The market for pain patches has seen trendy changes arising from increasing awareness of chronic pain management, technological advances relating to drug delivery, and the adoption of less invasive options by patients. As an example, we can point out the growing needs for transdermal pain patches that are a substitute to oral drugs. These patches enable the controlled delivery of drugs through the skin that ensures the mild and extended release of the dose. This technique not only provides the convenience for patients but also excludes the risk of gastrointestinal side effects coming with oral narcotic medications.
Regarding transdermal patches, there has been a really great increase in the development of pain patches which contain various active substances as well. These patches can include analgesics, NSAID, opioids, or an amalgamation of the drugs. Diversity in formulations permits the administering of pain management in a more accurate manner, thus allowing room for the needs of individuals with different types and intensities of pain.
The market for Pain Patches has now started paying more attention to the application of innovative materials and technologies that can aid in the enhancement of patch outcomes and patient convenience. Things like the micro-needle patches that utilize tiny needles to deliver drugs distract from the outer layer of the skin are also emerging as an innovation for improving the absorption of drugs and faster provision of relief. Furthermore, technological advancement in adhesive technology gives birth to patches which stick firmly to the skin but without causing any irritation or discomfort.
Apart from this, the need for natural and plant-based pain patches has been growing in accordance with consumer interest in alternative medicinal and holistic ways of getting relief from pain. These patches usually comprise substances like menthol, camphor, or the extract which is known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Natural pain relief trend accompanies a broader cultural trend in well care and in the search for non-pharmaceutical treatment of medical conditions.
The market has also noted an increase in the availability of over-the-counter (OTC) pain patches, wherein consumers can finally access medication without a prescription. This tendency supports people with the growing management of their healthcare by themselves, enabling individuals to alleviate mild to moderate pain independently with the benefit of OTC patches.
Pain Patch Market Highlights:
Pain Patch Market Forecast
The pain patch market is expected to reach USD 23.41 Billion by 2032 at 4.8% CAGR during the forecast period 2023-2032
Market Synopsis
Pain patches are the transdermal therapeutic system (TTS), which contain active substances that are absorbed by the skin and distributed into the body through the bloodstream.
The companies involved in developing pain patches develop pain patches for different therapeutic applications such as neurological pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, and others. For instance, in June 2019, NanoVibronix a medical device company announced they are planning to launch of CBD infused patch in combination with cream for the PainShield system a therapeutic ultrasound product used for pain management. Additionally, in August 2015 Mylan N.V. launched Lidocaine Patch 5%, a generic version of Endo Pharmaceutical's Lidoderm for post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). The launch of new products and technology by companies is also projected to boost the pain patch market growth.
October 2023: BluHeat by Nysh.in, a reputable brand known for its advancements in pain reduction, is thrilled to introduce its newest product - BluHeat Cramp Care. This solution is specifically designed to provide exceptional comfort and alleviate menstruation cramps. This innovative solution utilizes the efficacy of thermotherapy to provide a natural and secure pain alleviation experience. The BluHeat Cramp Care patches are made from completely safe, 100% natural, and environmentally friendly components. They may provide warmth for more than eight hours. These patches provide unparalleled comfort and convenience in various situations.
Market Influencer
Increasing demand for easy to use pain management product drives the pain patch market.
Market Drivers
- Increasing demand for easy to use, painless, and convenient mode of pain management drives pain patch market growth.
- The geriatric population, young people, and huge patient groups having problems in swallowing or who are suffering from vomiting or emesis increase the demand for transdermal patches.
- The increasing prevalence of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and others. Exelon patch distributed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is a prescription medicine used to treat the above-mentioned neurological disorder. The growing patient population with a memory problem or other brain-related problems boosts the demand for pain patches.
- In addition, increasing adoption of opioids for pain management related to trauma and injury in severe and in cases of post-surgical pain is driving pain patch market growth.
Market Restraints
- Extended use of patches causing side effects such as vomiting, weakness, allergic reaction hampers the pain patch market growth.
- Availability of alternative pain management products
Pain Patch Market Segmentation
By Type
- Opioid: The opioid segment for pain management is further sub-segmented into, immediate-release and extended-release. The immediate-release patches release the opioid quickly as it comes in contact with skin, but their effect lasts for a shorter period. Whereas extended-release patches release the drug for a longer period. By type, opioid is the largest segment owing to its availability in the pain patch market and increasing demand for pain management.
- Non-Opioid: It is the fastest-growing segment by type. There is an increase in demand for non-opioid pain patches, as it is considered as less addictive and safe. NanoVibronix, a healthcare company, is planning to launch a combination of PainShield and nanoparticle CBD-infused patch/cream as an alternative to opioids for pain treatment.
By Mode of Administration
- Microneedle Patches: Holds the largest segment by mode of administering. There are different types of microneedle patches, such as hollow microneedles, solid microneedles, dissolving microneedles, and others. The availability of different patches increases the demand for this type of pain management products.
- Active Delivery Systems with Patches: pain patch market is the fastest-growing segment. These are active patches works with active systems example, iontophoresis. These patches conduct small current through which active substances are transferred into the body. LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG offers such type of active patches for pain management.
By Therapeutic Use
- Neurological Disorder: It is the largest segment by therapeutic application. In a neurological disorder, the pain patches are used for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and neuropathic pain.
- Cancer: High doses of opioid patches are used to control their cancer pain.
- Smoking Cessation: The nicotine administration patches reduce the pain in both smokers and nonsmokers.
- Others: The other segment include skincare, spinal pain, neck pain, and others.
By End Users
- Hospitals and Clinics: Hospitals are the primary points for diagnosis and treatment for individuals. The increase in patient visits to hospitals for the diagnosis increases the segmental growth.
- Home Care: Holds the largest market share. The pain patches can be used by the patient itself at home due to the ease of use and convenience.
- Other: This segment includes surgical centers, rehabilitation centers, and others.
By Region
- Americas: The Americas is the largest regional market. An increasing number of chronic diseases, neurological disease, spinal injury, and other health problems is likely to drive the growth of the market during the assessment period. In the Americas, 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and the number is expected to grow if not treated. Such a large population suffering from neurological disorder increases the demand for pain patches market in this region.
- Europe: Europe has a large number of healthcare companies providing diagnostic and treatment products for pain management to drive pain patch market growth in this region.
- Asia-Pacific: The fastest-growing regional market for pain patch, Asia-Pacific, has a huge population suffering from back pain, neck pain, and sedentary lifestyle. Also, increasing accidental cases in this region are likely to drive the growth of the pain patch market.
- Middle East & Africa: The developing healthcare infrastructure and growing treatment options for pain management boost the pain patch market growth in this region.
Pain Patch Market Key Players
- LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG (Germany)
- (US)
- Mylan N.V.(US)
- Pfizer, Inc. (US)
- Teva Pharmaceutical Company (Allergan Plc (Actavis)) (Israel)
- Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc (Israel)
- Hisamitsu America, Inc. (America)
- Johnson & Johnson (US)
- Teikoku Seiyaku Co., Ltd (Japan)
- Sanofi (France)
- NICHIBAN Co (Japan)
- The Mentholatum Company (US)
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