The global opioids market, valued at US$ 45.78 Bn in 2024, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.3%, reaching US$ 57.46 Bn by 2031. The market's expansion is primarily driven by the rising number of patients with chronic diseases such as cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), increased prescriptions for post-operative pain relief, and heightened awareness of pain management solutions.
The growing number of patients with chronic diseases significantly contributes to the demand for opioids. For instance, a 2020 study by the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that COPD was the third leading cause of mortality worldwide, with a combined prevalence of 15.70% in men and 9.93% in women. Additionally, the rising incidence of cancer, which saw around 19.3 million cases and 10 million cancer-related deaths globally in 2020, is a critical driver. With 50 to 70 percent of cancer patients requiring analgesics to manage their pain, the increasing cancer burden, expected to reach 21.7 million cases by 2030, will further fuel the demand for opioids.
2. Neuropathic Pain
The prevalence of neuropathic pain is another significant factor. According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 14.6% of individuals suffer from neuropathic pain, with 25.1% experiencing genetic or idiopathic neuropathy and 27.3% suffering from neck and back pain. This prevalence is anticipated to surge, driving the demand for opioids.
3. Demographic Expansion
The expansion of companies providing novel and affordable opioids, especially in African and South American countries, is expected to uplift the market. Companies holding patent rights to specific opioid medications are focusing on these potential markets and seeking permissions from relevant government authorities to commercialize their products.
4. Rising Awareness in Pain Management
Increased awareness of opioids in pain management, particularly for moderate to severe pain, contributes to market growth. The introduction of Opioids Maintenance Treatment (OMT) and palliative care programs has led to a higher demand for opioids. The National Institute of Health (NIH) highlights that some prescribed opioids can also treat conditions such as cough and diarrhea, broadening their application.
5. Chronic Disease Management
The demand for opioids is further driven by the increased prescription of painkillers during post-operative procedures and for patients with terminally chronic diseases, including HIV and severe lung infections. Local governments, NGOs, regulatory agencies, and healthcare systems are promoting pain management awareness programs, increasing the use of opioid medications.
The severity of opioid abuse and misuse has led practitioners to reduce opioid prescriptions, impacting overall sales. According to the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), 20-30% of opioids prescribed for chronic pain are misused, and up to 10% of all opioid users are addicted.
2. Adverse Side Effects
Chronic use of opioids like morphine can lead to severe side effects, including respiratory depression, coma, and even death. Long-term use can result in physical and psychological addiction and immune system degradation. Additionally, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), often used alongside opioids, have side effects affecting the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and excretory systems.
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Morphine to Lead Market Value in Opioids Segment
According to the publisher, morphine is anticipated to hold the largest market value within the opioids segment. The opioids market accounts for approximately 55.6% of the revenue share in the global analgesics market, which is valued in the billions of dollars.Drivers of Market Growth
1. Increasing Prevalence of Chronic DiseasesThe growing number of patients with chronic diseases significantly contributes to the demand for opioids. For instance, a 2020 study by the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that COPD was the third leading cause of mortality worldwide, with a combined prevalence of 15.70% in men and 9.93% in women. Additionally, the rising incidence of cancer, which saw around 19.3 million cases and 10 million cancer-related deaths globally in 2020, is a critical driver. With 50 to 70 percent of cancer patients requiring analgesics to manage their pain, the increasing cancer burden, expected to reach 21.7 million cases by 2030, will further fuel the demand for opioids.
2. Neuropathic Pain
The prevalence of neuropathic pain is another significant factor. According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 14.6% of individuals suffer from neuropathic pain, with 25.1% experiencing genetic or idiopathic neuropathy and 27.3% suffering from neck and back pain. This prevalence is anticipated to surge, driving the demand for opioids.
3. Demographic Expansion
The expansion of companies providing novel and affordable opioids, especially in African and South American countries, is expected to uplift the market. Companies holding patent rights to specific opioid medications are focusing on these potential markets and seeking permissions from relevant government authorities to commercialize their products.
4. Rising Awareness in Pain Management
Increased awareness of opioids in pain management, particularly for moderate to severe pain, contributes to market growth. The introduction of Opioids Maintenance Treatment (OMT) and palliative care programs has led to a higher demand for opioids. The National Institute of Health (NIH) highlights that some prescribed opioids can also treat conditions such as cough and diarrhea, broadening their application.
5. Chronic Disease Management
The demand for opioids is further driven by the increased prescription of painkillers during post-operative procedures and for patients with terminally chronic diseases, including HIV and severe lung infections. Local governments, NGOs, regulatory agencies, and healthcare systems are promoting pain management awareness programs, increasing the use of opioid medications.
Challenges to Market Growth
1. Abuse and Misuse of OpioidsThe severity of opioid abuse and misuse has led practitioners to reduce opioid prescriptions, impacting overall sales. According to the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), 20-30% of opioids prescribed for chronic pain are misused, and up to 10% of all opioid users are addicted.
2. Adverse Side Effects
Chronic use of opioids like morphine can lead to severe side effects, including respiratory depression, coma, and even death. Long-term use can result in physical and psychological addiction and immune system degradation. Additionally, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), often used alongside opioids, have side effects affecting the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and excretory systems.
Regulatory Frameworks
Clinical practice standards impose strict restrictions on opioid prescriptions to ensure patient safety and prevent overuse, abuse, and overdose. The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) is mandated to ensure the safe use of prescription medications with abuse potential under Section 1122 of the Food Drug and Cosmetics Act (FDASIA).Future Outlook
The opioids market is poised for growth driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, demographic expansion, and rising awareness in pain management. As companies continue to innovate and expand into emerging markets, the demand for opioids is expected to rise significantly. However, addressing the challenges of abuse, misuse, and adverse side effects remains crucial for sustainable market growth.Key Market Players:
- Pfizer, Inc.
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
- Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Sanofi SAIS
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
- Actavis Plc. [Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.]
- Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
- Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. [Endo International plc]
- Purdue Pharma L.P.
- Assertio Therapeutics, Inc. (Assertio Holdings, Inc.)
Global Opioids Market is Segmented as Below:
By Product:
- Morphine
- Codiene
- Fentanyl
- Meperidine
- Methadone
By Application:
- Cough Suppression
- Analgesia
- Diarrhea Suppression
By Distribution Channel:
- Hospital Pharmacies
- Retail Pharmacies
- Drug Store
- Clinics
- Others
By Region:
- North America
- Latin America
- Europe
- South Asia
- East Asia
- Oceania
- Middle East & Africa
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Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
2. Market Overview
3. Global Opioids Market Outlook, 2018 - 2031
4. North America Opioids Market Outlook, 2018 - 2031
5. Europe Opioids Market Outlook, 2018 - 2031
6. Asia Pacific Opioids Market Outlook, 2018 - 2031
7. Latin America Opioids Market Outlook, 2018 - 2031
8. Middle East & Africa Opioids Market Outlook, 2018 - 2031
9. Competitive Landscape
10. Appendix
Companies Mentioned
- Pfizer, Inc.
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
- Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Sanofi SAIS
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
- Actavis Plc. [Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.]
- Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
- Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. [Endo International plc]
- Purdue Pharma L.P.
- Assertio Therapeutics, Inc. (Assertio Holdings, Inc.)
