An anesthetic is a drug used to induce temporary numbness or loss of sensation for diagnostic or surgical procedures. Anesthetics are of two types; general anesthetics and local anesthetics. Combinations of anesthetics are also used owing to their additive effects. The anesthetic effect is generally achieved by suppressing the sensory stimulus in the brain and by blocking the conduction of nerves in the nervous system. Local anesthesia is used to numb a particular area of the body without knocking off the conscious as in general anesthesia.
The rising number of surgeries, especially due to accidents and chronic ailments like cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and orthopedic disorders, are driving the growth of the global local anesthesia drugs market. In addition, the number of injuries requiring medical attention has also increased. As per the data published by the National Safety Council of the United States, about 4.4 million people were injured seriously enough to require medical attention in crashes in 2019.
Additionally, the number of cesarean deliveries is on the rise all over the globe, which is also expected to drive market growth. Bupivacaine is the most common local anesthetic used in spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Hence, the increasing C-sections worldwide are boosting the demand for local anesthetic drugs. Hence, the increasing number of surgeries and increasing demand for local anesthetic drugs are expected to drive market growth over the forecast period.
Accelerating research and development investments in the identification and development of new local anesthetic drugs and subsequent new product approvals by regulatory bodies is expected to be one of the major factors for the growth of the market in the coming years. In August 2020, Amneal Pharmaceuticals Inc. received the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a generic version of Lidocaine Patch 5%. Therefore, the new approvals for local anesthetic drugs and frequent product launches boost the demand for drugs, increase R&D programs and funding, and boost market growth over the forecast period.
With the increasing number of surgeries globally, the need for local anesthetic drugs is expected to surge. Local anesthetics (LAs) are commonly infiltrated into surgical wounds for postsurgical analgesia. Effective surgical pain control is an important treatment goal to reduce morbidity and improve faster return to activity and work. It is also an important patient-centered outcome and an important factor in patient satisfaction and quality of life.
Additionally, as per the research article published in JAMA Network in 2021, a study was conducted to determine whether liposomal bupivacaine would improve the intensity and duration of postoperative pain in major truncal surgery as it has been reported to do in other nontruncal orthopedic, cosmetic, and colorectal indications and whether it could also reduce reliance on opioid medications.
The study revealed a significant reduction in pain and opioid use over three postoperative days and found that the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores were reduced at a faster rate in patients treated with bupivacaine hydrochloride. Thus, owing to the increasing benefits of local anesthetic in reducing postoperative pain, the studied market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period.
Currently, all the countries across the globe faced the outbreak of COVID-19. Many pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies are constantly focusing their R&D investments on the production of antiseptic products and preventive vaccines to suffice the demand of customers. During the initial stages of the lockdown, trades were suspended with other countries owing to travel restrictions.
The usage of local anesthesia for treating patients with COVID-19 is in high demand due to its negligible risk of viral transmission. The healthcare system implemented changes in the procedure or practice to contain the infection to the workers and patients in the medical facilities. Regional anesthesia generally maintains respiratory functions and circumvents airway instrumentation, further helping to limit viral transmission, thus making it mandatory to maintain under regional anesthesia as far as possible. However, elective and crucial surgeries have resumed gradually after the lift of lockdown and restrictions. Nerve blocking procedures are planned to be conducted in special and well-prepared operative rooms, which helps in reducing the risk of infection.
In addition, the adoption of regional anesthesia mitigates adverse effects during the postoperative period. It ensures safety for patients and teams. Therefore, due to the advantages offered by local anesthesia over general anesthesia, the local anesthesia drugs market is anticipated to experience significant growth during the pandemic. However, due to the reduced elective surgeries, local anesthetic drugs for non-COVID-19 indications can be impacted.
North America is anticipated to hold the largest market share in the global local anesthetic market by generating revenue of USD 1742 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period. The market in North America was valued at USD 1099 million in 2021. The major factors contributing to the rising market share are the sudden increase in the number of surgeries conducted, the increasing old age population, and the increasing number of people with chronic health conditions. Europe is the second contributor to the local anesthesia drugs market, with revenue of USD 678 million in 2021. Owing to an increase in dental procedures, advancements in medical science, number of surgeries related to cardiovascular ailments, orthopedics, hernia, and other ailments, the market for anesthetic drugs is anticipated to grow exponentially in this region.
The local anesthetic drugs market in Asia-Pacific is expected to witness steady growth with USD 615 million in 2021. The increasing cases of chronic diseases, rising number of surgical approaches, a load of the aging population, and related diseases increasing the procurement of local anesthetics for surgery and management of postoperative pain are the factors expected to drive the market growth. South America and Middle East & Africa have the lowest market owing to post-pandemic effects and slow-growing healthcare facilities.