Postoperative Pain Therapeutics Market Size Analysis Report - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

The postoperative pain therapeutics market size was valued at USD 40.73 Billion in 2024, driven by the increasing incidence of surgical procedures across the 8 major markets. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.79% during the forecast period of 2025-2034, to reach USD 71.51 Billion by 2034.

Postoperative Pain Therapeutics Market Overview

Postoperative pain therapeutics are used to support pain-relieving, postoperative suffering, alleviating physiologic, and psychological effects associated with acute pain. It aims to boost recovery and facilitate better functioning of a patient. These therapeutics can be oral, topical, or injectable and may include drugs like opioids, NSAIDS, or Cox-2 inhibitors. Postoperative pain management generally varies from patient to patient, depending upon the severity and the right combination of treatments.

Postoperative Pain Therapeutics Market Growth Drivers

Rising Number of Surgeries Driving Market Growth

The market growth is fuelled by the rising number of surgical procedures, leading to a high demand for postoperative therapeutics. Pharmaceutical companies are working on bringing non-opioid alternatives for pain relief to patients while reducing reliance on opioids. For instance, in July 2024, Heron Therapeutics, Inc., a commercial-stage biotechnology company announced that ZYNRELEF (bupivacaine and meloxicam) is included in the proposed 2025 Non-Opioid Policy for Pain Relief under the Medicare hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System ("OPPS") as a qualifying product effective April 1, 2025. The drug has been recognised as a non-opioid and its effectiveness in pain management has been analysed. It has been included in the non-opioid policy where its use is encouraged for postoperative pain management.

Rising Awareness Against Opioids Harnessing Research Studies

The market is experiencing rising awareness of risks and side effects associated with the use of opioids due to which there is a significant rise in research activities in the market. These research studies are focused on exploring non-opioids and their effectiveness in postoperative pain management in varied medical conditions. They play a vital role in clearance of the new therapeutics. For instance, in July 2024, Concentric Analgesics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel, non-opioid pain therapeutics, announced the results of a multicenter, randomized clinical trial evaluating vocacapsaicin. The results of the successful clinical trial highlighted a substantial reduction in pain and opioid use for at least one week after bunionectomy with a single dose of vocacapsaicin.

Postoperative Pain Therapeutics Market Trends

The market is witnessing several trends and developments to improve the current scenario. Some of the notable trends are as follows:

Drug Innovation by Market Players

The market is witnessing the active involvement of market players such as major biotechnology companies in research studies to explore potent drug candidates suitable for post-surgical pain management. The clinical studies are poised to bring new treatment options into the market, bolstering market growth, and simultaneously increasing the availability of appropriate pain relief therapeutics.

For instance, in June 2024, Allay Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering ultra-sustained analgesic products to transform post-surgical pain management and recuperation, announced plans to proceed to a Phase 2b registration trial of its lead investigational product ATX101. It combines a biopolymer with an established and verified intracellular sodium ion channel blocker, bupivacaine, to offer weeks of pain relief after total knee arthroplasty (TKA, or replacement), a routine orthopedic procedure. The clinical trial is poised to be backed by strong foundational clinical data from prior exploratory dose-ranging studies. The Phase 2b registration trial is expected to support a new drug application (NDA) filed with the FDA if the clinical trial is successful.

Increasing Regulatory Approvals to Meet Rising Postoperative Pain Therapeutics Market Demand

The market is witnessing an increase in the number of approvals by regulatory authorities such as the FDA, bolstering market development. For instance, in October 2023, a non-opioid combination therapy, Combogesic® IV (known as Maxigesic® IV outside the US), developed by Hyloris Pharmaceuticals was approved by the FDA. It is an intravenous (IV) formulation of acetaminophen and ibuprofen for the treatment of postoperative pain.

Growing Preference for Non-Opioid Alternatives

Opioids have been a leading drug class in postoperative pain treatment, however, the growing concerns regarding the addictive nature of opioids have drawn substantial attention to the development of non-opioid alternatives.

Rising Focus on Non-Pharmacological Therapies

Apart from systemic pharmacological therapies, which commonly include medications like opioids, NSAIDs and/or acetaminophen, IV ketamine, IV lidocaine, steroids, gabapentin, or pregabalin, there has been ample emphasis on developing non-pharmacological therapies as well. Some of the prime examples of pain control include cognitive modalities or mechanical modalities such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

Postoperative Pain Therapeutics Market Segmentation

Market Breakup by Drug Class

• Opioids
• Cyclooxygenase-2-Selective Inhibitors (COX-2)
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
• Others

Market Breakup by Route of Administration

• Oral
• Injectable
• Topical
• Others

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• United States
• EU-4 and the United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• United Kingdom
• Japan
• India

Postoperative Pain Therapeutics Market Share

Market Share by Route of Administration Led by Oral Route

The segmentation by route of administration includes topical, oral, injectable, and others. The oral route of administration is expected to lead the market share due to its convenience, ease of use, and patient preference. Oral therapeutics such as NSAIDs and opioids are commonly prescribed after surgery as they are widely available and can be self-administered. By offering systematic pain relief and being cost-effective, oral medications make a popular choice among healthcare providers and patients. These benefits are the major factors solidifying the preference for oral medications in the market.

Postoperative Pain Therapeutics Market Analysis by Region

The United States dominates the market share driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and rising incidence of surgeries, driving the demand for postoperative pain therapeutics in the region. There has been a key focus on offering quality postoperative care to patients with the help of developing several novel techniques. The regional dominance is driven by the technologically advanced healthcare infrastructure and the easy availability of postoperative therapeutics and advanced pharmaceuticals. Additionally, strong support from government health initiatives and the presence of leading pharmaceutical companies in the region, contribute to the dominance. The high healthcare expenditure and well-established reimbursement policies further drive the growth of the market in the United States.

Additionally, EU-4 and the United Kingdom follow closely and account for a significant share of the market. Apart from prominent government healthcare services, the region is witnessing growth due to continuous research and development activities conducted by influential healthcare companies and research institutions present in the region. In addition, the presence of a substantial geriatric population also impacts the market demand.

Leading Players in the Postoperative Pain Therapeutics Market

The key features of the market report comprise patent analysis, clinical trials analysis, grant analysis, funding and investment analysis and strategic initiatives by the leading players. The major companies in the market are as follows:

Pfizer Inc

Founded in 1849 and headquartered in New York City, Pfizer is a leading biopharmaceutical company. It is renowned for its extensive portfolio in the pharmaceutical market, offering treatments for various medical fields, including oncology, vaccines, internal medicine, and rare diseases, with a strong focus on innovative research.

Bayer AG

Founded in 1863 and headquartered in Leverkusen, Germany, Bayer is a global pharmaceutical and life sciences company. Its product portfolio includes prescription pharmaceuticals, consumer health products, and crop protection solutions, with a focus on innovations in cardiovascular, oncology, and women's health.

Johnson & Johnson

Headquartered in New Jersey, USA, Johnson & Johnson is a multinational pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical technologies conglomerate specialising in surgical instruments and technologies.

Heron Therapeutics, Inc

Established in 1983, and headquartered in San Diego, California, Heron Therapeutics is a global leading biotechnology company specialising in drug development associated with acute care and oncology patients. Its product portfolio includes SUSTOL, CINVANTI, HTX-011 and HTX-034.

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc

Established in 1901, and headquartered in Israel, Teva Pharmaceuticals is a global leader in generic medicines and specialty pharmaceuticals, offering a wide portfolio of pain management solutions, including postoperative pain therapeutics. The company focuses on developing and delivering high-quality, affordable treatments to enhance patient care worldwide.

Other key players in the market include Haleon plc (GSK), McKesson Corporation, Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cali Biosciences Co., Ltd, and Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Key Questions Answered in the Postoperative Pain Therapeutics Market

• What was the postoperative pain therapeutics market value in 2024?
• What is the postoperative pain therapeutics market forecast outlook for 2025-2034?
• What is market segmentation based on drug class?
• How does segmentation by route of administration influence market dynamics?
• What are the distribution channels in the market?
• What are the major factors aiding the postoperative pain therapeutics market demand?
• How has the market performed so far and how is it anticipated to perform in the coming years?
• What are the market's major drivers, opportunities, and restraints?
• Which country is expected to experience expedited growth during the forecast period?
• What are the major postoperative pain therapeutics market trends?
• Which drug class is expected to dominate the market?
• Which route of administration will lead the market segment?
• Which distribution channel will lead the market?
• Who are the key players involved in the postoperative pain therapeutics market?
• What is the patent landscape of the market?
• What are the current unmet needs and challenges in the market?
• How are partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions among the key market players shaping the market dynamics?

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