Xerostomia Market

Key Highlights

• According to DelveInsight’s analysis, the market Xerostomia is anticipated to increase during the forecast period (2026–2036), owing to launch of emerging therapies and healthcare spending globally.
• According to Rech et al., xerostomia prevalence was reported at 38.8%, while 56.6% of individuals had low stimulated salivary flow and 36.7% had low resting salivary flow.
• Key companies active in the space include Lubris BioPharma, MeiraGTx, Novartis, Daiichi Sankyo, and others

DelveInsight’s “Xerostomia– Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2036” report delivers an in-depth understanding of the Xerostomia, historical and forecasted epidemiology as well as the Xerostomia market trends in the United States, EU4 (Germany, Spain, Italy, France), and the United Kingdom, and Japan.

 

The Xerostomia market report provides current treatment practices, emerging drugs, Xerostomia market share of the individual therapies, and current and forecasted Xerostomia market size from 2022 to 2036, segmented by seven major markets. The report also covers current Xerostomia treatment practices/algorithms and unmet medical needs to curate the best of the opportunities and assess the underlying potential of the market.

 

Geography Covered

• The United States
• EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain), and the United Kingdom
• Japan

 

Study period: 2022–2036

Key Factors Driving the Xerostomia Market

• Rising Prevalence of Xerostomia: Xerostomia is increasingly prevalent among elderly populations, patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and individuals with chronic diseases requiring multiple medications. The growing aging population and increasing incidence of head and neck cancers are expected to expand the patient pool significantly over the forecast period.
• Increasing Focus on Disease-Modifying Therapies: Current therapies primarily provide temporary symptomatic relief, creating significant unmet need for long-term and restorative treatment options. Companies are increasingly investing in regenerative therapies, gene therapies, stem cell-based approaches, and radioprotective agents aimed at restoring salivary gland function.
• Growing Awareness and Diagnosis: Improved awareness among healthcare professionals and patients regarding xerostomia-associated complications, including oral infections, dental caries, and reduced quality of life, is contributing to increased diagnosis and treatment rates.
• Advancements in Emerging Therapies: Novel pipeline therapies such as LBS-020 and AAV-hAQP1 are expected to support future market growth by introducing innovative mechanisms targeting lubrication deficiency and salivary gland restoration.

Xerostomia Understanding and Treatment Algorithm

Xerostomia is defined as the “complaint of oral dryness”. It can occur due to inadequate salivary secretion secondary to abnormal function of the salivary glands, which is categorized as “true” xerostomia; however, most patients with xerostomia often do not have objective signs of hyposalivation. “Symptomatic” xerostomia or “pseudo” xerostomia refers to oral dryness despite normal salivary gland function. 

 

Xerostomia diagnosis

The diagnosis of xerostomia begins with taking a thorough medical history. A review of the patient’s medications, medical history, including head and neck radiation, and social history are all needed to determine the underlying causes of dry mouth. Salivary flow rates can also be counted for an objective diagnosis of hyposalivation. A diagnosis of salivary gland dysfunction can also be made with imaging including sialography, scintigraphy with technetium-99m, and computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging of the salivary glands. 

 

Xerostomia treatment

Topical medications are the first-line treatments recommended for xerostomia. Salivary stimulants and substitutes, including toothpaste, mouthwashes, and gels, can improve salivary gland function. Saliva substitutes resemble natural saliva and increase salivary viscosity.91 Saliva substitutes commonly contain carboxymethylcellulose, xanthan gum, mucins, hydroxyethylcellulose, polyethylene oxide, or linseed oil.

 

Sprays have also been used for the treatment of xerostomia. A sialogogue spray, composed of 1% malic acid, has produced benefits in antihypertensive- and antidepressant-induced xerostomia, but it has a potential risk for enamel loss. Mucin sprays, tablets, and lozenges may be used in reducing the findings in dry mouth. Hyperbaric oxygen for patients who have undergone radiation has been reported to increase salivary function. 

 

Xerostomia Epidemiology

The Xerostomia epidemiology section provides insights into the historical and current Xerostomia patient pool and forecasted trends for seven individual major countries. It helps recognize the causes of current and forecasted trends by exploring numerous studies and views of key opinion leaders. This part of the Xerostomia report also provides the diagnosed patient pool, their trends, and assumptions undertaken.

 

The Xerostomia epidemiology covered in the report provides historical as well as forecasted Xerostomia epidemiology [segmented as Total prevalent cases of Xerostomia, Gender-specific prevalence of Xerostomia, Age-specific prevalence of Xerostomia, and Diagnosed and Treated Cases of Xerostomia] in the 7MM covering the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain), and the United Kingdom, and Japan from 2022 to 2036.

Key findings

• According to Huang et al. (2025) published in BMC Oral Health, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 studies across 16 countries involving 2,486 patients with type 2 diabetes reported an overall xerostomia prevalence of 42.5%. The study highlighted notable geographic variation, with prevalence ranging from 36.5% in Chile to 75.5% in China, underscoring diabetes as a major global contributor to xerostomia burden.
• According to Rughwani et al. (2025) published in Clinical Oral Investigations, a Swedish study of 1.39 million adults reported a diagnosed xerostomia prevalence of 0.23%, with 73.1% of cases occurring in women and 41.5% in individuals aged >71 years, highlighting age and female predominance as key epidemiological factors.

Xerostomia Recent Developments

• In April 2026, MeiraGTx announced that it would present 3-year data from the Phase I AQUAx clinical study of AAV-hAQP1 for the treatment of Grade 2/3 radiation-induced xerostomia. The therapy is currently in Phase III clinical development.
• In April 2026, MeiraGTx AQUAx Phase I Study Update reported positive 3-year data from the Phase I AQUAx clinical study of AAV-hAQP1 in patients with Grade 2/3 late radiation-induced xerostomia. The study demonstrated sustained improvement in xerostomia symptoms and salivary flow rates over 36 months following one-time administration of the gene therapy.

Xerostomia Drug Chapters

The drug chapter segment of the Xerostomia report encloses the detailed analysis of Xerostomia marketed drugs and late-stage (Phase III and Phase II) Xerostomia pipeline drugs. It also helps understand the Xerostomia clinical trial details, expressive pharmacological action, agreements and collaborations, approval and patent details, advantages and disadvantages of each included drug, and the latest news and press releases.

 

Marketed Xerostomia drugs

Pilocarpine (SALAGEN) : Novartis

Pilocarpine (SALAGEN) became one of the first FDA-approved treatments for xerostomia in 1994, approved for the treatment of dry mouth, particularly in patients experiencing xerostomia following head and neck radiation therapy and in patients with Sjögren syndrome. It is an oral, non-selective muscarinic agonist that stimulates salivary secretion and remains a widely used systemic treatment option for symptomatic relief of dry mouth.

 

Cevimeline (EVOXAC): Daiichi Sankyo

Cevimeline (EVOXAC) received FDA approval in 2000 for the treatment of dry mouth in patients with Sjögren syndrome. It is an oral muscarinic agonist that selectively targets M1 and M3 receptors located in salivary glands, offering improved salivary stimulation with fewer side effects compared with non-selective agents. Both therapies remain the key approved pharmacologic options for xerostomia management in the US.

 

Note: Detailed Current therapies assessment will be provided in the full report

 

Emerging Xerostomia drugs

AAV2hAQP1- MeiraGTx

AAV-AQP1 is being developed treat radiation-induced xerostomia (RIX) by increasing water conduction in the salivary glands damaged by radiation therapy. This gene therapy product candidate works by introducing a water conducting channel into the remaining epithelial cells of these damaged glands. Recently, In April 2026, MeiraGTx to Present 3-Year Data from the Phase I AQUAx Clinical Study of AAV-hAQP1 for the Treatment of Grade 2/3 Radiation-Induced Xerostomia. Its currently in the Phase III clnical trial.

 

LBS-020- Lubris Biopharma

LBS-020 is an investigational therapy being developed by Lubris Biopharma for the treatment of xerostomia. It is a recombinant lubricin-based glycoprotein stimulant designed to reduce oral friction and improve lubrication of oral tissues. Lubricin is a large endogenous glycoprotein that binds to and protects tissue surfaces from friction, making it a potential novel approach for managing dry mouth symptoms and improving oral comfort in patients with xerostomia. The therapy is being evaluated for its potential to provide longer-lasting symptomatic relief compared with conventional saliva substitutes and oral lubricants. Lubris Biopharma continues to advance LBS-020 as a novel treatment option targeting the underlying lubrication deficiency associated with xerostomia.

 

Note: Detailed emerging therapies assessment will be provided in the full report

 

Xerostomia Market Outlook

Currently, the market for xerostomia treatment includes a variety of products, including saliva substitutes, oral moisturizers, and prescription medications. Saliva substitutes, which are designed to mimic the properties of natural saliva, are the most widely used products for xerostomia treatment. 

 

According to DelveInsight, the Xerostomia market in 7MM is expected to witness a major change in the study period 2022–2036 as the prevalence of the condition is expected to increase due to aging populations, rising incidence of chronic diseases, and increased use of medications that cause dry mouth as a side effect.

 

Key findings

This section includes a glimpse of the Xerostomia market in 7MM.

 

The United States: Xerostomia Market Outlook

This section provides the total Xerostomia market size and market size by therapies in the United States.

 

EU4 and the UK Countries: Xerostomia Market Outlook

The total Xerostomia market size and market size by therapies in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom are provided in this section.

 

Japan: Xerostomia Market Outlook

The total Xerostomia market size and market size by therapies in Japan are also mentioned.

 

Xerostomia Drug Uptake

This section focuses on the rate of uptake of the potential drugs recently launched in the Xerostomia market or expected to get launched in the market during the study period 2022–2036. The analysis covers Xerostomia market uptake by drugs, patient uptake by therapies, and sales of each drug.

 

This will help in understanding the Xerostomia drugs with the most rapid uptake and the reasons behind the maximal use of new drugs and allows the comparison of the drugs based on market share and size, which again will be useful in investigating factors important in the market uptake and in making financial and regulatory decisions.

 

Xerostomia Pipeline Development Activities

The report provides insights into different therapeutic candidates in Phase II, and Phase III stages. It also analyzes Xerostomia’s key players involved in developing targeted therapeutics.

 

Xerostomia market clinical trial development activities

The report covers detailed information on collaborations, acquisitions, and mergers, licensing patent details, and other information for Xerostomia emerging therapies.

 

Xerostomia Reimbursement Scenario

Approaching reimbursement proactively can have a positive impact both during the late stages of product development and well after product launch. In a report, we consider reimbursement to identify economically attractive indications and market opportunities. When working with finite resources, the ability to select the markets with the fewest reimbursement barriers can be a critical business and price strategy.

 

KOL Views

To keep up with current epidemiology and market trends, we take KOLs and SMEs' opinions working in the Xerostomia domain through primary research to fill the data gaps and validate our secondary research. Their opinion helps to understand and validate current and emerging therapies and treatment patterns along with Xerostomia market trends. This will support the clients in potential upcoming novel treatments by identifying the overall scenario of the market and the unmet needs.

 

Competitive Intelligence Analysis

We perform competitive and market intelligence analysis of the Xerostomia market by using various competitive intelligence tools that include – SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, Porter's five forces, BCG Matrix, Market entry strategies, etc. The inclusion of the analysis entirely depends upon the data availability.

 

Scope of the Report

• Descriptive overview of Xerostomia, disease overview, patient journeys, treatment algorithms, diagnosis, and currently available therapies
• Comprehensive insight into the Xerostomia epidemiology and forecasts in the 7MM
• An all-inclusive account of both the current and emerging therapies for Xerostomia, along with the assessment of new therapies, expected to have an impact on the current treatment landscape
• Exhaustive analysis of the Xerostomia market; historical and forecasted covering drug outreach in the 7MM
• Detailed patient-based market forecasting determines the trends shaping and driving the global Xerostomia market

 

Report Highlights

• In the coming years, the Xerostomia market is set to change due to the rising awareness of the disease and incremental healthcare spending across the world; which would expand the size of the market to enable the drug manufacturers to penetrate more into the market
• The companies and academics are working to assess challenges and seek opportunities that could influence Xerostomia R&D. The therapies under development are focused on novel approaches to treat/improve the disease condition
• Major players are involved in developing Xerostomia therapies. The launch of emerging therapies will significantly impact the Xerostomia market
• A better understanding of Xerostomia pathogenesis will also contribute to the development of novel therapeutics for Xerostomia
• Our in-depth analysis of the Xerostomia pipeline assets across different stages of development (Phase III and Phase II), emerging trends, and comparative analysis of pipeline products with detailed clinical profiles, key cross-competition, launch date along with product development activities will support the clients in the decision-making process regarding their therapeutic portfolio by identifying the overall scenario of the research and development activities

 

Xerostomia Report Insights

• Patient-Based Market Forecasting 
• Therapeutic approaches
• Xerostomia pipeline analysis
• Xerostomia market size and trends
• Xerostomia market opportunities
• Impact of upcoming therapies

 

Xerostomia Report Key Strengths

• 11 years forecast
• 7MM Coverage
• Xerostomia epidemiology segmentation
• Key cross competition
• KOL views
• Xerostomia drugs uptake

 

Xerostomia Report Assessment

• Current treatment practices
• Unmet needs
• Xerostomia pipeline product profiles
• Xerostomia market attractiveness

 

Key Questions

Xerostomia market insights:

• What would be the Xerostomia market growth till 2032, and what will be the resultant market size in 2036?
• What was the Xerostomia drug class share (in percentage) distribution in 2022, and how would it look in 2036?
• What would be the Xerostomia total market size and market size by therapies across the 7MM during the forecast period (2026–2036)?
• What are the key findings of the market across 7MM, and which country will have the largest Xerostomia market size during the forecast period (2026–2036)
• How would the unmet needs affect the Xerostomia market dynamics and subsequent analysis of the associated trends?

 

Xerostomia Epidemiology Insights:

• What are the disease risk, burden, and regional/ethnic differences of Xerostomia?
• What is the historical and forecasted Xerostomia patient pool in 7MM, and where can one observe the highest patient population and growth opportunities? 
• What are the key factors driving the epidemiology trends for seven major markets covering the United States, EU4 (Germany, Spain, France, Italy), and the UK, and Japan?

 

Current Treatment Scenario, Marketed Drugs, and Emerging Therapies

• What are the current treatment guidelines and treatment options, in addition to approved therapies for Xerostomia in the US, Europe, and Japan?
• What are the key collaborations (Industry–Industry, Industry-Academia), mergers and acquisitions, and licensing activities related to Xerostomia therapies?
• What are the recent novel therapies, targets, mechanisms of action, and technologies being developed to overcome the limitation of existing therapies?
• What are the clinical studies going on for Xerostomia and its status, along with the challenges faced?

 

Reasons to Buy

• The patient-based market forecast analysis will help in developing business strategies by understanding trends shaping and driving the Xerostomia market
• Organize sales and marketing efforts by identifying the best opportunities for Xerostomia in the US, EU4 (Germany, Spain, Italy, France), and the United Kingdom, and Japan
• Identification of strong upcoming players in the market that will help devise strategies that will help in getting ahead of competitors