevalence rises, so does the risk of CVDs, creating the need for effective therapeutics that can target both conditions.
How Does North America Dominate the Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Drug Market in 2024?
North America registered dominance in the market in 2024, primarily due to the higher prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, which are more closely associated with NAFLD. The region serves as a hub for pharmaceutical research and development, particularly for NAFLD and related metabolic diseases. Additionally, it benefits from substantial investment in research and development, the presence of major pharmaceutical companies such as Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Galmed Pharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, and Gilead Sciences, along with technological advancements, all of which contribute to the development of NAFLD treatments.
The U.S. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Drug Market Trends
The U.S. plays a major role in the market, particularly through regulatory oversight by the FDA and the presence of large pharmaceutical companies that are actively developing innovative drugs. The FDA recently approved the first drug, Rezdiffra (resmetirom), for adults with noncirrhotic non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and moderate to advanced liver fibrosis, marking a significant step in treating this disease. The increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes further supports market expansion.
What Factors Contribute to the Asia Pacific Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Drug Market?
Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the upcoming period due to rising obesity rates, lifestyle changes, and urbanization, particularly in China and India. These countries are seeing particularly swift growth in NAFLD cases, driven by their large populations and ongoing economic development, which are changing diets and lifestyles. These trends are resulting in a surge of NAFLD cases and an increasing demand for effective treatments. Although specific governmental initiatives or partnerships related to NAFLD drug development in the Asia-Pacific region are not readily available, the growing prevalence of NAFLD is spurring market growth and encouraging research and development efforts.
(Source: https://www.prnewswire.com)
China Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Drug Market Trends
China plays a distinctive role in the market within Asia Pacific, experiencing a significant increase in NAFLD prevalence due to rising obesity rates and Westernized diets. This trend positions China as a large and growing market for NAFLD drugs. Moreover, Traditional Chinese Medicine significantly contributes to NAFLD treatment in China, where various herbal remedies are utilized for liver protection and disease management. The pharmaceutical industry in China is actively involved in developing and manufacturing modern NAFLD drugs.
India Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Drug Market
India also plays a significant role in the market, with Indian pharmaceutical companies engaged in developing and manufacturing both generic and innovative therapies for NAFLD. Additionally, India has a strong tradition of using herbal remedies for liver health, including those with potential benefits for NAFLD. For instance, Shilpa Medicare secured CDSCO's nod for a fatty liver drug, while Lupin co-markets Saroglitazar Mg with Zydus Lifesciences.
What Opportunities Exist in the European Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Drug Market?
Europe is considered to be a significantly growing area. There is a high prevalence of NAFLD, which is a key factor supporting market growth. The region has a well-established healthcare system and research institutes that support research and facilitate the development of novel treatments. The growth of the market within Europe is further propelled by increased awareness of NAFLS and the availability of advanced diagnostic solutions, leading to early diagnosis of NAFLD. The rising demand for effective treatments to address the rising burden of NAFLD contributes to regional market growth.
(Source: https://www.business-standard.com)
By Drug Class
By Stage
By Distribution Channel
By Disease Cause
By Region
For inquiries regarding discounts, bulk purchases, or customization requests, please contact us at sales@precedenceresearch.com
No cookie-cutter, only authentic analysis – take the 1st step to become a Precedence Research client
January 2025
August 2024
January 2025
August 2024