Opioids Market To Reach US$ 29.5 Billion By 2033

Introduction

Global Opioids Market size is expected to be worth around USD 29.5 Billion by 2033 from USD 22.2 Billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 2.9 % during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.

Opioids, also known as pain-relieving drugs, belong to a class of psychoactive substances that act on opioid receptors located in the brain, spinal cord, and other body parts to mitigate severe pain. These medications are primarily prescribed for individuals recovering from surgery, suffering from chronic conditions like cancer, or experiencing acute pain due to injuries from accidents or sports. Opioids are tailored to the needs of the patient, varying in strength and form of administration based on the specific type and severity of pain.

In the healthcare sector, opioids are crucial for managing moderate to severe chronic pain, particularly in patients with terminal illnesses or those undergoing cancer treatment. The importance of these drugs in pain management underscores their anticipated growth in the market.

To enhance product effectiveness and safety, opioid market players actively invest in research and development. Notable developments include the approval of Indivior PLC’s OPVEE (nalmefene) nasal spray by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2023. This nasal spray is designed for emergency treatment of suspected or known opioid overdose in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 and older.

Another significant advancement occurred in December 2021, when Sandoz launched its generic Narcan (naloxone hydrochloride) Nasal Spray 4mg in the US, aimed at reversing opioid overdoses. This product is widely available through retail pharmacies and healthcare institutions. Moreover, in August 2023, Emergent BioSolutions introduced an over-the-counter version of NARCAN Nasal Spray, broadening access to this life-saving treatment in emergency situations.

Key Takeaways

• Market Size: Global Opioids Market size is expected to be worth around USD 29.5 Billion by 2033 from USD 22.2 Billion in 2023.
• Market Growth: The market growing at a CAGR of 2.9 % during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.
• Product Analysis: The oxycodone segment leads with 41.8% market share in the global opioid market.
• Application Analysis: The pain management segment was dominate 39.5% market share of the global opioid market by 2023.
• Route of Administration Analysis: The injectables segment dominated the global opioid market by 74.6% due to the growing approval of new opioid injectables.
• Distribution Channel Analysis: The retail pharmacy segment dominated 61.4% the market in 2023.
• Regional Analysis: Due to its large number of pharmaceutical companies and well-developed healthcare industry, North America held the largest share 26.8%.

Opioids Statistics

• Opioid Prescription and Overdose Rates:
  • As of 2022, the national average for opioid prescriptions in the U.S. was 39.5 per 100 people, with significant state variations.
  • Fentanyl overdoses led to 73,838 deaths in the U.S. in 2022.
  • The number of heroin overdose deaths reached 15,482 in 2017.
• Treatment and Disorder Rates:
  • Over 370,000 individuals received treatment for opioid addiction in 2021.
  • An estimated 2.5 million adults were diagnosed with opioid use disorder in the same year.
  • Prescription opioid-related deaths numbered 14,716, while heroin was responsible for 5,871 deaths in 2022.
  • From 1999 to 2009, opioid overdose deaths nearly quadrupled from 3,442 to 13,523.
• Peak and Decline in Prescription Rates:
  • Opioid prescriptions in the U.S. peaked at 81.3 per 100 people in 2012, before decreasing.
  • The treatment numbers for opioid addiction saw a 45.4% decline from 670,000 in 2018 to 370,000 in 2021.
• Death Rate from Opioid Use Disorder:
  • The opioid use disorder death rate was approximately 15.4 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021.
• Medical Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder:
  • FDA-approved treatments for opioid use disorder include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
  • Buprenorphine is accessible through primary care providers and can be obtained at pharmacies, while methadone is only available at specialized treatment facilities due to its potential for misuse.
  • Naltrexone, a non-opioid, is often given as a long-acting injectable once a month.
• Supportive Therapies and Harm Reduction:
  • Treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management support recovery from opioid use disorder.
  • Harm reduction education is a vital component of care, often including naloxone training to reverse overdoses.
  • These statistics reveal the ongoing challenges and efforts required to manage the opioid crisis effectively, emphasizing the need for comprehensive treatment and prevention strategies.

Opioids Application Analysis

• Pain Management: Opioids are commonly prescribed for managing moderate to severe pain, especially when other treatments, like NSAIDs or acetaminophen, are insufficient. These drugs act on opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals and altering how the body perceives pain. They are often used after surgeries, for cancer pain, or in cases of chronic pain, such as with back injuries. However, due to their addictive nature, opioids are typically prescribed for short-term use and under close medical supervision to reduce risks of dependency and misuse.
• Diarrhea Treatment: Certain opioids, such as loperamide, are used to treat diarrhea by slowing down bowel movements. This allows more time for water and electrolytes to be absorbed in the intestines, thus reducing the frequency and urgency of bowel movements. Unlike opioids prescribed for pain, loperamide acts primarily on opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract without crossing into the brain, minimizing the risk of addiction. It is available over-the-counter and is commonly used to treat symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or acute diarrhea.
• Cough Treatment: Opioids such as codeine are sometimes prescribed to suppress chronic coughing. These medications reduce the activity of the cough reflex in the brain, providing relief from persistent coughs that do not respond to other treatments. However, due to the risk of dependency and potential side effects, opioids are typically only used for severe cases of cough, such as those related to lung diseases or after respiratory infections. Safer alternatives, like dextromethorphan, are often recommended before using opioid-based cough suppressants.
• Anesthesia: Opioids play a critical role in anesthesia, particularly in surgical settings. They are used to relieve pain during and after surgery, often in combination with other anesthetics to ensure patients remain unconscious and free from pain. Medications like fentanyl are commonly used because of their potent and fast-acting nature. While highly effective in managing pain during surgery, careful monitoring is required due to the risk of respiratory depression and other side effects. Opioid use in anesthesia is usually limited to clinical settings with trained medical professionals.

Emerging Trends

• Synthetic Opioid Dominance: The opioid crisis has seen a shift towards synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which are significantly more potent and dangerous than earlier forms. The rapid spread of fentanyl and its analogs has led to a sharp increase in overdose deaths, largely due to their high potency and the risk of mixing them with other substances unknowingly.
• Regulation and Education: There’s an increasing emphasis on regulating opioid prescriptions and enhancing the education of healthcare providers. New guidelines are advocating for a more balanced approach to prescribing opioids, aiming to reduce addiction risks while still managing pain effectively. This involves training health professionals on the complexities of opioid use and addiction.
• Naloxone Accessibility: Efforts to make naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal agent, more accessible have been a key trend. This is part of broader public health strategies to provide immediate lifesaving interventions in overdose situations. The push includes making naloxone available over the counter and ensuring it is widely available to at-risk populations and their families.
• Integrated Public Health Approaches: There’s a growing recognition of the need for integrated strategies that combine healthcare, public health, and community-based interventions. This includes linking individuals with substance use disorders to treatment programs directly from emergency departments or criminal justice settings, aiming for a seamless transition that can improve treatment outcomes and reduce recidivism.
• Ethical and Moral Shift in Perception: The discourse around opioid addiction is increasingly framed as a health issue rather than a moral failing. This shift is crucial for reducing stigma and promoting more effective, compassionate approaches to treatment and recovery. It also emphasizes the ethical responsibilities of pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers in managing the crisis.

Use Cases

• Chronic Pain Management: Opioids are prescribed for managing moderate to severe chronic pain, especially in patients who do not respond well to non-opioid treatments such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen.
• Cancer Pain Relief: Opioids are commonly used to alleviate severe pain in cancer patients, particularly those in advanced stages, providing significant quality-of-life improvement.
• Post-Surgical Pain: Opioids are often prescribed after major surgeries, such as orthopedic or cardiac procedures, to manage acute postoperative pain.
• Palliative Care: In hospice or palliative care settings, opioids are used to relieve suffering in terminally ill patients, ensuring they remain comfortable during their final stages of life.
• Acute Injury Treatment: Opioids are prescribed for short-term use to manage severe pain caused by injuries like fractures, burns, or significant trauma.
• Naloxone Use for Overdose Reversal: Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, is widely used in emergency settings to reverse opioid overdoses, saving lives when administered promptly.
• Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment: Medications such as methadone and buprenorphine are prescribed to individuals with OUD to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, helping them manage their addiction.
• Telehealth for Opioid Treatment: Telemedicine is being used to expand access to opioid addiction treatments, especially in rural areas where clinics might not be readily available.
• Pain Management in Childbirth: In some cases, opioids are used during childbirth to manage labor pain, although their use is typically closely monitored to reduce risks to both the mother and baby.
• Veterans’ Pain Management: Many veterans suffering from chronic pain due to injuries or trauma-related conditions are prescribed opioids as part of their treatment plan.
• Opioid Use in Older Adults: Older adults are sometimes prescribed opioids to manage pain from conditions like arthritis or post-surgical recovery, though they are at higher risk of opioid-related side effects.
• Heroin Substitution Treatment: In addiction treatment, heroin users are often prescribed legal opioids like methadone or buprenorphine as part of a harm-reduction strategy to prevent illegal opioid use.
• Opioid Stewardship Programs: Hospitals and healthcare systems have implemented opioid stewardship programs to monitor and reduce unnecessary opioid prescriptions, aiming to prevent misuse and addiction.

Conclusion

The opioid market plays a critical role in managing moderate to severe pain, particularly in terminal illness, post-surgery, and injury recovery. Despite their effectiveness, opioids present significant risks of addiction and overdose, driving the need for enhanced regulation and treatment options. The market is projected to grow steadily, supported by innovations like naloxone and expanded medication-assisted treatments. However, the opioid crisis persists, especially with synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Comprehensive strategies, including harm reduction, increased treatment accessibility, and education reforms, are essential for addressing the public health challenges associated with opioid misuse and overdose.

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