Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) Global Market Report 2025

The postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $0.99 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. Key drivers for future growth include the expanded usage of antiviral therapies and vaccines, a surge in chronic pain conditions, greater implementation of advanced drug delivery systems, increased investment in clinical trials and R&D, and a rise in regulatory approvals for new treatment options. Emerging trends expected in the coming years involve progress in neuropathic pain treatment research, innovation in drug delivery mechanisms, the use of tech-driven diagnostic solutions, the application of artificial intelligence in clinical studies, and the evolution of non-opioid pain relief methods.

The increasing prevalence of chronic pain conditions is expected to drive the growth of the postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) market in the coming years. Chronic pain refers to persistent or recurring discomfort that lasts more than three months, often continuing beyond the normal course of an illness or injury and significantly affecting daily functioning and quality of life. This rising prevalence is largely attributed to the aging population, as older adults are more susceptible to degenerative diseases such as arthritis and neuropathy, which often result in ongoing pain. Postherpetic neuralgia serves as a valuable model for chronic pain research, helping to better understand nerve-related pain mechanisms and assess long-term treatment strategies. For example, in January 2024, a report published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, a UK-based government department, indicated that approximately 18.4% of individuals aged 16 and above reported having a long-term musculoskeletal (MSK) condition in 2023, up from 17.6% in 2022. As a result, the growing incidence of chronic pain conditions is contributing to the expansion of the PHN market.

Companies involved in the postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) market are increasingly focusing on securing regulatory approvals to broaden their product offerings, gain a competitive edge, and address the substantial unmet need for more effective and better-tolerated treatments. Regulatory approvals refer to official permissions granted by health authorities, allowing a medication or therapy to be legally marketed and administered for a specific medical indication. For instance, in February 2023, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., an India-based pharmaceutical company, received final approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration to produce and market once-daily generic Gabapentin Tablets in 300 mg and 600 mg doses, indicated for managing postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). These gabapentin tablets are used to treat PHN, a type of neuropathic pain caused by nerve damage due to reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. Typical dosing begins at 300 mg on the first day, increases to 600 mg (300 mg twice daily) on the second day, and 900 mg (300 mg three times daily) on the third day, with potential titration up to a maximum of 1800 mg per day (600 mg three times daily) based on patient needs.

In September 2023, Adalvo Limited, a Malta-based pharmaceutical company specializing in service-based pharmaceutical partnerships, teamed up with Lotus Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. to introduce Gabapentin ER tablets in South Korea. This strategic collaboration is intended to improve patient access to innovative and effective therapies by launching Gabapentin ER in the South Korean market, thereby reinforcing the companies’ presence in the neurology sector and expanding their portfolios with high-value pharmaceutical offerings. Lotus Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a Taiwan-based pharmaceutical firm that manufactures medications, including those for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Major players in the postherpetic neuralgia (phn) market are Pfizer Inc., Merck & Co. Inc., Novartis AG, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Astellas Pharma Inc., Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Mylan N.V., Mallinckrodt plc, Merz Therapeutics GmbH, Acorda Therapeutics Inc., Scilex Holding Company, Elorac Inc., Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies Holdings plc, Teikoku Pharma USA Inc., Acasti Pharma Inc., Flexion Therapeutics Inc., Haisco Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Shanghai SIMR Biotechnology Co. Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) market in 2024. The regions covered in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

The countries covered in the postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as medical consultation, pain management services, topical treatment application, physical therapy and nerve block or injections. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) market consists of sales of anticonvulsants, amitriptyline, tramadol, oxycodone, and nortriptyline. 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.

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic nerve pain disorder that arises as a complication after an episode of herpes zoster (shingles). It is marked by ongoing, often intense pain in the area previously affected by the shingles rash, which can persist for months or even years after the skin has healed. PHN stems from nerve injury caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus and represents the most frequent complication of shingles, particularly among older individuals.

The primary treatment types for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) include patches, medications, and opioids. Patches are transdermal drug delivery systems applied directly to the skin to ensure a consistent release of the drug into the bloodstream. These treatments are distributed via hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online platforms, and are utilized by hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and other healthcare providers.

The postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $0.72 billion in 2024 to $0.77 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%. The factors contributing to historical growth include a higher incidence of herpes zoster infections, an expanding elderly population, enhanced awareness among both patients and healthcare providers, rising demand for effective treatments targeting neuropathic pain, and increased healthcare spending.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and 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.

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