Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition affecting over 300 million people globally, demands consistent and effective treatment. Every year, World No Tobacco Day, observed on May 31, serves as a global call to action against the tobacco epidemic and its devastating health effects.
In 2025, the spotlight is once again on the intersection of tobacco use, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and the urgent need for scalable, effective treatment options. For leading pharma companies in respiratory care like SAVA Healthcare Limited, this is more than an awareness day—it’s a moment to reaffirm our commitment to lung health innovation.
Tobacco and the Respiratory Crisis: A Global Challenge
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of respiratory disease worldwide. It is directly linked to the onset and progression of asthma and COPD, two chronic conditions that significantly impact quality of life and healthcare systems. Secondhand smoke also affects children and adults alike, increasing the global burden of respiratory illnesses.
Asthma, characterized by airway inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness, often worsens with tobacco exposure. Meanwhile, COPD, an umbrella term that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is predominantly caused by long-term smoking and continues to be the third leading cause of death globally.
The Role of Nasal Sprays in Asthma and COPD Management
When we think of respiratory treatment, nasal sprays may not be the first solution that comes to mind. However, nasal spray for asthma and COPD is gaining traction in both preventive care and symptom relief. Nasal sprays can reduce nasal inflammation, ease breathing, and improve sleep quality—especially for patients whose asthma or COPD is triggered or worsened by allergic rhinitis or nasal congestion.
- Nasal corticosteroids help reduce inflammation in the upper respiratory tract.
- Anticholinergic nasal sprays are effective for patients with COPD-related postnasal drip and congestion.
- Decongestant nasal sprays offer quick relief, though best used under medical guidance.
Innovations in nasal drug delivery—a focus area for SAVA Healthcare—are making these therapies more efficient, precise, and patient-friendly.
Rising Demand in the Global Pharmaceutical Market
The global respiratory drug market was valued at over USD 40 billion in 2024, with projections estimating a CAGR of more than 6% through 2030. A key driver of this growth is the increasing prevalence of asthma and COPD, compounded by urban pollution and smoking-related complications.
- In this context, nasal drug delivery systems are expected to grow rapidly due to their:
- Non-invasive nature
- Faster onset of action
- Better patient compliance
The Role of the Pharmaceutical Industry in Driving Innovation
Pharmaceutical manufacturers are playing a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in respiratory care. Through investments in drug-device combination products, partnerships with digital health companies, and the development of inhaler-specific APIs, the industry is driving forward the next generation of asthma treatment.
Several companies are also working on smart nebulizers, which integrate IoT and AI technologies to optimize medication delivery and provide feedback on patient technique. These innovations are particularly beneficial in pediatric and geriatric care, where device handling can be challenging.
Challenges That Remain
While the evolution of inhalation therapy has been transformative, a few challenges persist:
- Affordability of smart inhalers remains a barrier in low- and middle-income countries.
- Data privacy and regulatory compliance around digital health data need clearer frameworks.
- Patient training on using advanced devices correctly continues to be critical.
Overcoming these barriers will require continued collaboration between pharma companies, healthcare providers, policymakers, and tech innovators.
SAVA Healthcare: Championing Respiratory Wellness Globally
At SAVA Healthcare Limited, our mission is to develop accessible, effective, and high-quality treatments that help patients breathe better and live longer. As a trusted name in the global pharmaceutical market, we have strategically focused our R&D and product pipeline on respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD, including the development of advanced nasal sprays.
Backed by robust manufacturing capabilities, SAVA Healthcare boasts a state-of-the-art nasal spray production capacity of 45 million annually in Gujarat’s Surendranagar plant. It will have 30 million vials productions capacity per annum in the new manufacturing plant coming up in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, ensuring consistent supply and scalability to meet global demand. SAVA Nasal spray portfolio includes for allergic rhinitis, COPD, and upper airway inflammation.
By leveraging our cGMP-compliant manufacturing infrastructure and global regulatory accreditations (including EU, TGA, and WHO-GMP), SAVA Healthcare is expanding access to affordable respiratory solutions across Asia, Africa, the CIS region, and LATAM markets. SAVA Healthcare’s competitive edge lies in its ability to combine affordable innovation with scalable manufacturing, meeting the needs of both emerging and regulated markets.
A Breath of Fresh Commitment
It is vital to recognize the ongoing battle against tobacco-related respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. Raising awareness, encouraging tobacco cessation, and expanding access to effective treatments—such as nasal sprays and inhalation therapies—are critical steps toward protecting global lung health.
As the global pharmaceutical market evolves, innovation in nasal drug delivery systems offers new hope for millions living with chronic respiratory conditions. Continued collaboration between healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers will be essential in building a smoke-free future where everyone has the right to breathe easy.