Global Pain Management Set To Drive Transdermal Patches And Gels To $8 Billion In 2012

Main Category: Pain / Anesthetics
Also Included In: Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 14 May 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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The growing incidence of diseases and conditions related to aging is creating pockets of opportunity for pain management. These opportunities include the expanding use of prescription NSAIDs as second-line therapies for chronic pain and an increase in off-label prescribing. As populations and indications evolve, so too is the pain management sector. Traditionally dominated by tablets and specialty injectables, today's pipeline is heavily represented by pain drugs designed for alternative delivery methods - often generic drugs that possess attractive economic and safety benefits.

Responding to the simplified dosing, reduced side effects and relative safety of transdermal pain patches and gels, more than two dozen drug developers - either independently or in partnership - are investing in the clinical development of a diverse range of pain drugs that can be delivered through the skin. Narcotic pain drugs now account for more than half of all transdermal pain products worldwide. But the impressive first-year performance of King/Alpharma's Flector demonstrates the ongoing potential of non-opioid drugs for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

"The demographics driving prescribing trends in pain management are compelling," explains David Smith, Applied Data market analyst. "In developed economies, adults are living longer than their parents, and are smarter about the benefits of leading an active lifestyle, resulting in increased incidence of pain associated with disease, and muscle and joint injuries. " Pipeline small molecule drugs currently in clinical trials will provide expanded options to caregivers and present significant business opportunities to active participants in this sector.

Increasing demand in existing markets and greater emphasis on developing currently under-developed regional markets will drive the total value of this sector beyond $8 billion by 2012. Fentanyl will remain the drug of choice for breakthrough pain associated with cancer, but October's FDA approval of generics giant Teva's fentanyl patch insures competition will continue to keep pressure on prices and margins. With no dominant player at this point, transdermal diclofenac represents significant potential, particularly in Asia and Latin America.

Regionally, opportunities for transdermal pain products exist in Lain America, where Amarin currently operates with little competition, Europe where Grunenthal's Versatis is the only approved topical anesthetic patch, and Asia, where only a small number of transdermal pain treatments are currently marketed.

A recently completed analysis of global markets for transdermal pain management, researched and written by Applied Data Research, examines current and future demand and provides forecasts by drug/product class and region.

Source
Applied Data Research

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