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Cough

Respiratory
28
Pipeline Programs
25
Companies
37
Clinical Trials
1 recruiting
0
Approved Products

Pipeline by Development Stage

Preclinical
Phase 1
Phase 1/2
Phase 2
Phase 2/3
Phase 3
On Market
0
3
3
12
0
8
2
Early DiscoveryClinical DevelopmentMarket

Drug Modality Breakdown

Small Molecule
1100%
+ 46 programs with unclassified modality

Respiratory is a $39.4B mature market dominated by established inhalers and combination therapies with significant patent cliff risk.

$39.4B marketMature→ Stable30 products15 companies

Key Trends

  • Consolidation around GSK's triple-therapy franchises (Trelegy, Breo, Anoro)
  • Major patent expirations 2026-2031 creating $7.8B revenue cliff
  • High clinical trial activity (4,862 trials) suggesting pipeline innovation despite market maturity

Career Verdict

Respiratory offers stable commercial careers but limited growth upside; best for professionals seeking established markets with strong commercial infrastructure rather than innovation-driven advancement.

AI-generated market analysis based on FDA, CMS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and hiring data

Market Leaders

#1ELIQUISGrowing
$18.3B
Bristol Myers Squibb·Launch15.0yr
#3TRELEGY ELLIPTADeclining
$4.5B
GSK·Peak4.9yr
#4CREONDeclining
$1.5B
AbbVie·Approaching LOE
#5BREO ELLIPTADeclining
$1.4B
GSK·Peak4.9yr

Drug Class Breakdown

FXa Inhibitors
$18.3B(46%)

dominant market driver

Unknown/Undisclosed Mechanism
$9.7B(25%)

fragmented portfolio

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
$7.4B(19%)

rapidly expanding

Pancreatic Enzymes
$1.5B(4%)

legacy product

Corticosteroid/LABA Combinations
$796M(2%)

patent cliff approaching

Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists
$456M(1%)

mature maintenance therapy

Career Outlook

Stable

Respiratory is a stable, mature market suitable for commercial and medical affairs professionals seeking established career paths, but offers limited growth or innovation-focused opportunities. The impending patent cliff ($7.8B+ revenue at risk 2026-2031) will drive near-term restructuring and consolidation, potentially reducing headcount in 2027-2028. Professionals should expect strong compensation in Medical Affairs and field roles but limited advancement into strategic or R&D positions.

Breaking In

New graduates should prioritize commercial, field-based, or Medical Affairs roles over R&D; respiratory offers structured training and stable compensation but limited innovation exposure, so pair this experience with cross-therapeutic skill-building for long-term mobility.

For Experienced Professionals

Experienced professionals should evaluate whether to maximize earnings in this mature, stable market or transition to higher-growth areas (oncology, cell therapy); respiratory consolidation 2027-2030 will reduce senior-level opportunities, so consider strategic moves before patent cliff impacts headcount.

In-Demand Skills

Commercial execution and territory managementMedical Affairs/Key Opinion Leader engagementRegulatory affairs and lifecycle managementInhalation device expertise and product trainingManaged care and payer negotiations

Best For

Brand ManagerMedical Science LiaisonRegional Sales ManagerField Medical RepresentativePayer Relations ManagerRegulatory Specialist

Hiring Landscape

$84K-$314K

The respiratory sector shows modest hiring momentum (510 jobs across tracked positions) concentrated in commercial and engineering roles, with AstraZeneca and GSK leading. Medical Affairs positions command premium salaries ($314K avg) but represent only 3% of openings, reflecting the mature market's focus on sales execution over innovation. Hiring velocity is moderate and reflects market consolidation rather than expansion, suggesting limited career progression opportunities for early-to-mid career professionals.

510
Open Roles
5
Companies Hiring
5
Departments

Top Hiring Companies

43Stable
70Growing
45Stable
15Stable

By Department

Commercial(23%)
$122K
Engineering(11%)
$111K
Medical Affairs(3%)
$314K
IT(4%)
$84K
Manufacturing(3%)

Respiratory hiring favors commercial and field-based roles over R&D; Medical Affairs roles offer premium compensation but are scarce, making this area competitive for specialized talent.

Competitive Landscape

25 companies ranked by most advanced pipeline stage

Pfizer
PfizerNEW YORK, NY
1 program
1
Dextromethorphan HydrobromidePhase 41 trial
Active Trials
NCT02651116Terminated131Est. Mar 2020
AstraZeneca
AstraZenecaCAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom
1 program
1
EsomeprazolePhase 4Small Molecule1 trial
Active Trials
NCT00287339Completed40Est. Sep 2008
Medica Corp
Medica CorpMA - Bedford
3 programs
1
2
ReconylPhase 31 trial
RengalinPhase 31 trial
ReconylPhase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT06510257Completed60Est. Oct 2024
NCT07420491Completed144Est. Oct 2025
NCT07171099Recruiting264Est. Dec 2028
Tasly Pharmaceutical
Tasly PharmaceuticalChina - Tianjin
2 programs
1
1
Susu Xiao'er Zhike GranulesPhase 31 trial
High dose Susu Xiao'er Zhike Granules 1 bagPhase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT04457011Completed240Est. Feb 2022
NCT06773117Not Yet Recruiting360Est. Dec 2027
Dexa Medica
Dexa MedicaIndonesia - Tangerang
2 programs
1
1
ReconylPhase 3
ReconylPhase 2
Dompé
DompéItaly - L'Aquila
1 program
1
Levopront® syrup 30 mg/5 mlPhase 31 trial
Active Trials
NCT03837938Completed184Est. Jul 2018
Human BioSciences
Human BioSciencesWV - Martinsburg
1 program
1
Peramivir+SOCPhase 31 trial
Active Trials
NCT00958776Terminated405Est. Oct 2013
EMS
EMSBrazil - Hortolândia
1 program
1
Syrup of oxomemazine, guaifenesin and potassium iodatePhase 31 trial
Active Trials
NCT01257243Completed260Est. Oct 2013
Ache Laboratorios Farmaceuticos
1 program
1
TranspulminPhase 31 trial
Active Trials
NCT02581397Terminated270Est. Dec 2016
MSD
MSDIreland - Ballydine
4 programs
3
SCH 486757Phase 21 trial
SCH 486757Phase 21 trial
SCH 619734Phase 21 trial
Adenosine triphosphateN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT05713019Unknown20Est. Aug 2024
NCT00506987Completed31Est. Nov 2007
NCT00230230Completed91Est. Apr 2007
+1 more trials
Sharp Therapeutics
Sharp TherapeuticsPA - Pittsburgh
4 programs
3
SCH 486757Phase 2
SCH 486757Phase 2
SCH 619734Phase 2
Adenosine triphosphateN/A
ViiV Healthcare
ViiV HealthcareNC - Durham
4 programs
2
1
1
GSK2339345Phase 2
GSK2798745Phase 1/2
GSK2339345Phase 1
GSK2339345Phase 1
NeRRe Therapeutics
NeRRe TherapeuticsUK - Stevenage
1 program
1
Orvepitant MaleatePhase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT05185089Completed80Est. Jun 2024
Createrna Science
Createrna ScienceChina - Shanghai
1 program
1
QR052107B 100 mgPhase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT06920836Completed270Est. Dec 2023
Bayer
BayerLEVERKUSEN, Germany
3 programs
1
2
BAY1817080Phase 1/21 trial
BAY1902607Phase 1/21 trial
BAY1817080Phase 11 trial
Active Trials
NCT04423744Completed42Est. Jan 2021
NCT03310645Completed87Est. Jun 2019
NCT03535168Completed59Est. Oct 2019
GSK
GSKLONDON, United Kingdom
8 programs
BLU-5937PHASE_11 trial
BLU-5937 IRPHASE_11 trial
CamlipixantPHASE_11 trial
CamlipixantPHASE_12 trials
CamlipixantPHASE_11 trial
+3 more programs
Active Trials
NCT03638180Completed90Est. Oct 2018
NCT05570539Completed30Est. Jul 2024
NCT05899829Completed42Est. Aug 2023
+6 more trials
Stuart Therapeutics
1 program
Adenosine TriphosphateN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT03722849Completed58Est. May 2022
Allergy Therapeutics
Allergy TherapeuticsUK - West Sussex
1 program
Clinical Evaluation of QFlu Combo TestN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT01506583Completed506Est. May 2012
Philips
PhilipsNetherlands - Amsterdam
1 program
Cough monitoringN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT07098793Completed39Est. Oct 2024
Biocorp
BiocorpFrance - Issoire
1 program
Prevalence and Main Features of Chronic Refractory Cough.N/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT04078542Unknown400Est. Dec 2022
Otsuka
OtsukaJapan - Tokushima
1 program
ProcaterolN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT02349919Unknown74Est. Jan 2018
Syntara
SyntaraAustralia - Frenchs Forest
1 program
bronchial provocation test with mannitolN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT00916526Completed30Est. Sep 2010
Sanofi
SanofiPARIS, France
1 program
Ambroxol HydrochloridePHASE_21 trial
Active Trials
NCT03415269Completed14Est. Apr 2018
UCB Pharma
UCB PharmaBelgium - Brussels
1 program
levocetirizine dihydrochloridePHASE_21 trial
Active Trials
NCT00520754Completed15Est. Mar 2003
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals
1 program
Peramivir+SOCPHASE_3

Trial Timeline

Clinical trial activity over time

2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
PfizerDextromethorphan Hydrobromide
AstraZenecaEsomeprazole
Medica CorpRengalin
Tasly PharmaceuticalSusu Xiao'er Zhike Granules
Medica CorpReconyl
GSKBLU-5937
GSKBLU-5937
DompéLevopront® syrup 30 mg/5 ml
Ache Laboratorios FarmaceuticosTranspulmin
EMSSyrup of oxomemazine, guaifenesin and potassium iodate
Human BioSciencesPeramivir+SOC
GSKCamlipixant
Medica CorpReconyl
Createrna ScienceQR052107B 100 mg
NeRRe TherapeuticsOrvepitant Maleate

Showing 15 of 37 trials with date data

Clinical Trials (37)

Total enrollment: 6,682 patients across 37 trials

NCT02651116PfizerDextromethorphan Hydrobromide

Dextromethorphan Pediatric Acute Cough Study

Start: Feb 2016Est. completion: Mar 2020131 patients
Phase 4Terminated

The Utility of Nexium in Chronic Cough and Reflux Disease

Start: Sep 2005Est. completion: Sep 200840 patients
Phase 4Completed

Efficacy and Safety of Rengalin in the Treatment of ARVI Cough in Children

Start: Oct 2025Est. completion: Dec 2028264 patients
Phase 3Recruiting
NCT06773117Tasly PharmaceuticalSusu Xiao'er Zhike Granules

Phase III Trial of Susu Zhike Granules in Children With Cold-cough Syndrome for Acute Cough Treatment

Start: Sep 2025Est. completion: Dec 2027360 patients
Phase 3Not Yet Recruiting

The Efficacy and Safety of Reconyl in Acute Cough Treatment

Start: Jun 2025Est. completion: Oct 2025144 patients
Phase 3Completed

A 24-Week Study of the Efficacy and Safety of BLU-5937 in Adults With Refractory Chronic Cough

Start: Dec 2022Est. completion: Mar 2027975 patients
Phase 3Active Not Recruiting

A 52-Week Study of the Efficacy and Safety of BLU-5937 in Adults With Refractory Chronic Cough

Start: Oct 2022Est. completion: May 2026825 patients
Phase 3Active Not Recruiting
NCT03837938DompéLevopront® syrup 30 mg/5 ml

Clinical Trial of Efficacy and Safety of Levopront® 30 mg/5 ml in Patients With Dry Cough

Start: Nov 2016Est. completion: Jul 2018184 patients
Phase 3Completed

Transpulmin Suppository and Guaiacol Compared to Transpulmin Syrup in Pediatric Participants With Productive Cough

Start: May 2015Est. completion: Dec 2016270 patients
Phase 3Terminated
NCT01257243EMSSyrup of oxomemazine, guaifenesin and potassium iodate

Comparison Between Oxomemazine, Guaifenesin and Potassium Iodate Versus Guaifenesin Monotherapy in Acute Cough Treatment

Start: Oct 2012Est. completion: Oct 2013260 patients
Phase 3Completed

A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of IV Peramivir in Addition to Standard of Care Compared to Standard of Care Alone in Adults and Adolescents Who Are Hospitalized Due to Influenza

Start: Nov 2009Est. completion: Oct 2013405 patients
Phase 3Terminated
NCT07519395GSKCamlipixant

A Study to Investigate Abdominal Symptoms With Camlipixant Compared With Placebo in Adults With Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Diarrhea (IBS-D) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Mixed (IBS-M)

Start: Apr 2026Est. completion: Jul 2027420 patients
Phase 2Not Yet Recruiting

Safety and Efficacy Reconyl for Cough With/Without Sore Throat

Start: Jul 2024Est. completion: Oct 202460 patients
Phase 2Completed

QR052107B Tablets in Patients With Subacute Cough of Phase Ⅱ Study

Start: Jun 2023Est. completion: Dec 2023270 patients
Phase 2Completed

Efficacy and Safety Study of Orvepitant for Chronic Cough in Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Start: Aug 2022Est. completion: Jun 202480 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT04457011Tasly PharmaceuticalHigh dose Susu Xiao'er Zhike Granules 1 bag

Efficacy and Safety of Susu Zhike Granules for Treating Acute Cough Due to Common Cold With Cold-cough Syndrome in Children

Start: Sep 2020Est. completion: Feb 2022240 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT03415269SanofiAmbroxol Hydrochloride

A Study of the Effect of 20 mg Ambroxol Hydrochloride on Acute Cough.

Start: Feb 2018Est. completion: Apr 201814 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT00506987MSDSCH 486757

Study of the Efficacy and Safety of SCH 486757 in Subjects With Chronic Cough (Study P04887)

Start: Jan 2007Est. completion: Nov 200731 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT00506545MSDSCH 619734

Study of the Efficacy and Safety of SCH 619734 in Subjects With Chronic Cough From an Unknown Cause (Study P04888)

Start: Jan 2007Est. completion: Oct 200735 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT00230230MSDSCH 486757

Comparison of SCH 486757 to Codeine and Placebo in Subjects With Persistent Postviral Cough (Study P03069AM2)(COMPLETED)

Start: Oct 2005Est. completion: Apr 200791 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT00520754UCB Pharmalevocetirizine dihydrochloride

Efficacy and Safety of Levocetirizine for Treatment of Recurrent Cough Associated With Other Allergic Symptoms in Children

Start: Dec 2001Est. completion: Mar 200315 patients
Phase 2Completed

Repeat Doses of BAY1902607 in Healthy Males and Proof of Concept in Chronic Cough Patients

Start: May 2018Est. completion: Oct 201959 patients
Phase 1/2Completed

Repeat Doses of BAY 1817080 in Healthy Males & Proof of Concept in Chronic Cough Patients

Start: Dec 2017Est. completion: Jun 201987 patients
Phase 1/2Completed
NCT06497517GSKGSK5464714- Camlipixant

A Study to Investigate the Effect of Food on Camlipixant Concentrations in Healthy Participants

Start: Jul 2024Est. completion: Aug 202414 patients
Phase 1Completed
NCT06222892GSKCamlipixant

A Study of Camlipixant in Male and Female Healthy Participants and Participants With Hepatic Impairment Aged 18-75 Years of Age

Start: Feb 2024Est. completion: Dec 202432 patients
Phase 1Completed
NCT05959447GSKCamlipixant

Evaluation of the Potential Drug-drug Interactions Between Gemfibrozil or Dabigatran Etexilate and Camlipixant

Start: Jul 2023Est. completion: Oct 202345 patients
Phase 1Completed
NCT05899829GSKCamlipixant

Evaluation of the Effect of Rifampin and Rabeprazole on the Pharmacokinetics of Camlipixant

Start: Jun 2023Est. completion: Aug 202342 patients
Phase 1Completed
NCT05570539GSKBLU-5937 IR

Assessment of the Pharmacokinetics of BLU-5937 Extended Release Prototypes and a BLU-5937 Immediate Release Reference Formulation

Start: Oct 2022Est. completion: Jul 202430 patients
Phase 1Completed

Study to Gather Information on the Influence of BAY1817080 on the Electrical Activity of the Heart Recorded by an Electrocardiogram in Healthy Male and Female Participants

Start: Jun 2020Est. completion: Jan 202142 patients
Phase 1Completed

BLU-5937: First-in-Human, Single and Multiple Doses Escalation, Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics and Food Effect

Start: Jul 2018Est. completion: Oct 201890 patients
Phase 1Completed
NCT05713019MSDAdenosine triphosphate

ATP and P2X3 Receptor in Chronic Cough

Start: Feb 2023Est. completion: Aug 202420 patients
N/AUnknown
NCT07098793PhilipsCough monitoring

Cough Monitoring in COPD

Start: May 2022Est. completion: Oct 202439 patients
N/ACompleted
NCT04078542BiocorpPrevalence and Main Features of Chronic Refractory Cough.

Prevalence and Main Features of Chronic Refractory Cough.

Start: Jan 2020Est. completion: Dec 2022400 patients
N/AUnknown
NCT03722849Stuart TherapeuticsAdenosine Triphosphate

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of ATP Cough in Chronic Cough Patients

Start: Mar 2019Est. completion: May 202258 patients
N/ACompleted

Effect of Oral Procaterol on Postinfectious Persistent Cough

Start: Mar 2015Est. completion: Jan 201874 patients
N/AUnknown
NCT01506583Allergy TherapeuticsClinical Evaluation of QFlu Combo Test

Clinical Evaluation of QFlu Combo Test

Start: Nov 2010Est. completion: May 2012506 patients
N/ACompleted
NCT00916526Syntarabronchial provocation test with mannitol

Measurement of Exhaled Nitric Oxide (NO) and Bronchial Provocation Test With Mannitol as a Predictor of Response to Inhaled Corticosteroids in Chronic Cough

Start: Nov 2008Est. completion: Sep 201030 patients
N/ACompleted

Related Jobs in Respiratory

Phase Legend

PreclinicalLab & animal studies
Phase 1Safety & dosing
Phase 2Efficacy testing
Phase 3Large-scale trials
On MarketApproved & available

Key Insights

8 late-stage (Phase 3) programs, potential near-term approvals
1 actively recruiting trials targeting 6,682 patients
25 companies competing in this space

The information on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from FDA, DailyMed, and other government databases. Adverse event data from FAERS does not establish causation. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical decisions.