Global Opioids Drug Market - 2023-2030

Market Overview

The global opioids drug market reached US$ 39,998.3 million in 2022 and is projected to witness lucrative growth by reaching up to US$ 51,634.7 million by 2030. The global opioids drug market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.3% during the forecast period (2023-2030).

Opioid drugs are commonly prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain, particularly acute pain following surgeries or injuries, cancer-related pain, and palliative care for patients with advanced illnesses. Opioids may also be used as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals with opioid use disorders.

Furthermore, the key drivers contributing to the global opioid drug market's growth are escalating palliative care for patients suffering intensely and using abuse-deterrent preparations to restrict opioid abuse. Also, the growing occurrence of chronic pain-related conditions like post-surgical pain, cancer, fibromyalgia, lower back pain, and arthritis is contributing to the increasing prevalence of these diseases.

Market Dynamics

Increasing Mental Health Conditions are Expected to Drive Opioid Drugs Market Growth.

According to United Nations Report 2022, Nearly one billion people worldwide suffer from some form of mental disorder. Moreover, in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of common conditions such as depression and anxiety went up by more than 25 percent.

Individuals who have co-occurring mental health disorders are more susceptible to seeking opioids as a form of self-medication. The American Psychiatric Association states that opioids can induce feelings of euphoria, increasing the likelihood of continued use despite negative consequences.

The opioid epidemic, rising suicide rates, and mental health issues are interconnected, and individuals with chronic pain often experience higher rates of mental health disorders. It is crucial to address underlying mental health conditions when treating opioid use disorder to prevent the use of opioids for self-medication and provide appropriate treatment for both the substance use disorder and the mental health condition.

The Risks and Side Effects of Opioid Drugs are Hampering the Growth of the Global Opioid Drugs Market.

Opioid drugs carry several risks and potential side effects, including prolonged use of opioids can lead to physical dependence and addiction, characterized by cravings and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation and opioids can depress the respiratory system, potentially causing slowed breathing or even respiratory arrest in high doses or when combined with other respiratory depressants.

For instance, morphine is a natural opioid and one of the oldest known pain medications. It is frequently used in hospital settings for severe pain relief. Prolonged use of morphine can lead to dependence and addiction. Thus, owing to the above factors, the market is expected to hamper over the forecast period.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the use and availability of opioid drugs. The pandemic has disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, affecting access to essential services, including substance abuse treatment and support. Many addiction treatment centers and clinics had to limit in-person visits or temporarily close, reducing access to vital resources for individuals struggling with opioid addiction.

The pandemic has brought about unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and social isolation. These factors can exacerbate existing substance use disorders and contribute to the initiation or escalation of opioid misuse. Financial hardships, loss of employment, grief, and limited social support networks can all contribute to increased substance use and vulnerability to opioid addiction.

In response to the pandemic, healthcare providers increasingly turned to telemedicine to provide remote consultations and prescription services. While telemedicine helped maintain access to healthcare, it also presented challenges in monitoring and regulating the appropriate use of opioid medications. In some cases, there may have been an increase in remote prescribing without adequate assessments, follow-up, or oversight, potentially leading to inappropriate or excessive opioid prescriptions.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict Analysis

The Ukraine and Russia conflict has not had a direct impact on the global opioid drug market. However, it is important to note that the illicit drug trade, including opioids, can be influenced by various geopolitical factors, including conflicts and instability in certain regions.

In general, conflicts and disruptions in regions with drug production or trafficking activities can affect the availability and routes of drug supply. It is possible that conflicts can lead to shifts in drug trafficking routes or changes in the production and distribution of illicit substances. These changes can have ripple effects on the global drug market, including the availability and pricing of opioids.

Segment Analysis

The global opioid drugs market is segmented based on product, application, distribution channel, and region.

The Pain Management Segment is Expected to Hold a Dominant Position in the Market Over the Forecast Period.

The pain management segment accounted for the highest market stake accounting for approximately 37.8% of the opioid drugs market. Opioid drugs offer several advantages in pain management, particularly for acute and severe pain. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the transmission of pain signals and producing analgesic effects. This makes them valuable for managing pain after surgery, traumatic injuries, or during end-of-life care.

They are available in various formulations, allowing for flexibility in dosing and administration. They come in immediate-release forms, extended-release formulations, transdermal patches, oral solutions, and injectable formulations. This versatility allows healthcare providers to tailor the treatment to individual patient needs and optimize pain management.

For instance, morphine and fentanyl, have a rapid onset of action. This quick pain relief can be crucial in acute situations where immediate pain control is required, such as during surgical procedures or severe injuries.

Furthermore, opioids can effectively manage breakthrough pain, which refers to sudden and intense episodes of pain that occur despite ongoing pain management. Quick-acting opioids, such as immediate-release morphine or oxycodone, can be used as rescue medications to provide rapid relief during these episodes. Hence, owing to the above factors, the market segment is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period.

Geographical Analysis

The Rising Incidence of Orthopedic Diseases, the Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases, and the Presence of Key Market Players Dominate the North American Region

North America is estimated to hold around 42.4% of the total market share throughout the forecast period. For instance, according to U.S. Pain Foundation Report 2022, approximately 50 million Americans experience chronic pain, lasting for three months or more on most days. Among them, 20 million individuals have high-impact chronic pain, which hinders their ability to perform basic daily activities, including personal hygiene and household chores.

The financial implications of pain are substantial, with estimates suggesting that it costs the nation a minimum of $560-635 billion annually in terms of direct medical expenses and productivity losses. Thus, from the above factors, the North American region is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include: Purdue Pharma L.P., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Pfizer Inc., Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc., Lupin Ltd., Allergan PLC, Sanofi-Aventis S.A., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Grunenthal GmbH, and China Aoxing Pharmaceutical Company, Inc. among others.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global opioids drug market segmentation based on the product, application, distribution channel, and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of opioids drug market level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global opioids drug market report would provide approximately 61 tables, 62 figures, and 195 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies