The total prevalent cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the seven major markets (7MM*) is expected to increase from 59.3 million cases in 2018 to 67.2 million in 2028, at an annual growth rate (AGR) of 1.33%, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

The company’s latest report, ‘Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Epidemiology Forecast to 2028,’ provides an overview of the risk factors and historical trends for COPD in the 7MM for people ages ≥35 years.

Of the 7MM, the US is expected to have the highest number of total prevalent cases, increasing from 26.6 million in 2018 to 31.1 million in 2028. There were 24.8 million cases in the 5EU* in 2018, while Japan had 7.9 million.

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Bharti Prabhakar, Senior Epidemiologist at GlobalData, says: “The major drivers for the upward trend in the total prevalent cases of COPD in the 7MM over the next decade is attributable to the underlying population demographics, as well as an increase in the exposure to risk factors such as smoking.”

COPD usually starts after 30 years of age, and can have a major impact on patient health-related quality of life and work productivity. There is an unmet need for epidemiological studies to better understand the quality of life of people living with the condition.

Bharti concludes: “COPD is associated with debilitating long-term effects, and is largely irreversible, even with treatment. In addition to accurately diagnosing and treating COPD, understanding the risk factors and comorbidities of the disease can help improve patients’ quality of life.”

*7MM = US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK and Japan

*5EU = France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK