Painkillers Market size was over USD 75.7 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 126.9 billion by the end of 2037, expanding at a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast timeline, i.e., 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of the painkillers is assessed at USD 79 billion.
The increasing availability of pain medicines through online and retail stores has propelled growth in this industry. With the integration of IoT and other connecting technologies in healthcare, their access to immediate and long-term pain-relieving medications has increased. This further contributes to the expansion by providing direct access to easily available options, particularly OTC products.
The surge in the painkillers market is also influenced by the growing population of aged people across the world. They often are diagnosed with chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, arthritis, and other painful ailments, which require access to regular medication to offer relief. According to a WHO report published in October 2024, the global population of 60 years or more old people is expected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050. The number of 80-year-old people is also estimated to triple, accounting to be 426 million in 2050. This will increase the incidence rate of common painful diseases, creating a huge consumer base for pain medications and other relieving modalities.
Growth Drivers
Challenges
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Base Year |
2024 |
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Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
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CAGR |
4.4% |
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Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 75.7 billion |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 126.9 billion |
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Regional Scope |
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Product (OTC Products, Prescription Drugs)
OTC segment is set to dominate around 52.7% painkillers market share by the end of 2037. The general availability of these drugs has reduced the extensive cost of doctor visits for non-critical pain management. This has further propelled the demand for OTC supplements in use for mild to moderate pain such as headaches, muscle aches, back pain, and other minor injuries. Companies are producing various forms including Acetaminophen, NSAIDs, topical agencies, and hybrid drugs. For instance, in March 2020, GSK received FDA approval for Advil Dual Action, a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen to be circulated for pain relief. Such diversity makes them applicable to curing a wide range of pain or discomfort, promoting its effectiveness.
Drug Class (Opioids, Tramadol, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Other Opioids, NSAIDs, Local Anesthetics, Acetaminophen)
Based on drug class, the painkillers market is projected to experience great development in the local anesthetics segment by 2037. The growth is owed to the increasing rate of surgical interventions in every medical category. Being a crucial part of performing surgical and dental procedures without causing pain, has accelerated the demand for this segment. These also have a usage in chronic pain conditions, making them more desirable for effective post or non-operative management. Companies are now developing new formulations to acquire elongated and targeted impact, improving patient outcomes. For instance, in May 2021, Heron launched its FDA-approved ZYNRELEF for full-fledged use in managing post-operational pain. The dual-acting local anesthetic can serve for 72 hours duration after bunionectomy.
Our in-depth analysis of the painkillers market includes the following segments:
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Product |
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Drug Class |
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Indication |
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Route of Administration |
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Distribution Channel |
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North America Market Analysis
North America in painkillers market is poised to hold more than 45.9% revenue share by 2037. Rapid development in healthcare including pain management has driven significant growth in this region. Due to faster recovery and effectiveness, these supplements have become one of the most selling medical products in this landscape. Many healthcare organizations and specialty doctors have also helped to promote such efficient therapeutics to control or manage symptoms. This has encouraged companies to extend their product portfolio, generating larger revenue. For instance, in March 2023, Pfizer received approval for ZAVZPRET for instant pain relief from migraine in just 15 minutes. The CGRP nasal spray opens a new healthcare category to serve.
The U.S. is one of the fastest-growing countries in the painkillers market due to increasing incidences of chronic pain. According to a CDC report published in April 2023, 20.9% of the adults in this country suffered from mild to moderate chronic pain in 2021. The report further states that the number of severe chronic pain cases accounted to be 17.1 million in the same year. Such frequent prevalence requires a continuous supply of reliable pain management supplements, garnering greater growth potential in this industry.
Canada is projected to foster lucrative opportunities for global leaders during the forecast period. The ongoing opioid crisis is pushing manufacturers to introduce new formulations to attain non-adverse properties in drugs or other therapeutics. This has further influenced companies to invest in R&D, creating a great developmental scope for businesses to outstretch their reach. For instance, in February 2024, Health Canada approved Maxigesic IV by Hyloris for marketing in Canada. This non-opioid pain-relieving drug will pave the way to restore opioid impact on the country’s healthcare and economy.
Europe Market Statistics
Europe is growing to present diversity and development in the painkillers market in upcoming years due to the rising awareness about pain management in this region. The rising demand for analgesic drugs is majorly driven by the increasing incidences of chronic diseases. The region is highly influenced by technological advancement, which pushes drug innovation to introduce new alternatives in the industry. The government has taken strict actions to prevent opioid abuse, leveraging the demand for OTC products due to market availability. As a result, drugs such as NSAIDs, paracetamol, and alternatives are gaining traction due to the rising need for medication.
The U.K. is presenting a promising scope of development in the painkillers market due to innovative products introduced by global leaders. The companies are accelerating their R&D in developing novel solutions for effective pain management. They are also focusing on reducing the risk of addiction through these new formulations. For instance, in August 2024, Levicept announced the success of a phase-II trial for Neurotrophin-3 Inhibitor, LEVI-04. The thorough study shows positive results of this drug usage for moderate to severe pain relief in osteoarthritis patients.
Spain is projected to generate remarkable revenue from its painkillers market by the end of 2037. The country is leveraging the scale of production and development in this sector to participate in international competition. For instance, in October 2021, Esteve received approval from the FDA for a co-crystal form of celecoxib and tramadol to be used for acute pain relief. Such R&D products will help domestic companies to consolidate their presence in the U.S. industry. Further, it creates an opportunity to strengthen the country’s international business.
The popularity of complementary therapeutics and medical cannabis are gaining traction in this sector. However, the painkillers market is now shifting towards developing sustainable properties in supplements. This is further changing the dynamics of the industry through offering innovative solutions for effective pain management. For instance, in April 2022, Genexa launched Clean Acetaminophen Pain Relief Products for Adults. The new products are manufactured without using artificial dyes, fillers, and preservatives, making the series a first-of-its-kind alternative solution for pain management. These innovations are propelling the market to grow higher in the upcoming years. Such key players include:
Author Credits: Radhika Pawar
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