Pain Patch Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028 Segmented By Product Type (Non-Opioid Patches, Opioid Patches), By Type (Prescription Medicines, OTC Medicines),By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Drug Stores and Retail Pharmacies, Online Providers), By Region and Competition

Market Overview

Global Pain Patch Market

Key Market Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Pain is Driving the Global Pain Patch Market

Chronic pain is a widespread and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide, significantly impacting their quality of life. As the global population continues to age and the incidence of chronic conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and neuropathy rises, the demand for effective pain management solutions is on the rise. One such solution that is gaining traction in the healthcare industry is the pain patch. These transdermal patches are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience, effectiveness, and ability to provide consistent pain relief

According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, chronic pain affects over 1.5 billion people worldwide, with back pain being the most common type

Pain patches provide controlled and sustained release of medication, ensuring a steady blood concentration and consistent pain relief. This method reduces the risk of overdose or underdosing, which can occur with oral medications.

Growing Aging Population is Driving the Global Pain Patch Market

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2050, the global population aged 60 and older is expected to reach 2 billion, nearly double the number in 2015

To address the need for effective pain management among the aging population, the global pain patch market has seen substantial growth. Pain patches are transdermal patches infused with medications designed to provide long-lasting relief from various types of pain. They offer several advantages over traditional oral pain medications, including reduced side effects, improved patient compliance, and controlled release of medication over an extended period.

With more seniors experiencing chronic pain, there is a growing demand for effective pain relief solutions. Pain patches offer a convenient and non-invasive way to manage pain, making them an attractive option for older adults.

Key Market Challenges

Regulatory Hurdles

One of the primary challenges for the pain patch market is navigating the complex web of regulatory requirements. Pain patches are considered medical devices or drug delivery systems, and they must meet stringent regulatory standards set by health authorities like the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and the EMA (European Medicines Agency). Obtaining regulatory approvals can be a lengthy and expensive process, often delaying product launches and increasing development costs. Manufacturers must demonstrate the safety, efficacy, and quality of their pain patches, which can be particularly challenging for novel formulations or drug combinations.

Intellectual Property Issues

The pain patch market is highly competitive, with multiple companies vying for market share. This competitive landscape can lead to intellectual property disputes, as companies seek to protect their innovations and challenge the patents of competitors. These legal battles can tie up resources and hinder the introduction of new pain patch products to the market.

Patient Adherence

Patient adherence is a crucial factor in the success of pain patch therapy. While pain patches offer the advantage of continuous medication delivery, patients may still struggle with adherence due to issues such as skin irritation, discomfort, or difficulty in keeping the patch in place. Ensuring patient education and addressing these challenges is essential to maximize the effectiveness of pain patches.

Safety Concerns

Safety is paramount in the healthcare industry, and pain patches are no exception. There have been instances of adverse events associated with pain patches, such as skin reactions, overdose, or misuse. Manufacturers must invest in rigorous testing and safety measures to mitigate these risks. Furthermore, the risk of accidental exposure, especially in households with children or pets, remains a concern.

Pricing and Reimbursement

The pricing of pain patches can be a significant challenge, particularly in regions with a strong focus on cost containment in healthcare. Reimbursement policies and negotiations with insurance companies can affect the accessibility of pain patches for patients. Striking a balance between affordability and profitability while maintaining product quality is a delicate task for manufacturers.

Competition from Alternative Therapies

Pain management is a dynamic field with various alternative therapies, including oral medications, injections, physical therapy, and even emerging technologies like neuromodulation devices. The pain patch market faces competition not only from other pharmaceuticals but also from these alternative treatment options. To stay competitive, pain patch manufacturers must continually innovate and differentiate their products.

Key Market Trends

Technological Advancements

The global healthcare industry is witnessing a significant transformation, driven by rapid technological advancements and a growing emphasis on patient-centric solutions. One notable area where these changes are manifesting is in the pain management sector. Traditional methods of pain relief, such as oral medications, injections, and physical therapy, are now being complemented and, in some cases, replaced by innovative solutions like pain patches. These patches are gaining traction in the global market due to their convenience, effectiveness, and advancements in their technology

Microneedle pain patches are a relatively recent innovation that involves tiny needles on the patch's surface. These needles painlessly penetrate the skin, delivering medication directly to the bloodstream. This technology offers faster relief and precise dosing, making it a promising solution for various types of pain management.

Segmental Insights

Product Type Insights

Based on the category of Product Type, Non-Opioid Patches emerged as the dominant player in the global market for Pain Patch in 2022.

Type Insights

The Prescription Medicines segment is projected to experience rapid growth during the forecast period.

Regional Insights

North America emerged as the dominant player in the global Pain Patch market in 2022, holding the largest market share in terms of value. The region boasts a robust pharmaceutical and biotech sector, supported by significant investments in research and development. North American companies have been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge pain patch technologies, including advanced drug delivery systems and transdermal formulations.

Recent Developments

• InAugust 2022, Sorrento Therapeutics Inc. made an announcement regarding theinclusion of their product, ZTlido (a topical lidocaine system with a 1.8%concentration), into one of the largest National Pharmacy Benefit Managers(PBMs) and a national health plan. This decision effectively broadened thecoverage to encompass 30 million individuals. Furthermore, Scilex will maintainits collaboration with them to gain access to an additional 20 millionpotential beneficiaries.
• InJanuary 2021, Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc. declared that it had receivedapproval for modifying certain aspects of the previously approvedspecifications for their new transdermal analgesic anti-inflammatory patches,known as "Mohrus Paps XR 120 mg and 240 mg." This adjustment aimed toalleviate the irritation caused by the current additives.
• InAugust 2020, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a pharmaceutical manufacturing firm,disclosed that it had obtained Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) approvalfrom the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a generic variant ofLidocaine Patch, 5%, which serves as an alternative to the Lidoderm Patch, 5%,used in the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia.

Key Market Players

• NEXGEL Advanced Hydrogel Solutions
• Viatris Inc.
• Johnson andJohnson
• TevaPharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• SorrentoTherapeutics Inc.
• HisamitsuPharmaceutical Co.,Inc.
• EndoInternational plc.
• Purdue PharmaL.P.
• AmnealPharmaceuticals LLC
• Grunenthal