Opioid Market Size, Share, Trends, Industry Analysis Report: By Class, Product, Release Type (Immediate-Release/Short-Acting Opioid and Extended-Release/Long-Acting Opioid), Application, and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and

Opioid Market Size, Share, Trends, Industry Analysis Report: By Class, Product, Release Type (Immediate-Release/Short-Acting Opioid and Extended-Release/Long-Acting Opioid), Application, and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) – Market Forecast, 2025–2034

The global opioid market size is expected to reach USD 28.45 billion by 2034, according to a new study by Polaris Market Research. The report “Opioid Market Size, Share, Trends, Industry Analysis Report: By Class, Product, Release Type (Immediate-Release/Short-Acting Opioid and Extended-Release/Long-Acting Opioid), Application, and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) – Market Forecast, 2025–2034” gives a detailed insight into current market dynamics and provides analysis on future market growth.

The opioid market growth is attributed to an increase in partnerships between companies. Collaborations between pharmaceutical firms, healthcare providers, and research institutions are facilitating the development of new formulations and improved delivery systems for opioid therapies. These alliances enable organizations to combine resources, leverage expertise, and expedite the research and development process, allowing for faster introduction of effective pain management solutions to the market. Additionally, strategic partnerships improve distribution networks and expand access to opioid medications, particularly in underserved areas. Companies join forces to address challenges related to opioid prescribing such as safety concerns and regulatory compliance; they are promoting a more holistic approach to pain management, ultimately strengthening the presence of opioids in the market.

The rising prevalence of traumatic injuries significantly drives opioid market demand due to the need for effective pain management. The US reports around 1.5 million traumatic brain injury cases annually, with many requiring hospitalization and long-term pain management. The CDC highlights that pain management is essential for recovery in these cases, increasing the demand for opioids. Additionally, heightened awareness of the long-term effects of TBIs emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive pain strategies, further leading to an expected rise in opioid prescriptions. Consequently, the opioid market size is poised for growth in the projected years.

The opioid market is expanding due to increased awareness and education about pain management. Both patients and healthcare providers are learning more about the different treatment options available. In the United States, nearly 50 million adults suffer from chronic pain. Updated medical guidelines are helping doctors feel more confident when prescribing opioids, ensuring they are used properly to manage pain. This growing understanding of pain treatment options is contributing to the rise in the use of opioids for managing chronic pain.

Opioid Market Report Highlights

By release type, the extended-release/long-acting opioid segment is anticipated to experience substantial growth at a significant CAGR in the global market during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to an increase in the prevalence of extended pain and traumatic injuries requiring long-acting opioids.

The pain management segment, by application, accounted for the largest revenue share of the market in 2024 due to the rising number of chronic and acute injuries.

In 2024, North America dominated the global opioid market share due to the increasing number hospitals, leading to the increase in prescription rate.

The opioid market in India is projected for substantial growth due to the increasing funding and foreign direct investment inflow.

A few global key market players are Aurobindo Pharma Limited; Assertio Therapeutics, Inc.; AbbVie Inc.; Actavis Plc.; Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC; Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH; Cadila Healthcare Limited; Fresenius Kabi; Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals; Endo International plc; Johnson & Johnson Corporation; Lupin Limited; Nesher Pharmaceuticals LLC; Purdue Pharma L.P.; Pfizer Inc.; Rhodes Pharmaceuticals L.P.; Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited; Trevena Inc.; Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Polaris Market Research has segmented the opioid market report on the basis of class, product, release type, application, and region:

By Class Outlook (Revenue – USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Natural

Semi-Synthetic

Fully Synthetic

By Product Outlook (Revenue – USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Codeine

Fentanyl

Oxycodone

Methadone

Morphine

Hydrocodone

Tramadol

Propoxyphene

Others

By Release Type Outlook (Revenue – USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Immediate-Release/Short-Acting Opioid

Extended-Release/Long-Acting Opioid

By Application (Revenue – USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Pain Management

Neuropathic

Migraine

Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal

Arthritis

Fibromyalgia

Others

Cancer Pain

Brain

Breast

Colorectal

Blood

Skin

Prostate

Others

Cough Treatment

Analgesia

Diarrhea Treatment

De-addiction

Others

By Regional Outlook (Revenue – USD Billion, 2020–2034)

North America

• US
• Canada

Europe

• Germany
• UK
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Russia
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• India
• Japan
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Australia
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• Israel
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa