Postoperative Pain Market Assessment, By Product [Drugs, Devices], By Route of Administration [Injectable, Oral, Topical, Transdermal, Others], By Distribution Channel [Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies], By Region, Opportunities a

Postoperative Pain Market Assessment, By Product [Drugs, Devices], By Route of Administration [Injectable, Oral, Topical, Transdermal, Others], By Distribution Channel [Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global postoperative pain market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.25% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 40.09 billion in 2023 to USD 60.36 billion in 2031. The market is anticipated to thrive under the influence of factors such as the increasing number of surgical procedures leading to high demands for efficient pain relief strategies and a rise in chronic conditions contributing to the necessity for effective post-surgical pain control. Additionally, concerns regarding opioid abuse have led to increased interest in exploring non-opioid alternatives for managing pain after surgery. Emphasis on improving patient compliance through eliminating post-operative pain is another major driving force for the market. Research and development initiatives driving innovation within the industry, providing novel approaches to reduce post-operative discomfort further expand the market. However, the major challenge for market expansion is the side effects associated with the use of opioid analgesic drugs and other complications with the use of pain management solutions. Drug abuse is another major concern related to pain management therapies as these methods involve the use of drug agents acting on the nervous system, leading to regulatory challenges.

For instance, in October 2023, Hyloris Pharma announced that it had received US FDA approval for the drug Maxigesic IV, which is meant to treat post-operative pain. Maxigesic IV contains a combination of paracetamol with ibuprofen solution for intravenous infusion, which helps in reducing postoperative pain and inflammation without the risk of opioid addiction. Hyloris Pharma is a Belgium-based company, and it developed the approved drug in collaboration with New Zealand-based drugmaker AFT Pharmaceuticals and Hikma Pharmaceuticals.

Increasing Number of Surgical Procedures

Most surgeries are necessary due to emergencies or other situations where only medication is not enough. The number of cancer cases requiring surgery, such as throat or mouth cancer, is rising globally. The demand for disposable surgical instruments is further propelled by chronic conditions like cardiovascular and gastrointestinal issues, and the surge in traffic accidents necessitating surgery. The market's significant expansion is aided by consumers' disposable income, which enables them to purchase these instruments. A high number of surgical procedures performed is directly linked with a high incidence of postoperative pain cases, and as the increase in both numbers is observed, the market expansion is promising. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 300 million surgical procedures are done globally annually. In October 2023, as per The Hindu, the rate of surgeries in India is between 166 and 3,646 surgeries per 100,000 individuals, depending on the setting, population, and other factors, while the population is about 1.4 billion. As per available data, more than 7 million surgical procedures were performed in the year 2022 within the United States.

Increasing Emphasis on Patient Compliance

Due to the rising emphasis on patient compliance, postoperative pain management has become a major concern. Many patients still experience moderate to severe pain after surgery, indicating inadequate postoperative pain management. The primary cause of this issue is insufficient analgesia prescription, not solely non-compliance. Patients' pain management can be neglected after discharge, so pain assessment, recording, and management are crucial aspects of care. Compliance with pain assessment in postoperative patients is vital, and the use of standard scales is recommended. Adequate analgesics and approved national pain guidelines are essential for effective pain management. Market players are constantly involved in product development and regulatory pathways to adequately cater to the market requirements.

In February 2024, Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC announced the launch of COMBOGESIC IV injection in the United States market. COMBOGESIC IV is an opioid-free pain relief intravenous injection with a combination of 1000 mg acetaminophen and 300 mg ibuprofen. The combination drug was approved by the United States FDA in October 2023 for use in adults. Hikma Pharmaceuticals is a multinational pharmaceutical manufacturer working in a variety of indications and has a strong presence in the United States.

Dominance of Drug Segment and Fast Growth for Devices Segment

In the postoperative pain market, drugs are expected to dominate the product type category due to their extensive use in pain management compared to devices. Painkiller drugs, such as opioids, NSAIDs, and analgesics, are readily available and more cost-effective than pain management devices. The ease of administration without the need for medical assistance further contributes to the high usage of drugs. However, the adoption of pain management devices is increasing to avoid the side effects associated with drugs, leading to a higher growth rate in the pain management device segment. Despite the growing popularity of pain management devices, the drug segment is anticipated to dominate due to easy access, patient compliance, and cost-effectiveness.

In January 2024, Lupin launched a generic Bromfenac Ophthalmic Solution in the United States. This product is equivalent to Bausch & Lomb Inc.'s Prolensa ophthalmic solution, and it has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Lupin is the first company to file for this generic medication, granting it exclusive rights for 180 days. Bromfenac Ophthalmic Solution is intended to treat postoperative pain, and inflammation, along with alleviating eye discomfort in patients who have undergone cataract surgery.

Oral Route of Administration to be Leading Segment

In the management of postoperative pain, administering painkillers through the oral route is widely regarded as the most effective method, particularly if there are no contraindications. This approach excels in terms of simplicity, non-invasiveness, and patient acceptance compared to other routes such as injectables or inhalation. Oral opioids are effective in addressing acute pain, despite their slower action compared to injections. They are typically taken as pills that act rapidly or as sustained-release tablets. For better pain control, a combination of different types of pain relievers and non-drug therapies, known as multimodal analgesia, is commonly recommended over relying solely on opioids.

In February 2024, Cytogel Pharma's drug Cyt-1010 is undergoing clinical trials, specifically in Phase I for treating pain after surgery. Drugs in Phase I for this purpose typically have a high chance, around 87%, of moving forward to Phase II. Cyt-1010 is a distinct compound, like endomorphin 1, a natural pain regulator. It can be administered either orally or intravenously, interacting with Mu opioid receptors to manage pain.

North America to be the Dominating Region

North America is expected to dominate the market share throughout the assessment period owing to factors, including the high prevalence and severity of postoperative pain, the adoption of opioid management treatment to reduce the opioid epidemic, and the presence of a strong drug pipeline with effective drugs coming up for approvals by the US Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, the region has a high number of surgical procedures, increasing demand for pain management drugs, and rising awareness regarding post-surgery pain control. The presence of key market players like Novartis AG, Allergan plc., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Mylan N.V., and Pfizer Inc. in the region is another factor strengthening the lead of North America in the region. US FDA efforts to strengthen pain management methods also catalyze market growth.

In September 2023, the US FDA granted cooperative support to develop two clinical practice guidelines using evidence-based approaches. One guideline will focus on the treatment of recent-onset lower back pain, while the other will focus on the management of pain after laparoscopic abdominal surgery.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

In the future, postoperative pain management will most likely involve more acute pain services (APSs) and better communication among surgery, anesthesiology, and acute pain departments. The use of multimodal analgesics may enhance pain relief after surgery. The occurrence of chronic pain after surgery differs depending on the surgical complications but is very common. Innovative approaches, like transitional pain services, aim to improve the management of acute and chronic pain after surgery. Alongside, exploring new metabolic pathways and biological targets to provide pain relief without any drug abuse and product development seems like a promising concept for future growth of the market. For instance, in October 2023, South Rampart Pharma, a company focused on safer pain treatments, received Fast Track status for its promising drug, SRP-001, from the US FDA. SRP-001 stands out as a novel, non-addictive painkiller that operates differently from conventional opioids. The Fast Track designation is designed to accelerate the development and review process for promising therapies that address serious conditions. This pathway aims to ensure that patients have access to effective treatments quickly, thereby meeting pressing medical needs.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Novartis AG, Allergan plc, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Mylan N.V., Pfizer Inc., GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Johnson & Johnson Pte. Ltd., AstraZeneca PLC, Sanofi S.A., are some of the renowned players of the postoperative pain management market. These players actively invest time and money in innovative product developments and regulatory approvals. Market tactics like mergers and acquisitions and collaborations among market players are anticipated to further drive market expansion.

In November 2023, BehaVR and Fern Health joined forces to establish RealizedCare, a digital care management solution tailored for chronic pain. This collaboration aims to address the growing need for proven, scalable, and cost-effective interventions for mental and behavioral health issues, with an initial focus on chronic pain.