Painkillers Market Snapshot

The global painkillers market is expected to enjoy a valuation of USD 70.0 Billion by the end of the year 2023, and further expand at a CAGR of 3.7% to reach a valuation of ~USD 100.9 Billion by the year 2033. According to a recent study by Future Market Insights, opioids are leading the market with a share of about 53.4% in the year 2022, within the global market.

Market Outlook:

Data Points Market Insights
Market Value 2022 USD 67.7 Billion
Market Value 2023 USD 70.0 Billion
Market Value 2033 USD 100.9 Billion
CAGR 2023 to 2032 3.7%
Market Share of Top 5 Countries (2022) 59.1%
Key Market Players AbbVie Inc. (Allergan plc), Bristol Myers Squibb Co., Sanofi S.A., Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Pfizer Inc., Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. (Cadila Pharmaceuticals), GSK plc., Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Novartis AG, Johnson & Johnson (Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc., Bayer AG, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Procter & Gamble, AstraZeneca, Cardinal Health, Perrigo Company Plc., Bausch Health Companies Inc., Viatris, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, and Purdue Pharmaceuticals L.P.

Manufacturers are focused on developing non-opioid drugs with a novel extended-release delivery approach that can relieve postoperative pain over a longer period of time. Opioid drugs are highly effective pain relievers, but they are also highly addictive and can lead to abuse and dependence. The opioid epidemic has led to a growing need for non-opioid pain management options.

Overall, the development of non-opioid extended-release pain medications is an important step in addressing the opioid epidemic and providing patients with a safer option, thereby will drive the overall growth of the painkillers market during the forecast period (2023 to 2033).

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Sales Analysis of Painkillers from 2018 to 2022 Vs Market Outlook for 2023 to 2033

The market value for painkillers was around 4.8% of the overall ~USD 1,400.5 Billion of the global pharmaceuticals market in 2022.

An increasing number of patients suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), various prescription drugs for postoperative pain management, and various traumas leading to pain are expected to fuel the growth of global market for painkillers.

  • According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 1.8 million new cases of cancer were detected in the United States in 2020.
  • According to the National Cancer Institute, pain occurs in 20% to 50% of cancer patients. About 80% of patients with advanced cancer experience moderate to severe pain. By 2030, the number of cancer cases in the USA is expected to increase to 2.3 million, largely due to an aging population.

Certain health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases are known to increase the risk of developing chronic pain and neuropathic pain. Therefore, it is important that healthcare providers are aware of the increasing prevalence of these conditions and provide appropriate treatment strategies to improve patients’ quality of life.

Overall, the global market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period (2023 to 2033).

What are the Key Opportunities for the Key Players?

The regulatory scenario for painkillers can have a significant impact on the growth of the market. In recent years, opioid pain medications have come under increased scrutiny, resulting in stricter regulations and restrictions on their use. This has created opportunities for non-opioid pain medications such as NSAIDs and other non-narcotic medications to gain market share. In addition, regulatory initiatives to improve pain management and reduce opioid abuse, such as prescription drug monitoring programs and physician education programs, may create opportunities for companies offering alternative pain management solutions.

Overall, the regulatory scenario for painkillers is complex and evolving. However, regulatory initiatives that promote safe and effective pain management can create growth opportunities for the painkillers manufacturers, especially for companies that offer innovative solutions.

The companies that navigate the regulatory landscape and invest in innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of patients and healthcare providers offer lucrative growth opportunities for the market and will raise the market to new heights during the forecast period from 2023 to 2033.

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Sabyasachi Ghosh

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What are the Factors Restraining Demand for Painkillers?

Per capita use of opioids is low in Asian countries. According to the Global Opioids Policy Initiative (GOPI), some of the main factors responsible for low opioid use in Asia and Africa include: full patient cost coverage is required, patient registration required before prescribing opioids, and physicians must obtain special permission to prescribe opioids.

The availability of painkillers in Asian and African countries may have a significant impact on the growth of the painkiller market in these regions. In many of these countries, access to painkillers is limited due to various factors such as lack of infrastructure, regulatory issues, and economic constraints. This can lead to a significant unmet need for painkillers, which can ultimately impact the growth of the market.

These factors are negatively impacting the growth of the painkillers market in Asia and Africa and projections have been made which are restraining the growth of the market during the forecast period from 2023 to 2033 in the world.

Country–wise Insights

What Makes the USA a Large Market for Painkillers?

With a market share of 91.5% in 2022, the USA will continue to dominate the North American region. This large market share is expected to continue throughout the forecast period.

In the USA, palliative care facilities are provided in accordance with government and commercial reimbursement guidelines. Palliative care programs in hospitals in the USA include dedicated inpatient palliative care units and palliative care consultation teams.

Also, the American Chronic Pain Association has designated September as Pain Awareness Month, and more than 80 organizations and healthcare professionals, and consumer groups have supported the initiative. This will result in the propulsion of demand for painkillers in the country during the forecast period of 2023 to 2033.

What is the Outlook of Germany Market?

Germany dominates the Western European region with a total market share of about 25.6% in 2022 and is expected to continue to experience the same growth throughout the forecast period.

In Germany, there is a growing interest in personalized medicine, which is also reflected in the painkillers market. Pharmaceutical companies are developing painkillers tailored to specific patient groups, such as the elderly or people with kidney problems, in order to achieve more targeted and effective pain relief. This will foster profitable market growth over the course of the forecast period.

What is the Stance of Japan within the Painkillers Market Space?

Japan dominates the East Asia region with market share of 45.1% in 2022 and will expand with growing numbers in the future.

Japan has taken various initiatives to improve pain management, including the establishment of pain clinics, the development of clinical guidelines for pain management, and the training of healthcare professionals in pain management.

The Japan market for painkillers is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by changing demographics, shifting consumer preferences, and increasing investment in pain management R&D all suggest that Japan will continue to be an important market for painkillers.

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Category-wise Insights

Which Painkillers Drug Class is Driving Market Growth?

Opioids are expected to present growth at a CAGR of 2.1% throughout the forecast period, with a market share of 53.4% in the global market in 2022.

Opioids are relatively inexpensive compared to some of the newer non-opioid pain medications. Opioids have been used for pain relief for centuries, and many healthcare providers are familiar with their use and feel comfortable prescribing them.

As the demand for non-opioids continues to grow, the market for painkillers is expected to expand significantly in the coming years.

Which Product is Driving Global Market Growth?

Prescription Drugs dominated the global market with a value share of 58.8% in 2022.

Prescription drugs are leading in the global market for painkillers over over-the-counter (OTC) drugs because they are often more effective at providing pain relief for moderate to severe pain. Prescription painkillers are also often covered by health insurance, which can make them more affordable for patients who need them.

Which Indication is Driving Global Market Growth?

Surgical pain is leading the market with a market share of 43.3% in the global market in 2022.

Surgical pain is leading in the market over other indications because surgery is a common cause of acute pain, and pain relief is an important part of the post-surgical recovery process. Many surgical procedures can be painful, and without adequate pain control, patients may experience significant discomfort, which can delay healing and recovery.

Which Route of Administration is Driving Global Market Growth?

The oral route of administration is leading the market with a revenue share of 38.7% in 2022 as oral painkillers are easy to take and can be self-administered, which can make them more convenient for patients and also it is generally less invasive than other routes, such as injections or transdermal patches, which can make it more appealing for patients.

Which Distribution Channel Benefits the Most from the Sales of Painkillers Globally?

Retail pharmacies hold a market share value of 27.5% during the year 2022. Retail pharmacies typically stock a wide range of painkillers, including both prescription and over-the-counter options and they are easily accessible to consumers, which makes it convenient for them to purchase painkillers.

Competitive Landscape

Key market players in the painkillers market launch their products. This promotional strategy is expected to be highly impactful to enter into the market.

A few of the recent instances include

  • In March 2023, Perrigo Company plc received final approval for its Abbreviated New Drug Application from the "FDA" for ibuprofen Tablets and acetaminophen, 250 mg/125 mg.
  • In January 2023, Procter & Gamble (P&G) India added new Vicks ZzzQuil NATURA to its existing portfolio of Vicks in India.

Similarly, recent developments have been tracked by the team at Future Market Insights related to companies in the Painkillers market, which are available in the full report.

Report Scope as per Painkillers Industry Analysis

Attribute Details
Forecast Period 2018 to 2022
Historical Data Available for 2023 to 2032
Market Analysis USD Million for Value
Key Regions Covered North America; Latin America; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; Russia & Belarus; Balkan & Baltic Countries; South Asia & Pacific; East Asia; Central Asia; and Middle East & Africa
Key Countries Covered USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, BENELUX, Nordic Countries, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania, Russia and Belarus, Balkan & Baltic Countries, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Japan, China, South Korea, Central Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Türkiye, GCC Countries, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Israel, North Africa, and South Africa
Key Market Segments Covered Drug Class, Product, Indication, Route of Administration, Distribution Channel, and Region
Key Companies Profiled AbbVie Inc. (Allergan plc); Bristol Myers Squibb Co.; Sanofi S.A.; Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH; Pfizer Inc.; Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. (Cadila Pharmaceuticals); GSK plc.; Abbott Laboratories, Inc.; Novartis AG; Johnson & Johnson (Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.); Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd.; Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals; Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Bayer AG; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.; Procter & Gamble; AstraZeneca; Cardinal Health; Perrigo Company Plc.; Bausch Health Companies Inc.; Viatris; Amneal Pharmaceuticals; Purdue Pharmaceuticals L.P.
Report Coverage Market Forecast, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, Strategic Growth Initiatives
Pricing Available upon Request

Key Market Segments Covered in Painkillers Industry Research

By Drug Class:

  • Opioids
    • Tramadol
    • Oxycodone
    • Hydrocodone
    • Other Opioids
  • NSAIDs
  • Local Anesthetics
  • Acetaminophen

By Product:

  • OTC Products
  • Prescription Drugs

By Indication:

  • Surgical Pain
  • Cancer Pain
  • Neuropathic Pain
  • Musculoskeletal and Joint Pain
  • Others

By Route of Administration:

  • Injectable
  • Oral
  • Rectal
  • Topical
  • Transdermal
  • Others

By Distribution Channel:

  • Hospital Pharmacies
  • Specialty Clinics
  • Long Term Care Centers
  • Retail Pharmacies
  • Drug Stores
  • Online Pharmacies

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • Central Asia
  • Russia & Belarus
  • Balkan & Baltic Countries
  • Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the expected market size of the Worldwide Painkillers market?

The painkillers market is expected to reach a valuation of at USD 70.0 billion in 2023.

Who are the leading Painkillers industry players?

AbbVie Inc. (Allergan plc), Bristol Myers Squibb Co., Sanofi S.A., are leading painkillers industry players.

Which is the key segment by drug class in the Worldwide Painkillers market?

Opioids are the key segment by drug class in the worldwide painkillers market.

What is the global Painkillers market’s historical performance?

Over the historical period, from 2018 to 2022, the painkillers market registered a 2.9% CAGR.

What is the expected market share of the North America’s Painkillers Market?

North America painkillers market is expected to hold a 92.2% share in 2023.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Key Market Trends
	4. Value Added Insights
	5. Market Background
	6. Global Market Demand (in Value or Size in USD Million) Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Drug Class
		7.1. Opioids
			7.1.1. Tramadol
			7.1.2. Oxycodone
			7.1.3. Hydrocodone
			7.1.4. Other Opioids
		7.2. NSAIDs
		7.3. Local Anesthetics
		7.4. Acetaminophen
	8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Product
		8.1. Over-The-Counter (OTC) Products
		8.2. Prescription Drugs
	9. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Indication
		9.1. Surgical Pain
		9.2. Cancer Pain
		9.3. Neuropathic Pain
		9.4. Musculoskeletal & Joint Pain
		9.5. Others
	10. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Route of Administration
		10.1. Injectable
		10.2. Oral
		10.3. Rectal
		10.4. Topical
		10.5. Transdermal
		10.6. Others
	11. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Distribution Channel
		11.1. Hospital Pharmacies
		11.2. Specialty Clinics
		11.3. Long Term Care Centers
		11.4. Retail pharmacies
		11.5. Drug Stores
		11.6. Online Pharmacies
	12. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, by Region
		12.1. North America
		12.2. Latin America
		12.3. Western Europe
		12.4. Eastern Europe
		12.5. Russia & Belarus
		12.6. Balkan & Baltic Countries
		12.7. South Asia & Pacific
		12.8. East Asia
		12.9. Central Asia
		12.10. Middle East & Africa
	13. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	14. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	15. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	16. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	17. South Asia & Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	18. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	19. Central Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	20. Russia & Belarus Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	21. Balkan & Baltic Countries Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	22. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	23. Market Structure Analysis
	24. Competition Analysis
		24.1. AbbVie Inc. (Allergan plc)
		24.2. Bristol Myers Squibb Co.
		24.3. Sanofi S.A.
		24.4. Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
		24.5. Pfizer Inc.
		24.6. Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. (Cadila Pharmaceuticals)
		24.7. GSK plc.
		24.8. Abbott Laboratories, Inc.
		24.9. Novartis AG
		24.10. Johnson & Johnson (Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)
		24.11. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
		24.12. Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
		24.13. Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
		24.14. Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.
		24.15. Bayer AG
		24.16. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
		24.17. Procter & Gamble
		24.18. AstraZeneca
		24.19. Cardinal Health
		24.20. Perrigo Company Plc.
		24.21. Bausch Health Companies Inc.
		24.22. Viatris
		24.23. AMillioneal Pharmaceuticals
		24.24. Purdue Pharmaceuticals L.P.
	25. Assumptions and Acronyms Used
	26. Research Methodology
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