Ephedrine Sulfate Market Assessment, By Purity [Less than 98%, 98% to 99%, Above 99%], By Mode of Administration [Intravenous Injections, Nasal Spray], By Disease Indication [Spinal Anesthesia-Induced Hypotension, Nasal Congestion, Bronchial Asthma, Other

Ephedrine Sulfate Market Assessment, By Purity [Less than 98%, 98% to 99%, Above 99%], By Mode of Administration [Intravenous Injections, Nasal Spray], By Disease Indication [Spinal Anesthesia-Induced Hypotension, Nasal Congestion, Bronchial Asthma, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global ephedrine sulfate market is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 122.45 million in 2023 to USD 196.64 million in 2031F. The market growth is supported by the increasing prevalence of spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension and rising cases of bronchial asthma.

The increasing prevalence of bronchial asthma is a leading global ephedrine sulfate market trend. Bronchial asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease, is characterized by variable degrees of airway obstruction and bronchial hyperactivity. The condition is diagnosed based on pulmonary test functions, including measurement of bronchial activity and reversibility testing, physical examination, and chemical history. For instance, the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that under 2.8 million individuals were asthmatic in 2022. Due to the rise in the number of cases of asthma, the requirement for ephedrine sulfate is witnessing a rapid increase as ephedrine works as an expectorant and bronchodilator, opening the air passages and allowing individuals with mild asthma to breathe more easily. Thus, boosting the product demand and supporting market growth in various regions.

Moreover, the rapid expansion of the pharmaceutical sector in various regions across the globe is further bolstering the growth of the market. For instance, according to Invest India, the Indian pharmaceutical industry is expected to reach USD 130 billion by 2030. The growth propels the requirement of ephedrine sulfate as this beta and alpha-adrenergic agonist can enhance the release of norepinephrine. The chemical has been used for urinary incontinence, heart failure, and rhinitis and is deployed for treating depression and narcolepsy, because of the central nervous system stimulatory effects that it offers. Due to the advantages and applications offered by the product, it is increasingly being used by the pharmaceutical sector, thus augmenting market expansion.

Increase in Incidences of Hypotension During Provision of Spinal Anesthesia

The rising incidences of hypotension during the provision of spinal anesthesia are one of the major factors boosting the global ephedrine sulfate market demand. For instance, a prospective observational study published in 2021 showed that hypotension was reported in 76% of the cases where spinal anesthesia was provided during cesarean section. Ephedrine is used for managing and treating clinically significant hypotension and is the agent of choice for spinal or epidural anesthesia induced hypotension. Ephedrine administered as bolus dose is efficacious in preventing spinal-induced hypotension in patients that are undergoing cesarean section. Thus, bolstering the demand for ephedrine sulfate to ensure the manufacturing of the drugs essential for regulating the condition and propelling the growth of the market.

Expansion of Pharmaceutical Sector Will Boost the Global Ephedrine Sulfate Market Growth

The rapid expansion of the pharmaceutical sector in the region will provide lucrative growth opportunities for the market over the forecast period. For instance, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry estimates that the pharmaceutical industry in the United Kingdom has a turnover of USD 51.7 billion (GBP 40.8 billion). Due to this rapid expansion of the pharmaceutical industry, the demand for ephedrine sulfate is increasing as the product finds various applications in the pharmaceutical sector. Ephedrine belongs to the sympathomimetic class of drugs and is used for treating and managing clinically significant hypotension. Also, the chemical is approved for treating hypotension secondary to spinal anesthesia and reversible bronchospasm and bronchial asthma. Thus, augmenting the product demand from the pharmaceutical sector.

North America Holds Significant Market Share

The expansion of the pharmaceutical sector, increase in number of cases of asthma, and growing emphasis on research and development activities are some of the major factors supporting the growth of North America ephedrine sulfate market. For instance, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates that in 2022, approximately 1 in 13 people in the United States, approximately 26 million people, had asthma. The increase is boosting the requirement for ephedrine sulfate as for treating asthma, every four hours, 25 mg tablets of ephedrine sulfate are required, while the maximum dose should not exceed 150 mg in 24 hours. For adults, the intramuscular doses for prolonged desired effects are 25-50 mg and dose recommendations for bolus are 5-10 mg. Thus, augmenting the demand for ephedrine sulfate in the region.

Additionally, the increasing provision of approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating hypotension in anesthesia settings with ephedrine sulfate injections is further aiding the growth of the market in North America. For instance, in March 2023, Nexus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced they received approval from the FDA for EMERPHED. The pre-filled single-dose syringes are available in 50mg/10mL and 25mg/5mL. The provision of such approvals by the FDA, therefore, provides lucrative growth opportunities to the market.

Above 99% Pure Ephedrine Sulfate to Account for Significant Market Share

The rising requirement for ephedrine sulfate, which has above 99% purity, can be attributed to various applications offered by chemicals in the pharmaceutical sector. Ephedrine increases blood pressure by stimulating cardiac output and heart rate and variably augmenting peripheral resistance. It causes bronchodilation due to the activation of beta-adrenergic receptors present in the lungs. The therapeutic window of ephedrine is large, as patients can receive doses from 5mg to 50 mg. The increasing requirement for ephedrine sulfate injections to treat and manage clinically important hypotension induced by anesthesia further supports the segment's expansion.

Moreover, the rapid expansion of the pharmaceutical sector in various regions across the globe is further propelling the requirement for ephedrine sulfate with above 99% purity. For instance, in 2021, 49.1% of global pharmaceutical sales were accounted for by North America, and approximately 23.4% were accounted for by Europe. Due to the increase in sales of pharmaceutical products, the requirement for ephedrine sulfate with above 99% purity is augmenting as the chemical finds applications in various drugs. Thus, propelling the growth of the segment and boosting the market demand.

Increasing Prevalence of Bronchial Asthma Boosts Global Ephedrine Sulfate Market Size

The rise in the number of individuals suffering from bronchial asthma provides lucrative growth opportunities for the market. For instance, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimates that approximately 7.7% of Americans, or 24.9 million people, had asthma in 2023; of these, approximately 4.6 million are children, and 20.2 million are adults. The increase in the number of cases of asthma is thus propelling the requirement for ephedrine sulfate as the beta and alpha-adrenergic agonist is used for relieving acute bronchospasm. Ephedrine sulfate oral tablets are indicated for providing temporary relief against the mild symptoms of intermittent asthma, such as shortness of breath, episodic wheezing, and tightness of the chest. Due to such advantages, the demand for ephedrine sulfate tablets is rising in managing asthma symptoms and enhancing patient comfort. Thus, augmenting the requirement for ephedrine sulfate for manufacturing the tablets to meet the growing demand of the patients and propelling the market expansion.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

According to global ephedrine sulfate market analysis, the increase in research and development activities to test the efficacy of treatment solutions derived from ephedrine sulfate will boost the expansion of the market over the forecast period. For instance, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, based in Singapore, is conducting an interventional study to develop a novel algorithm for an advanced DIVA (ADIVA) system for rigorously controlling blood pressure by detecting blood pressure with a stable hemodynamic profile. The automated delivery system will administer ephedrine and phenylephrine via a three-step algorithm vasopressor technique. When the systolic blood pressure is between 90-110% of baseline, 2mg of ephedrine will be given either in bolus or infusion if the heart rate less than 60 beats/ min. In the situation where the systolic blood pressure is less than 90% of the baseline 2-6 mg of ephedrine will be given either in bolus or infusion if the heart rate less than 60 beats/ min. The experiment is expected to conclude in December 2024. Such studies will aid in evaluating the functioning of drugs derived from ephedrine sulfate, propelling the demand for the product, and boosting the global ephedrine sulfate market growth.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The increasing provision of approval by the various regulatory bodies for the usage of ephedrine sulfate injections, among others, is supporting the expansion of market players. For instance, in 2023, Zydus Lifesciences Limited, received approval from the USFDA for ephedrine sulfate injections. These injections are indicated for treating hypotension occurring due to anesthesia. The company received approval from the regulatory body to market and manufacture ephedrine sulfate injection USP, 50 mg/ mL single-dose vials. Such approvals are propelling the requirement for ephedrine sulfate and providing lucrative growth opportunities to the market.