The hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) market across the seven major pharmaceutical markets (7MM*) is projected to grow from $1.84 billion in 2024 to $7.83 billion in 2034, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.6%, driven by the approval and uptake of next-generation biologics and small molecules with novel mechanisms of action, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. This anticipated will be
GlobalData’s latest report, “Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Epidemiology, Marketed and Pipeline Drugs, and Forecast to 2034,” highlights that current treatment options remain limited, with only three approved biologics available in the 7MM: AbbVie’s Humira (adalimumab), Novartis’ Cosentyx (secukinumab), and UCB’s Bimzelx (bimekizumab). Although Humira remains the market leader, it is associated with modest efficacy, with response rates between 25% and 30% and high treatment fatigue.
In contrast, IL-17 inhibitors have shown improved outcomes. In pivotal Phase III trials (BE HEARD I and II), Bimzelx achieved hidradenitis suppurativa clinical response (HiSCR) rates of up to 64%, surpassing Cosentyx in both speed of onset and durability. However, safety concerns such as candidiasis and high drug costs may limit its widespread adoption.
Asiyah Nawab, Healthcare Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Pipeline therapies are increasingly targeting multiple inflammatory pathways beyond TNF-alpha. MoonLake’s sonelokimab, a tri-specific nanobody targeting IL-17A/F and albumin, has demonstrated strong Phase II efficacy and is expected to offer best-in-class tissue penetration. Incyte’s JAK1 inhibitor povorcitinib has also shown promising results, particularly in pain and quality-of-life endpoints. Together, these agents are forecast to capture 47.3% of the total HS market by 2034.”
GlobalData’s analysis highlights that the evolving trial landscape is shifting toward more stringent clinical endpoints. While HiSCR50 remains a standard benchmark, newer trials are adopting HiSCR75 and incorporating patient-reported outcomes such as the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Numerical Rating Scale-30 (NRS-30), aligning with payer and physician expectations for clinically meaningful benefits.
Nawab adds: “Despite market growth, HS care continues to face challenges. Diagnostic delays averaging 7–10 years often result in irreversible tissue damage by the time patients reach specialist care. Furthermore, most biologic treatments are indicated for moderate-to-severe disease, leaving early-stage (Hurley Stage I) patients without effective interventions. According to GlobalData, products that demonstrate efficacy earlier in the disease course represent a major untapped opportunity.”
The US will lead market growth, accounting for over 70% of HS sales in 2024, due to its larger diagnosed population, wider biologic access, and premium pricing. While biosimilar competition may dampen TNF-alpha sales, the expansion of high-cost IL-17 and JAK inhibitors will intensify pricing pressure across the class.
Nawab concludes: “Barriers such as JAK safety monitoring, payer access, and competition among newer agents remain key challenges. However, if emerging therapies can sustain reductions in flare frequency, pain burden, and psychosocial impact—seen with agents like Bimzelx and sonelokimab—they may shift treatment paradigms and enable biologic use earlier in disease progression.
“With over 30 agents in active clinical development and several first-in-class mechanisms on the horizon, the HS therapeutic landscape is poised for significant transformation over the next decade.”
*7MM – The US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Japan
