Non-Opioid Pain Patches Market

Market Overview

The global non-opioid pain patches market was valued at USD 3.43 billion in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 4.82 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3.86% during the forecast period (2024–2032). In recent years, the market has been growing due to factors such as an increase in the burden of pain-related diseases, a rise in research and development of non-opioid patches, and benefits associated with non-opioid pain patches over conventional medications are expected to drive non-opioid pain patches market growth over the forecast period.

Non-opioid pain patches are medicated adhesive patches applied to the skin to deliver a controlled dose of medication through the skin and into the bloodstream. These patches offer a convenient and targeted pain management solution compared to other methods like pills or injections. These patches release medication over a set period, ensuring a consistent dosage and potentially reducing side effects associated with fluctuating drug levels in the bloodstream. The medication is delivered directly to the area of pain, potentially offering more localized relief than oral medications.

Non-opioid pain patches offer a safer alternative to opioids for pain management, especially for chronic pain conditions. Opioid use can lead to addiction and severe side effects. A porous membrane allows for the controlled release of the medication. Alternatively, body heat might activate the patch, slowly melting the medication for absorption. Non-opioid pain patches often contain antipyretic (fever-reducing), analgesic (pain-relieving), and anti-inflammatory medications. These medications block pain signals and reduce inflammation at the injury site.

Highlights

• Lidocaine Patches dominate the patch type segment
• Online Pharmacies dominate the distribution channel segment
• North America is the highest shareholder in the global market

Market Dynamics

Global Non-Opioid Pain Patches Market Drivers:

Increasing Burden of Pain-Related Diseases

Chronic or persistent pain lasting longer than three months affects a significant portion of the global population, a trend largely driven by factors such as an aging populace and lifestyle choices. As the world's demographic ages, the demand for effective pain management solutions escalates, particularly with the rise in age-related conditions like osteoarthritis and low back pain. Lifestyle factors such as rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and injuries further compound the burden of chronic pain.

Moreover, the widespread use of opioid medications for pain relief, while effective, has sparked concerns due to the associated risks of addiction, dependence, and overdose. Consequently, there has been a notable shift in treatment strategies towards non-opioid alternatives. This change has been driven by tighter oversight and regulations governing opioid prescriptions.

For example, the National Library of Medicine has projected a significant increase in the population aged 85 and over by 2050. As this demographic grows, it becomes imperative for clinicians and the public health community to cultivate a culture of sensitivity toward their unique needs and subgroups. The aging population often experiences subtle to severe sensory and cognitive changes alongside issues such as weakness. Understanding and addressing these challenges are crucial in providing adequate care and support for this diverse population.

Global Non-Opioid Pain Patches Market Restraint:

Unawareness and Alternative Treatments

It can be difficult to find non-opioid substitutes for painkiller patches that work well, which limits market expansion. While injections, physical therapy, and oral drugs are good alternatives, their uptake may be slowed by patients' and doctors' lack of knowledge about their advantages and effectiveness. It will take the combined efforts of new market participants, focused marketing plans, and educational programs to close this gap. For example, over 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, which has a financial cost of more than USD 600 billion. The nation's ongoing opioid epidemic has been exacerbated by the widespread use of opioids for the treatment of chronic pain. It is imperative to stress the importance of care in managing patients with chronic pain and to draw attention to non-opioid alternative therapy alternatives to address this epidemic.

Furthermore, these substitutes cover a variety of approaches, such as prescription drugs, physical therapy, exercise plans, injections, and neuromodulation methods. Using a biopsychosocial approach allows for the creation of customized multimodal therapy programs that consider the intricate interactions between biological, psychological, and social elements that affect how pain is experienced and managed. Healthcare professionals and consumers can emphasize effective pain management while lowering the hazards associated with opioid usage by fostering increased awareness and comprehension of these non-opioid alternatives. Moreover, funding research and development initiatives to improve the usability and effectiveness of non-opioid pain management options would help expedite their incorporation into standard clinical practice.

Global Non-Opioid Pain Patches Market Opportunities:

Increased Market Awareness about Non-Opioid Patches

Collaborating with patient advocacy organizations and medical professionals can facilitate the spread of accurate information and enhance understanding of these alternatives. Partnering with patient advocacy groups and healthcare professionals to develop educational campaigns can provide valuable resources to empower individuals with knowledge about non-opioid pain management options. These campaigns can utilize various channels, including traditional media such as television, radio, and print, as well as digital platforms like the Internet and social media, to reach a diverse audience.

By leveraging targeted messaging and educational content, these initiatives can highlight the advantages of non-opioid pain patches, such as reduced risk of addiction and overdose, as well as their efficacy in managing chronic pain. Moreover, aligning marketing efforts with healthcare providers' needs and preferences can enhance awareness and acceptance of non-opioid pain patches as part of comprehensive pain management strategies. This may involve offering educational materials, hosting training sessions, or engaging in direct communication to address any concerns or misconceptions.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global non-opioid pain patches market share is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. 

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global non-opioid pain patches market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. The region's increasing prevalence of pain-related diseases is expected to drive market growth, with major players launching new products to meet the growing demand. As per a study published in the JAMA Network in February 2022, one in five adults in the US experiences chronic pain, with 1 in 14 suffering from severe chronic pain. Government authorities in North America are poised to benefit from the growing availability of non-opioid alternatives as they intensify efforts to combat the opioid crisis. Therefore, there is a growing demand for swift and effective treatment options to address the mounting disease burden.

In addition to chronic pain, a variety of complementary therapies have been explored to alleviate pain from conditions such as cancer, endometriosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve pain, and chronic pelvic pain. Cancer-related pain is particularly prevalent in North America, with the American Cancer Society's 2023 Cancer Statistics projecting 1,958,310 new cases of cancer in the US in 2023. Given this high incidence, there is an anticipated increase in the need for non-opioid pain patches to alleviate cancer-related discomfort, especially in advanced stages where pain occurrence rates range from 70% to 80%. Such factors propel regional market growth.

The Asia-Pacific region is identified as the fastest-growing market, driven by countries including South Korea, Japan, Australia, China, and India. This growth is primarily fueled by rising healthcare spending and the demand for innovative pharmaceutical products. In India alone, more than a million new cancer cases are diagnosed annually, a number expected to nearly triple over the next 20 years. In late cancer stages, pain occurrence rates are between 70% and 80%.

Moreover, the prevalence of pain was found to be 39.3% after curative treatment, 55.0% (95% CI 45.9-64.2) during anticancer treatment, 66.4% (95% CI 58.1-74.7) in advanced, metastatic, or terminal disease, and 50.7% (95% CI 37.2-64.1) in all cancer stages, with accordance to various studies on cancer pain. It was further seen that 38.0% of cancer patients had moderate-to-severe pain. These insights underscore the urgent need for effective pain management solutions, particularly in cancer care, driving the demand for non-opioid pain patches in the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region.

Segmental Analysis

The global non-opioid pain patches market is bifurcated into patch type and distribution channel

Based on patch type, the global market for non-opioid pain patches is segmented into lidocaine patches, diclofenac patches, methyl salicylate patches, capsaicin patches, ketoprofen patches, and others.

The lidocaine patches segment accounted for a major share of the market. This is because lidocaine patches have a strong safety record and demonstrated effectiveness. These patches are also advised as an initial course of treatment for shingles patients and elderly patients experiencing neuropathic pain. When it comes to topical pain relief, lidocaine patches are comparatively safe when compared to other drugs, especially for people who have trouble swallowing pills or are worried about possible adverse effects. Lidocaine patches have been clinically demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of a variety of pain illnesses, such as neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain. In short, for a variety of populations, lidocaine patches are a convenient pain relief option due to their non-invasive and user-friendly nature.

Based on the distribution channel, the global non-opioid pain patches market is segmented into hospitals, online pharmacies, drug stores, and others.

The online pharmacies segment owns the highest non-opioid pain patches marketshare. In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in medication sales, largely attributed to the burgeoning popularity of online pharmacies. These platforms offer convenient access to medications without the need for a traditional prescription, a factor that has contributed to the rapid market expansion. Moreover, the rise of online pharmacies has been particularly beneficial for individuals seeking pain management solutions, especially those grappling with musculoskeletal disorders. Online pharmacies serve individuals who might choose to avoid frequent hospital visits or who live in distant places with restricted access to healthcare services by offering a hassle-free way to purchase prescriptions.

Recent Developments

• November 2023- AmacaThera secured C$4m (USD 2.94m) in a Series A extension funding round to progress the development of a non-opioid therapy, AMT-143, for post-surgery pain management. The company will also progress the development of pipeline programs for the injectable, local, and sustained release market. AMT-143 has been developed using the company’s AmacaGel platform technology. It potentially offers a longer duration of pain relief following surgical procedures and reduces opioid use during recovery. 
• February 2024- Clinical-stage biotechnology company Latigo Biotherapeutics secured USD 135 million in a Series A funding round to advance the development of its non-opioid pain medicines. The company specializes in creating therapies that target pain at its source and utilizes advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning, and design techniques to develop new drugs. The drugs are optimized for potency and selectivity against targets validated by human genetics.