Global Analgesics Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2031

Analgesics Market Analysis

The global analgesics market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the rising prevalence of chronic conditions such as arthritis, cancer, and neuropathic pain, as well as the increasing need for pain management solutions post-surgery or trauma. Analgesics, commonly known as painkillers, include a wide variety of medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and combination drugs that target pain relief. The market is bolstered by the growing geriatric population, which is more prone to conditions requiring pain management, and the increased adoption of over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics. However, the market faces challenges, such as the opioid crisis, which has led to stringent regulatory measures and reduced opioid prescriptions in several countries. Despite this, the demand for non-opioid analgesics and newer formulations like extended-release painkillers remains high, particularly in regions like North America, which dominates the market. Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific are also witnessing rapid growth due to rising disposable incomes, improved healthcare infrastructure, and increased awareness of pain management therapies. Major pharmaceutical companies continue to innovate within this space, developing advanced analgesic drugs to address both acute and chronic pain, contributing to the market's expansion.

Analgesics Market Size

The global analgesics market size was valued at USD 53.72 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 77.52 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 4.69% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include depth expert analysis, patient epidemiology, pipeline analysis, pricing analysis, and regulatory framework.

Analgesics Market Trends

“Rising Adoption of Non-Opioid Analgesics”

The global analgesics market is witnessing steady growth, driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and increasing demand for pain management solutions. A notable trend within this market is the shift towards non-opioid analgesics due to the growing concerns surrounding opioid addiction and the associated regulatory restrictions. For instance, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen are gaining traction as safer alternatives for treating pain. The launch of ZYNRELEF by Heron Therapeutics in 2021, a non-opioid, extended-release product designed for postsurgical analgesia, providing effective pain relief for up to 72 hours. This shift is also supported by the increasing focus on over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics, which are more accessible and preferred by consumers for managing mild to moderate pain. The growing demand for safer, more effective pain management solutions is driving pharmaceutical companies to innovate, expanding the global analgesics market.

Report Scope and Analgesics Market Segmentation  

Analgesics Market Definition

Analgesics, commonly known as painkillers, are medications designed to relieve pain without causing a loss of consciousness. They work by reducing or blocking the body's pain signals and are used to treat a wide range of pain, from mild discomfort to severe pain associated with surgery, injury, or chronic conditions such as arthritis. 

Analgesics Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases significantly contributes to the demand for analgesics, as conditions like arthritis, cancer, and neuropathic pain require effective pain management solutions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.5 billion people globally suffer from chronic pain, with arthritis affecting over 350 million individuals. As these conditions often result in persistent pain, patients seek analgesic treatments to improve their quality of life and manage their symptoms effectively. For instance, the American Cancer Society reports that about 50-90% of cancer patients experience pain at some point in their illness, highlighting the critical need for analgesics in oncology. This growing burden of chronic diseases is a key driver of the analgesics market, as healthcare providers and patients increasingly rely on both prescription and over-the-counter medications to address pain-related challenges effectively. The rising demand for effective pain management solutions continues to shape the landscape of the global analgesics market.

• Growing Awareness and Demand for Effective Pain Management

Growing awareness and demand for effective pain management are significantly influencing the analgesics market, as both healthcare providers and patients increasingly recognize the importance of addressing pain comprehensively in acute and chronic situations. According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, approximately 20% of adults worldwide experience chronic pain, highlighting the critical need for effective pain management strategies. As a result, healthcare systems are placing greater emphasis on pain relief protocols, with studies showing that effective pain management can improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Such recognition of pain as a significant public health issue is leading to a higher adoption rate of analgesics in clinical settings, encouraging pharmaceutical companies to innovate and expand their pain management product offerings. As the focus on pain management continues to grow, it serves as a vital driver of the global analgesics market.

Opportunities

• Increasing Research and Development on Novel Therapies

Research and development of novel therapies in the analgesics market present a substantial opportunity for introducing innovative pain relief options, particularly through the exploration of biologics and cannabinoids. As our understanding of pain mechanisms deepens, researchers are identifying new molecular targets that can be harnessed for pain management. For instance, the investigation of cannabinoids, such as CBD (cannabidiol), has shown promising results in clinical studies for treating various pain conditions, including neuropathic pain and chronic inflammation, due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, biologics such as monoclonal antibodies targeting specific pain pathways have emerged as potential alternatives to traditional analgesics, offering new hope for patients with chronic pain who do not respond to conventional treatments. The ongoing research into these novel therapies broadens the therapeutic landscape and addresses the critical need for safer and more effective pain management solutions. As these innovative therapies move closer to clinical application, they are likely to transform the analgesics market, presenting significant opportunities for pharmaceutical companies to develop and commercialize new pain relief options that meet patient needs.

• Increasing Advancements in Drug Formulations

Advancements in drug formulations represent a significant opportunity in the analgesics market, particularly through innovations in drug delivery systems that enhance effectiveness and convenience for patients. Technologies such as transdermal patches and extended-release formulations allow for sustained pain relief with improved patient compliance. Additionally, combination therapies that integrate multiple analgesic agents can provide synergistic effects, enhancing pain relief while potentially lowering the dosage of individual medications, thus reducing side effects. The development of such innovative formulations addresses the challenges of adherence and aligns with the increasing demand for more efficient pain management solutions. As patients and healthcare providers seek safer and more effective analgesic options, these advancements pave the way for expanded market opportunities, making it essential for pharmaceutical companies to invest in research and development in this area.

Restraints/Challenges

• Regulatory Restrictions for Opioid-Based Products

Regulatory restrictions pose a significant challenge in the analgesics market, especially for opioid-based products, as stringent regulations aim to combat concerns related to abuse and addiction. For instance, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has implemented comprehensive guidelines that dictate the prescribing and dispensing of opioids, including risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS) to ensure their safe use. These regulations require healthcare providers to undergo specific training, patients to be closely monitored, and detailed documentation for prescriptions, which can create barriers for patients who genuinely need these medications for pain management. This regulatory environment can lead to decreased availability of effective pain relief options, impacting patient care and satisfaction while fostering a climate of caution that may further stigmatize the use of opioids in legitimate medical contexts.

• Adverse Effects and Tolerability Issues

Adverse effects and tolerability issues present a significant challenge in the analgesics market, as many pain relief medications are associated with a range of side effects that can limit their use and effectiveness. For instance, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), commonly prescribed for pain management, have been linked to gastrointestinal complications, such as ulcers and bleeding, particularly in long-term users. Similarly, opioids, while effective for managing severe pain, carry the risk of addiction and the development of tolerance, necessitating higher doses over time to achieve the same effect. This risk has led to increased scrutiny and caution in prescribing practices, making patients hesitant to use opioids even when needed for pain management. Such adverse effects can significantly affect patient compliance and satisfaction, as individuals may abandon effective pain management strategies due to fears of side effects, ultimately complicating their pain management journeys and creating barriers to optimal care.

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Analgesics Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of pain type, drug class, type, application, route of administration, end user, and distribution channel. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyse meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Pain Type

• Acute
• Chronic

Drug Class

• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
• Opioids
  • Morphine
  • Fentanyl
  • Codiene
  • Methadone
  • Meperidine
  • Oxycodone
  • Tramadol
  • Dextromethorphan
  • Buprenorphine
  • Others
• Salicylates
• Others

Type

• Prescription Drugs
• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs

Application

• Musculoskeletal Pain
• Surgical and Trauma-Related Pain
• Cancer Pain
• Neuropathic Pain
• Migraines
• Obstetrical Pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Pain Due to Burns
• Dental/Facial Pain
• Pediatric Pain
• Others

Route of Administration

• Oral
• Parenteral
• Others

End-Users

• Hospitals
• Specialty Clinics
• Homecare
• Others

Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacy
• Retail Pharmacy
• Online Pharmacy
• Others

Analgesics Market Regional Analysis

The market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, pain type, drug class, type, application, route of administration, end user, and distribution channel as referenced above.

The countries covered in the market report are U.S., Canada and Mexico in North America, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Rest of Europe in Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC) in the Asia-Pacific (APAC), Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., South Africa, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA) as a part of Middle East and Africa (MEA), Brazil, Argentina and Rest of South America as part of South America.

North America dominates the analgesics market in both market share and revenue and is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This is attributed to the increasing incidence of chronic and acute pain, alongside rising healthcare spending, which will drive market growth in the region. Furthermore, the strong presence of key industry players and the growing adoption of advanced technologies will further accelerate market expansion.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to experience the fastest growth in the analgesics market during the forecast period of 2024-2031, driven by increasing disposable income levels, which are boosting healthcare access and spending. Additionally, the ongoing development and modernization of healthcare infrastructure across key countries in the region is enhancing the availability of medical treatments. The rising number of generic drug manufacturers is also contributing to more affordable pain management solutions, further accelerating market growth in Asia-Pacific. This combination of factors positions the region for robust expansion in the coming years.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.  

Analgesics Market Share

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

Analgesics Market Leaders Operating in the Market Are:

• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland)
• Viatris Inc. (U.S.)
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Ireland)
• Sanofi (France)
• Pfizer Inc. (U.S.)
• GSK plc (U.K.)
• Novartis AG (Switzerland)
• Merck & Co., Inc. (U.S.)
• AstraZeneca (U.K.)
• Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. (U.S.)
• Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC (U.K.)
• Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (India)
• Lupin (India)
• Fresenius Kabi AG (Germany)
• Aurobindo Pharma (India)
• Cipla (U.S.)
• Bausch Health Companies Inc. (Canada)
• Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. (U.S.)
• Apotex Inc. (Canada)
• Lilly (U.S.)

Latest Developments in Analgesics Market

• In July 2021, Heron Therapeutics Inc., a U.S.-based company, launched ZYNRELEF, an extended-release product designed to provide postsurgical pain relief for up to 72 hours after procedures such as bunionectomy, inguinal hernia repair, or total knee replacement, targeting soft tissue and periarticular applications
• In June 2021, Bayer bolstered its presence in the Indian market by launching its Consumer Health division, aiming to enhance access to over-the-counter (OTC) health products. This move supports Bayer's strategy to expand its consumer health portfolio in key emerging markets such as India
• In January 2021, Eli Lilly & Co. finalized a licensing agreement with Japan's Asahi Kasei Pharma, allowing the U.S. based company to develop and commercialize Asahi Kasei's innovative therapies. The partnership is focused on advancing treatments in key therapeutic areas, benefiting patients globally
• In January 2021, Pfizer formed a partnership with Premier, a U.S.-based healthcare improvement company, to provide five essential medications to healthcare practitioners, aimed at addressing both immediate and long-term medication needs for various patient care interventions
• In May 2020, California-based Assertio Therapeutics, Inc. merged with Pennsylvania-based Zyla Life Sciences, forming an expanding commercial pharmaceutical company focused on neurology, inflammation, and pain management products

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