Opioids Drug Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2023-2030)

Global Opioids Drug Market is segmented By Product (Buprenorphine, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone, Morphine, Oxycodone, Others), By Application (Pain Relief, Anesthesia, Cough Suppression, Diarrhea treatment, Opioid addiction treatment, Others), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies), and By Region (North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2023-2030

Opioids Drug Market Overview

The Global Opioids Drug Market reached USD 39.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to witness lucrative growth by reaching up to USD 51.6 billion by 2030. The global opioid drug market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.3% during the forecast period 2023-2030. Opioids function by attaching themselves to specific receptors in the brain, spinal cord and other areas of the body, which results in decreased transmission of pain signals and the induction of sensations like euphoria and relaxation. They are categorized into three primary groups: prescription opioids, heroin and synthetic opioids.

Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of chronic pain, surge in surgical procedures, increased recognition of palliative care and rising adoption of opioid use in anesthesia are the factors expected to drive over the forecast period.

Opioids Drug Market Scope

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Opioids Drug Market Dynamics

The Increasing Number of Surgical Procedures is Expected to Drive Opioid Drug Market Growth.

The European Commission presents statistics on the most common, fastest-growing, and fastest-declining surgical operations and procedures in the EU. For instance, in 2020, cataract surgery, which involves removing the lens from the eye, was the most frequently performed surgical procedure among the EU Member States. Across the EU, including Belgium, Cyprus, Malta and the Netherlands, as well as Greece, cataract surgery was conducted approximately 3.66 million times. 

In 10 Member States, cataract surgery was performed at a rate of 1,000 or more times per 100,000 inhabitants in 2020. Latvia had the highest rate with 1,461 surgeries per 100,000 inhabitants. On the other hand, Romania had fewer than 300 cataract surgeries per 100,000 inhabitants.

Furthermore, on January 9, 2023, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) released the results of its annual Global Survey on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures, showing a 19.3% overall increase in procedures performed by plastic surgeons in 2021 with more than 12.8 million surgical and 17.5 million non-surgical, procedures performed worldwide. Therefore, the number of surgical procedures increases, which can lead to an increased demand for opioid drugs in the market. 

The High Cost of Opioid Drugs is Expected to Hamper the Market Growth.

According to an analysis released by the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC) in September 2022, the opioid epidemic cost the United States nearly $1.5 trillion in 2020, which was a 37% increase from 2017.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the healthcare system, limiting access to substance abuse treatment and worsening social and economic stress, leading to an increase in opioid use. This resulted in the highest number of fatal opioid overdoses ever reported in 2020 and 2021, with 69,061 and 80,926 fatalities respectively, making opioids the primary cause of drug overdose deaths.

The impact of opioid use extends beyond personal and family tolls, affecting the economy as a whole. By adopting a methodology used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the JEC estimated that the opioid epidemic cost $1.04 trillion in 2018, $985 billion in 2019, and nearly $1.5 trillion in 2020. Given the rise in fatal opioid overdoses in 2021, the total cost is expected to continue increasing. 

Thus, owing to the above factors, the market is expected to hamper over the forecast period.

Opioids Drug Market Segment Analysis

The global opioid drugs market is segmented based on product, application, distribution channel and region.

The Hydrocodone Segment is Expected to Hold a Dominant Position in the Market Over the Forecast Period.

The hydrocodone segment accounted for the highest market stake accounting for approximately 34.3% of the opioid drugs market in 2022. Hydrocodone is a commonly prescribed opioid medication that is effective in managing various types of pain, including post-surgical pain, chronic pain and acute injuries. It is often combined with non-opioid analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which can enhance its pain-relieving effects and provide additional benefits.

Moreover, it is available in different forms, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release capsules and liquid formulations, allowing for flexibility in dosing and individual patient needs.

For instance, Vicodin is a brand-name product that combines hydrocodone bitartrate with acetaminophen. It is available in various strengths, such as Vicodin 5/325 (containing 5 mg hydrocodone and 325 mg acetaminophen) or Vicodin 10/325 (containing 10 mg hydrocodone and 325 mg acetaminophen).

Moreover, the way healthcare providers address pain management, such as their prescribing practices and adherence to guidelines, can influence the demand and usage of opioid drugs. Additionally, patient expectations for immediate and effective pain relief can contribute to the demand for opioids. Furthermore, alterations in regulations and policies regarding the prescribing, dispensing and monitoring of opioids can have an impact on the opioid market.

For instance, initiatives to address the opioid crisis, such as prescription drug monitoring programs and opioid prescribing guidelines, can influence opioid utilization. Thus, owing to the above factors, the market segment is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period.

Source: DataM Intelligence Analysis (2023)

Opioids Drug Market Geographical Penetration

North America Holds a Dominant Position in the Global Opioids Drug Market.

North America is estimated to hold around 42.4% of the total market share throughout the forecast period. Owing to the well-developed healthcare infrastructure in the U.S. and several healthcare research centers, the Government of the United States launched public awareness advertising campaign to fight against drug addiction. 

Besides, a few opioid products, including Purdue Pharma's OxyContin, have been discontinued in the U.S. and Canada. In May 2022, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), announced a State Opioid Response (SOR) grant funding opportunity that provided nearly $1.5 billion to states and territories to help address the Nation's opioid addiction and overdose epidemic. 

Thus, from the above factors, the North American region is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period.

Source: DataM Intelligence Analysis (2023)

Opioids Drug Market Players

The major global players in the market include Purdue Pharma L.P., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Pfizer Inc., Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc., Lupin Ltd., Allergan PLC, Sanofi-Aventis S.A., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Grunenthal GmbH and China Aoxing Pharmaceutical Company, Inc. among others.

COVID-19 Impact on Opioids Drug Market 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the use and availability of opioid drugs. The pandemic has disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, affecting access to essential services, including substance abuse treatment and support. 

Many addiction treatment centers and clinics had to limit in-person visits or temporarily close, reducing access to vital resources for individuals struggling with opioid addiction. This disruption in healthcare services has hindered timely interventions and support for those in need.

COVID-19 has taken a toll on mental health, with increased rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions reported globally. Individuals experiencing mental health challenges may turn to opioids as a form of self-medication or to alleviate emotional distress. The intersection of mental health issues and substance use can further complicate addiction treatment efforts during the pandemic.

The pandemic has diverted attention and resources away from ongoing public health issues, including the opioid crisis. Efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, such as harm reduction programs, overdose prevention initiatives and community support services, have faced challenges due to redirected resources and shifting priorities.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict Analysis

The Ukraine and Russia conflict has not had a direct impact on the global opioid drug market. However, it is important to note that the illicit drug trade, including opioids, can be influenced by various geopolitical factors, including conflicts and instability in certain regions.

In general, conflicts and disruptions in regions with drug production or trafficking activities can affect the availability and routes of drug supply. It is possible that conflicts can lead to shifts in drug trafficking routes or changes in the production and distribution of illicit substances. These changes can have ripple effects on the global drug market, including the availability and pricing of opioids.

By Product

• Buprenorphine
• Fentanyl
• Hydrocodone
• Morphine
• Oxycodone
• Others

By Application

• Pain management
• Anesthesia
• Cough suppression
• Diarrhea treatment
• Opioid addiction treatment
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • The U.K.
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• Trevena, Inc. revealed in January 2022 that the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China has accepted the filing of a New Drug Application (NDA) for OLINVYK (oliceridine) injection. 

OLINVYK is a new intravenous analgesic approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of acute pain in adults that is sufficiently intense to necessitate intravenous opioid analgesics.

• The Opioid Analgesic Stewardship in Acute Pain Clinical Care Standard was launched on 27 April 2022. The launch event was hosted by Conjoint Professor Anne Duggan, the Commission's Chief Medical Officer. 

In the launch video, panelists discuss how opioid analgesic stewardship can improve the appropriateness of opioid use and reduce patient harm, while still ensuring that each patient has their pain effectively managed.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global opioids drug market segmentation based on the product, application, distribution channel and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of opioids drug market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The Global Opioids Drug Market Report Would Provide Approximately 61 Tables, 62 Figures and 195 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers / Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies