Non-opioid based medication aids in relieving the pain by releasing cyclooxygenase at the site of injury. The enzyme blocks the production of prostaglandins, which is one of the major precursors for pain. Non-opioid medications also have other therapeutic applications, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic actions. Globally, the rising prevalence of acute and chronic pain related disorders is subsequently increasing the demand for non-opioid pain patches. As per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the pain related disorders are the most common causes of patients visiting the healthcare facilities, which is further increasing the healthcare expenditure.
However, over-use of opioid-based patches can cause addiction. As per the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, about 35 million people are addicted to opioid-based drugs across the globe, which is further restricting the market growth to some extent. Currently, leading players in the non-opioid pain patches market are adhering to extensive focus on umpteen strategies, including partnership, merger, and acquisition, to develop innovative products and acquire major market share. For instance, in July 2013, Acorda Therapeutics acquired of two products from NeurogesX, Inc.—named Qutenza and NP-1998—to strengthen its neuropathic pain management product portfolio. Similarly, Richmar, Inc developed a Lidoflex pain relief patch that is distributed in the market by two companies of the Scrip Companies group. Moreover, some of the non-opioid pain patches available in the market include capsaicin patches, methyl salicylate patches, diclofenac patches, ketoprofen patches, and lidocaine patches. The lidocaine patches hold major market share on account of its proven efficacy and safety profile. It is also recommended as first-line therapy in cases of neuropathic pain in geriatrics and patients suffering from shingles.
Non-opioid pain patches are less invasive, less ambulation-impeding, and easy to monitor and control than other pain management options in the market. The market is majorly driven by the rising prevalence of chronic and acute pain and the increasing geriatric population. The non-opioid pain patches can be purchased without a prescription in most of the markets and through e-commerce platforms, which is further adding fuel to the market growth. On the other hand, the widespread use of oral medications, lack of awareness in the developing countries, and availability of alternative treatment are some of the factors hampering the market growth.
The market is highly fragmented and competitive in nature, which is further restricting the entrance of new players. Currently, a number of players are focusing on the development of non-opioid pain patches to serve the global population suffering from chronic pain worldwide. For that, the players are using advanced technologies and are heavily investing in the R&D activities for the same.
| Report Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Year | 2017 |
| Study Period | 2016-2027 |
| Forecast Period | 2023-2031 |
| CAGR | 16.5% |
| Market Size | 12 |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Environment & Regulatory Landscape and Trends |
| Geographies Covered |
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North America is grabbing one of the largest shares in the market. This can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of pain and pain-related disorders and rising opioid abuse in the region. As per the American Chiropractic Association, in the U.S., around USD 50 billion is spent on the treatment of back pain. Moreover, joint pain is the leading cause of constant chronic pain among adults, which is caused due to injury or infection. As per the report from the U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative, over 51 million Americans are suffering from joint pain, which is further increasing the demand for pain patches as it eases the pain and reduces the risk of addiction. The U.S. and Canada are the major contributors to the market. In the U.S., the rising government initiative and support to reduce the use of opioid pain medications are driving the demand for non-opioid pain management drug products.
South America is experiencing a rise in the number of people suffering from back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders. To attend to the situation, the governments in the region are heavily investing in the healthcare sector. For instance, in Brazil, National health is actively working to increase the adoption of non-opioid pain patches for pain-related disorders like neuropathic pain and migraine.
Europe is second in the non-opioid pain patches market and will continue the same during the forecast period. The region is backed with the presence of a large patient pool suffering from chronic pain, which is subsequently surging the demand for pain reliever medications across Europe. In line with this, a number of drug manufacturing companies are heavily investing in R&D activities to develop innovative products to sustain in the raging competition. The U.K, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain are some of the major contributors to the non-opioid market. In the U.K, the rising ineffective of certain pain-relieving medications is increasing the demand for effective pain therapy, which is further driving the market growth.
Asia Pacific is one of the fastest-growing non-opioid pain patches markets and will continue the same during the forecast period. China, India, Japan, Australia, and South Korea are major contributors to the market growth. The steady increase in healthcare expenditure and demand for novel drug products is mainly driving the market in the region. In Japan, the rising prevalence of pain-related disorders (Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis) and increasing geriatric population is driving the market growth. The region is backed with the presence of leading players like Lupin Ltd., Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline plc and others. The companies are actively working to attend the increasing prevalence of chronic and acute pains caused by a sedentary lifestyle.
The Middle East is grabbing the largest share in the non-opioid pain patches market due to the increasing awareness among the people about the availability of new pain management drug products in the market and the rising number of people suffering from chronic pain related disorders. However, Africa is expected to witness slow growth due to low per capita income, lack of awareness, and less adoption of pain patches.
By type, the non-opioid pain patches market is segmented into lidocaine, diclofenac, methyl salicylate, capsaicin, and ketoprofen patches. All of the above-mentioned patches are utilized for mitigating chronic and acute pain without causing any sort of addiction. It is extensively used for the treatment of respiratory depression, androgen deficiency, nausea, vomiting, constipation, GI disturbances, and physical dependence. The lidocaine patches are most commonly available for the treatment of acute and chronic pain as they are safe and efficient. It is also prescribed as a first-line treatment of neuropathic pain in geriatrics and those suffering from shingles. Recently, IBSA Institute Biochimique SA developed a Flector patch, which is a type of diclofenac patch that aids patients in the management of acute and intense pain. Similarly, Alpharmaca Pharmaceuticals LLC acquired the license to develop and market diclofenac patches.
The methyl salicylate patch holds a significant share in the market. This can be attributed to its easy availability and continuous use for the treatment of acute pain. Recently, GSK developed PanaFlex Patch for the management of muscular pain. It can be utilized for the temporary treatment of arthritis and rheumatoid joint inflammation. Furthermore, capsaicin patches and ketoprofen patches are likely to gain momentum in the years to come.
By distribution channel, the market is segmented into hospitals and clinics, online pharmacies, and pharmacy stores. The pharmacy store segment is holding one of the largest shares in the global opioid pain patches market. This can be attributed to the easy availability of over the counter (OTC) medicines as per the physician's recommendations. In the last few years, the emergence of online pharmacies has been witnessing a significant surge in the sales of medicines. The drugs can be obtained without a prescription on the online drug store, which is adding fuel to the market growth
The hospitals and clinics segment is holding a significant share in the market due to persistent hospital visits and the affirmative pain management approach of the patients, particularly patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders. The long term utilization of painkillers has resulted in many adverse effects, which is why, the physicians most often endorse patches rather than oral painkiller medications.
The players are engaging in several mergers, collaborations, and acquisitions to develop innovative products that facilitate effective and prolong drug release to increase the customer base. For instance, In July 2013, Acorda Therapeutics acquired two items from NeurogesX, Inc. to strengthen its neuropathic pain management product portfolio. Similarly, in October 2014, Richmar, Inc. declared the distribution of the LidoFlex Pain Relief Patch by two organizations of the Scrip Companies group.
