Opioids

Global Opioids Market to Reach US$31.7 Billion by 2030

The global market for Opioids estimated at US$27.6 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$31.7 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.3% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Extended-Release / Long-Acting, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 2.9% CAGR and reach US$18.7 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Immediate-Release / Short-Acting segment is estimated at 1.5% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$7.5 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 3.7% CAGR

The Opioids market in the U.S. is estimated at US$7.5 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$6.0 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 3.7% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.7% and 1.9% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 1.6% CAGR.

Global Opioids Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

How Has the Opioid Market Evolved Amid Growing Concerns Over Addiction and Regulation?

The global opioids market has been at the center of significant scrutiny and change in recent years due to rising concerns over opioid addiction, abuse, and the corresponding public health crisis. Opioids, a class of drugs that includes prescription painkillers like oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, as well as illicit drugs like heroin, have been widely used for pain management. However, the over-prescription and misuse of these drugs have led to widespread addiction and a global opioid epidemic, particularly in North America. As a result, regulatory authorities worldwide have introduced stricter guidelines on opioid prescriptions, leading to a decline in the use of these drugs for chronic pain. The pharmaceutical industry has also responded by developing abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs) designed to reduce the potential for misuse. Additionally, the focus is shifting towards non-opioid alternatives for pain management, driving research into new therapies and pain relief methods that minimize the risk of addiction.

What Trends Are Influencing the Opioid Market Today?

Several key trends are shaping the opioid market, reflecting the growing emphasis on reducing opioid-related harm and the development of safer alternatives for pain management. One of the most significant trends is the increasing regulation of opioid prescriptions, particularly in the United States, where the opioid crisis has been most severe. Healthcare providers are now being encouraged to explore non-opioid treatments and to use opioids only as a last resort for managing pain. This trend has led to a decline in opioid prescriptions in many developed markets. Another important trend is the development of abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs), which are designed to make it more difficult to misuse prescription opioids. These ADFs are gaining traction as pharmaceutical companies and regulators seek to address the issue of opioid abuse while still providing effective pain relief for patients with legitimate medical needs. Additionally, there is growing interest in alternative pain management therapies, including non-opioid drugs, physical therapy, and behavioral interventions, as the medical community looks for ways to manage pain without the risks associated with opioids.

How Is Technology and Research Shaping the Future of Opioids?

Technology and research are playing a key role in shaping the future of the opioid market, with significant efforts being made to develop safer pain management options and reduce the potential for misuse. Pharmaceutical companies are focusing on the development of abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs) that are resistant to tampering, making it more difficult for individuals to crush, snort, or inject the drugs. These ADFs are designed to maintain the therapeutic benefits of opioids while minimizing the potential for abuse. Advances in drug delivery systems, such as extended-release formulations, are also helping to provide consistent pain relief with lower doses, reducing the risk of dependence. Research into non-opioid painkillers, such as cannabinoids, gabapentinoids, and nerve blockers, is gaining momentum, offering promising alternatives to traditional opioids. Additionally, digital health technologies, including pain management apps and telemedicine, are providing new ways for patients to manage chronic pain without relying on opioids, offering a more holistic approach to pain management.

What Is Driving the Growth in the Opioid Market?

The growth in the opioid market is driven by several factors, including the ongoing need for effective pain management, particularly in cases of acute and postoperative pain. While there is a growing emphasis on reducing opioid use due to addiction concerns, opioids remain an important option for managing severe pain, such as that experienced by cancer patients or individuals recovering from major surgery. The development of abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs) is driving growth in the prescription opioid market, as these formulations offer a safer alternative to traditional opioids. However, regulatory pressures and increased scrutiny are causing a shift towards non-opioid pain management options, limiting the growth potential in some regions. The aging population, particularly in developed markets, is also contributing to the demand for pain management solutions, as older adults are more likely to experience chronic pain conditions. Additionally, the expansion of healthcare access in emerging markets is supporting growth in opioid demand for pain management, though regulatory frameworks in these regions are becoming more stringent to prevent abuse.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Opioids market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Segment (Extended-Release / Long-Acting, Immediate-Release / Short-Acting); End-Use (Pain Relief, Anesthesia, Cough Suppression, Diarrhea Suppression, Deaddiction)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 31 Featured) -

• Egalet Corporation
• Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Pfizer, Inc.
• Purdue Pharma LP
• Sanofi
• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corporation

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR

Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by artificially increasing the COGS, reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

We are diligently following expert opinions of leading Chief Economists (14,949), Think Tanks (62), Trade & Industry bodies (171) worldwide, as they assess impact and address new market realities for their ecosystems. Experts and economists from every major country are tracked for their opinions on tariffs and how they will impact their countries.

We expect this chaos to play out over the next 2-3 months and a new world order is established with more clarity. We are tracking these developments on a real time basis.

As we release this report, U.S. Trade Representatives are pushing their counterparts in 183 countries for an early closure to bilateral tariff negotiations. Most of the major trading partners also have initiated trade agreements with other key trading nations, outside of those in the works with the United States. We are tracking such secondary fallouts as supply chains shift.

To our valued clients, we say, we have your back. We will present a simplified market reassessment by incorporating these changes!

APRIL 2025: NEGOTIATION PHASE

Our April release addresses the impact of tariffs on the overall global market and presents market adjustments by geography. Our trajectories are based on historic data and evolving market impacting factors.

JULY 2025 FINAL TARIFF RESET

Complimentary Update: Our clients will also receive a complimentary update in July after a final reset is announced between nations. The final updated version incorporates clearly defined Tariff Impact Analyses.

Reciprocal and Bilateral Trade & Tariff Impact Analyses:

USA
CHINA
MEXICO
CANADA
EU
JAPAN
INDIA
176 OTHER COUNTRIES.

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