India Gastrointestinal Drug Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecasts 2031

Key Findings

• The India Gastrointestinal Drugs Market is expanding steadily, driven by the increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as acid reflux, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastrointestinal cancers.
• Lifestyle changes, stress, dietary habits, and aging populations in India are contributing to rising demand for effective GI therapeutics.
• The market benefits from advancements in drug delivery technologies, including controlled-release formulations and targeted therapies that improve efficacy and reduce side effects.
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids, laxatives, antiemetics, and antidiarrheal drugs continue to dominate prescriptions in India due to their widespread use in symptomatic management.
• The growing adoption of biologics and biosimilars, especially for conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is transforming the treatment landscape.
• Increasing R&D investments in microbiome-based therapies and personalized GI medicine are expected to reshape the market over the next decade.
• High treatment costs for biologic drugs and side effects of long-term PPI and antibiotic use remain key challenges in India.
• Strategic collaborations between global pharmaceutical companies and local healthcare providers are enhancing drug availability and driving regional market penetration.

India Gastrointestinal Drugs Market Size and Forecast

The India Gastrointestinal Drugs Market is projected to grow from USD 59.8 billion in 2025 to USD 87.6 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period. Market growth is fueled by the increasing incidence of gastrointestinal disorders, rising patient awareness, and expanding healthcare infrastructure. In India, the rapid urbanization and dietary transitions are leading to a surge in GERD, IBS, and IBD cases. Growing use of biologics for chronic inflammatory diseases and the expansion of hospital pharmacy networks are further propelling market expansion. Over the coming years, innovation in gut microbiome therapeutics, oral biologic formulations, and combination therapies is expected to unlock new growth opportunities.

Introduction

Gastrointestinal drugs include a broad spectrum of medications designed to treat diseases affecting the digestive system, encompassing the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas. These drugs play a vital role in managing conditions such as acid reflux, gastritis, ulcers, IBD, constipation, and GI infections. The market in India is witnessing rising demand due to increasing health awareness, improved diagnostic capabilities, and the launch of innovative therapies targeting underlying inflammation and microbiome imbalance. Pharmaceutical advancements have expanded treatment options from traditional acid suppressants and prokinetics to advanced biologics and probiotics, offering enhanced therapeutic outcomes and patient quality of life.

Future Outlook

By 2031, the India Gastrointestinal Drugs Market will evolve into a more diversified and technology-driven sector. The expansion of biologic and biosimilar therapies will dominate chronic disease management, particularly in IBD and colorectal disorders. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery and diagnostics will streamline personalized treatment regimens. Meanwhile, over-the-counter (OTC) products will continue to experience strong growth due to increasing consumer self-medication for mild GI conditions. Growing investments in microbiome therapeutics and gene-targeted drugs will further revolutionize gastrointestinal care. Enhanced healthcare access and telemedicine adoption in India will also ensure broader availability of GI drugs across both urban and rural populations.

India Gastrointestinal Drugs Market Trends

• Rising Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Disorders
  Rapid lifestyle changes, stress, and dietary patterns have increased the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases such as GERD, IBS, and ulcers in India. The demand for acid-suppressing and anti-inflammatory medications has surged, reflecting a strong prescription volume across hospitals and clinics.

• Shift Toward Biologics and Targeted Therapies
  In India, biologic drugs such as infliximab, adalimumab, and vedolizumab are increasingly used for IBD management. These agents provide long-term remission and reduced relapse rates, significantly improving patient outcomes compared to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Growth in Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drug Consumption
  Self-medication trends are rising in India due to easy availability of OTC GI drugs like antacids, laxatives, and antiemetics. Increased awareness and accessibility through pharmacies and e-commerce platforms are supporting this trend.

• Focus on Gut Microbiome and Probiotic Therapies
  Research into the gut microbiome’s role in digestive health has led to the emergence of probiotic and prebiotic formulations. Companies in India are launching microbiome-modulating drugs aimed at restoring intestinal flora balance in patients with chronic bowel disorders.

• Digital Health Integration and Remote Gastroenterology Care
  With the growth of telemedicine in India, patients can now access gastroenterology consultations remotely. Pharmaceutical companies are leveraging digital tools to improve treatment adherence and monitor patient outcomes through mobile applications and e-health platforms.

Market Growth Drivers

• Increasing Disease Burden and Geriatric Population
  The aging population in India is more prone to chronic digestive conditions, including ulcers, constipation, and gastrointestinal cancers, driving higher demand for long-term drug therapies.

• Technological Advancements in Drug Formulation
  The development of controlled-release formulations, oral biologics, and nano-based drug delivery systems enhances bioavailability and patient compliance, expanding therapeutic potential.

• Rising Healthcare Expenditure and Access to Treatment
  Governments and private insurers in India are investing heavily in healthcare infrastructure, improving diagnostic rates, and ensuring wider access to gastrointestinal drugs.

• Emergence of Personalized and Microbiome-Based Medicine
  Personalized GI therapies based on genetic, microbial, and metabolic profiling are gaining attention in India. Tailored treatments are improving efficacy in patients with complex conditions like IBD and colorectal cancer.

• Increasing Awareness of Preventive Gastroenterology
  Growing public awareness campaigns and health education programs in India emphasize preventive GI care, leading to higher use of protective and maintenance medications.

Challenges in the Market

• High Cost of Biologic and Targeted Therapies
  Biologic drugs remain expensive, limiting accessibility in low- and middle-income regions of India despite their superior efficacy in chronic GI conditions.

• Adverse Effects of Long-Term Drug Use
  Chronic use of PPIs and antibiotics can lead to complications such as nutrient malabsorption, renal issues, and microbial imbalance, deterring long-term patient compliance.

• Patent Expiry and Generic Competition
  Several leading GI drugs are losing patent exclusivity, leading to the entry of generics that, while cost-effective, intensify price competition and reduce profit margins.

• Limited Awareness and Late Diagnosis in Rural Areas
  In India, lack of early screening and limited access to specialized care contribute to underdiagnosis of chronic GI disorders, constraining potential treatment volumes.

• Regulatory and Reimbursement Barriers
  Complex regulatory approval processes and inconsistent reimbursement frameworks for biologics hinder rapid market entry and adoption in India.

India Gastrointestinal Drugs Market Segmentation

By Drug Class

• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

• H2 Receptor Antagonists

• Antacids

• Antiemetics

• Laxatives and Cathartics

• Antidiarrheal Drugs

• Anti-Inflammatory and Immunosuppressive Agents

• Biologics and Biosimilars

• Probiotics and Prebiotics

By Application

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

• Peptic Ulcer Disease

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis)

• Gastrointestinal Infections

• Constipation and Diarrhea

• Others (Colorectal Cancer, Celiac Disease)

By Route of Administration

• Oral

• Parenteral

• Rectal

• Others (Topical, Nasal)

By Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacies

• Retail Pharmacies

• Online Pharmacies

• Specialty Clinics

By End-User

• Hospitals and Clinics

• Ambulatory Care Centers

• Homecare Settings

• Research Institutes

Leading Key Players

• Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

• AbbVie Inc.

• AstraZeneca PLC

• Johnson & Johnson (Janssen Pharmaceuticals)

• Pfizer Inc.

• GlaxoSmithKline plc

• Sanofi S.A.

• Ferring Pharmaceuticals

• Bayer AG

• Bristol Myers Squibb

Recent Developments

• Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited launched advanced biologic therapies for ulcerative colitis in India, expanding its gastroenterology portfolio.

• AbbVie Inc. received regulatory approval for an oral JAK inhibitor for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis treatment in India.

• AstraZeneca PLC introduced a next-generation proton pump inhibitor with extended-release properties to address severe GERD cases in India.

• Ferring Pharmaceuticals collaborated with local healthcare institutions in India to conduct clinical trials on microbiome-based therapies for IBS and IBD.

• Pfizer Inc. expanded its R&D presence in India by initiating research into oral biologics and microbiome-targeting small molecules.

This Market Report Will Answer the Following Questions

1. What is the projected market size and CAGR of the India Gastrointestinal Drugs Market by 2031?

2. Which therapeutic classes are leading the gastrointestinal drugs market in India?

3. How are biologics, microbiome therapies, and digital health platforms transforming treatment strategies?

4. What are the major challenges faced by manufacturers and healthcare providers in India?

5. Who are the key global and regional players shaping innovation and market growth in India’s gastrointestinal drugs sector?