Non-Opioid Pain Patch Global Market Report 2024

The non-opioid pain patch market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.34 billion in 2023 to $3.53 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The growth observed in the historical period can be ascribed to several factors, including a notable increase in chronic pain cases, a preference among patients for non-invasive treatment modalities, advancements in formulations and ingredients, a rise in sports-related injuries, and heightened concerns regarding opioid addiction.

The non-opioid pain patch market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.25 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to several key factors, including a rise in research and development investments, an increase in healthcare expenditure, a supportive regulatory environment, growing consumer awareness and education, and the expanding geriatric population. Noteworthy trends expected in the forecast period encompass the adoption of wireless and smart patch technologies, the integration of natural ingredients, collaboration with wearable technology, the development of biodegradable and eco-friendly patches, and a notable focus on achieving long-lasting effects.

The anticipated growth in the non-opioid pain patch market is expected to be driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic pain. Chronic pain, characterized by prolonged and often severe discomfort, is a prevalent condition associated with various medical issues. Non-opioid pain patches, designed to alleviate mild to moderate pain, find applications in treating diverse pain types such as headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, and backaches. Notably, in May 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the prevalence of chronic pain among adults in the United States ranged from 20.5% to 21.8% between 2019 and 2021, with high-impact chronic pain affecting 6.9% to 7.8% of adults during the same period. In 2021, an estimated 51.6 million American adults (20.9%) reported experiencing chronic pain, while 17.1 million (6.9%) reported high-impact chronic pain. This escalating prevalence of chronic pain is a significant driver for the non-opioid pain patch market.

The growth of the non-opioid pain patch market is expected to be fueled by increased research and development (R&D) activities. R&D activities involve investigative work aimed at improving existing products or procedures and developing new solutions. With growing concerns about opioid dependence and side effects, the development of non-opioid pain management options, particularly in patch form, has become a dynamic area of research. For instance, in January 2023, the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) reported that R&D spending in the United States reached $717.0 billion in 2020 and was estimated to be $791.9 billion in 2021. This substantial investment in R&D activities is contributing to the advancement of non-opioid pain patches, driving their market growth.

Product innovation is emerging as a prominent trend gaining traction in the non-opioid pain patch market, with major companies actively developing innovative solutions to enhance their market positions. An illustrative example is The Mentholatum Company Inc., a UK-based healthcare products manufacturer, which introduced the Deep Relief Actiflex Patch in June 2022. This drug-free pain patch features a cooling hydrogel containing water, offering fast cooling and soothing relief as the water evaporates on the skin. Specifically designed to treat aches and pains in muscles or joints, this innovative patch adds diversity to the non-opioid pain patch market.

Major companies in this market are focusing on the development of advanced products, including biocompatible surgical patches. These medical devices are utilized during surgical procedures to repair or reinforce injured tissues. In March 2021, Duke University, a renowned US-based private research university, introduced a non-opioid painkiller delivery system directly to wounds. This polymer patch delivers medication inhibiting the enzyme COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2), known for causing pain and inflammation, providing sustained relief for days before naturally dissolving.

In October 2021, Pacira BioSciences, Inc., a US-based provider of non-opioid pain management and regenerative health solutions, made a strategic acquisition by purchasing Flexion Therapeutics, Inc., although the exact amount was undisclosed. This acquisition signifies a significant step forward in Pacira's strategy to establish a robust portfolio of innovative, non-opioid medicines, enhancing patient care along the neurological pain pathway. It also adds a complementary commercial asset in ZILRETTA, designed for the treatment of osteoarthritis knee pain.

Major companies operating in the non-opioid pain patch market report are Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co. Inc., Pfizer Inc., Novartis AG, Sanofi S.A., GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Medtronic PLC, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Astellas Pharma Inc., Aurobindo Pharma Limited, Purdue Pharma L.P., Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd., Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd., Apotex Inc., Endo Pharmaceuticals PLC, Lupin Limited, Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Private Limited, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals LLC, IBSA Institut Biochimque SA, Teikoku Seiyaku Co.Ltd., Acorda Therapeutics Inc., Sorrento Therapeutics Inc., Veridian Healthcare LLC, Clarion Brands LLC, Averitas Pharma Inc.

North America was the largest region in the non-opioid pain patch market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the non-opioid pain patch market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the non-opioid pain patch market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the non-opioid pain patch market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The primary types of non-opioid pain patches include lidocaine patches, diclofenac patches, capsaicin patches, ketoprofen patches, and others. Lidocaine patches, for instance, are transdermal patches with analgesic properties. These patches are composed of a synthetic amide-type anesthetic, lidocaine, formulated in a 5 percent aqueous base solution. They serve the purpose of aiding in the treatment of itching and pain associated with certain skin disorders. Lidocaine patches are distributed through various channels, including hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and other outlets. These patches find applications in treating various conditions, including musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain.

The non-opioid pain patch research report is one of a series of new reports that provides non-opioid pain patch market statistics, including the non-opioid pain patch industry's global market size, regional shares, competitors with non-opioid pain patch market share, detailed non-opioid pain patch market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the non-opioid pain patch industry. This non-opioid pain patch market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry. 

The non-opioid pain patch market consists of sales of aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen patches. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.