Global Topical Pain Relief Market Research Report: Forecast (2023-2028)

Market Definition

Topical pain relief medications are medications applied directly to the epidermal layer of skin at and around the area of inflammation or pain. It includes painkillers, directly applied, sprayed, or rubbed on the skin over painful muscles or joints. Such relief medications are analgesic or anesthetic formulations designed to relieve pain and use skin as the path for drug administration and exert major action at the targeted site and in the central nervous system. The medication aims to offer a slow and gradual release of pain relief medication into the bloodstream by keeping the blood levels relatively constant for some time while, offering lesser side effects than oral medication.

Market Insights

The Global Topical Pain Relief Market was valued at USD 9.5 Billion 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 7.5% during the forecast period, i.e., 2023-28. Due to the rising incidences of arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis, surging technological advancements in transdermal patches for pain management, and burgeoning investments by pharmaceutical companies & government organizations for R&D activities, the market is likely to receive a rise. As growth in understanding online pharmacy with the increasing number of internet users choosing to buy topical therapeutics online, the expansion of online platforms and people’s inclination towards buying their medications online is likely to benefit the market.

Additionally, with the burgeoning geriatric population, the older population faces a higher risk of different bone-related issues and diseases. Hence, a rise in the older population around the world would also favor the growth of the industry. Along with it the surging awareness among people about the benefits of topical pain relief is another factor likely to contribute to the overall market growth.

Another factor that causes market growth is the inclination towards the adoption of topical pain relief products over other kinds of medications, as they cause lesser side effects, especially when compared with oral pain relief medication. Thus, with significant growth in awareness about the side effects of oral medication, the popularity of topical pain relief medicine is increasing.

Subsequently, with the increasing popularity of adopting healthier lifestyles, doing sports, and gym as hobbies would also result in a surge in the market as it would increase the demand for topical therapeutics. Ironically, the population is also facing a drop in daily exercising with the advent of working from home, and being able to receive everything at their door, leading to lesser daily activities. This might result in topical therapeutics demands soaring up as a fast and convenient pain relief solution, thus, leading to lucrative growth of the market in forecasting years.

Market Dynamics

Key Driver: Growing Prevalence of Arthritis, Chronic Disease, And Diabetic Neuropathy

There has been a significant rise in arthritis, other bone-related conditions, and also diabetic neuropathy among people, which is driving the adoption of topical therapeutics, thus acting as the key driver of the topical pain relief market. With the increasing number of people with joint pain problems, especially as the older generation population is increasing, the market is likely to expand further. Also, topical therapeutics provide instant comfort to people with injuries. So, the perpetual amount of accidents in the daily life of people also in various industries is likely to fuel the market growth.

Possible Restraint: Side Effects Associated with Topical Pain Relief Products

Though opioids are used usually in joint and pain treatment including, back pain, muscle tenderness, headache, and also in pain associated with cancer ailments, these medications also pose some hazardous side effects such as nausea, mild concussions, breathing complications, and more. Also, the unpleasant odor of such topical therapeutics is disliked and could cause nausea or irritation in the eyes and nose, along with skin irritation. The expanding knowledge and awareness about such side-effects are likely to restrain the market growth.

Growth Opportunity: Expansion of Online Pharmacy

With the emergence of e-commerce platforms, the medical industry has also expanded across the globe, digitally resulting in the availability of online pharmacies. Online Pharmacies are developing and expanding in developing countries resulting in easier access to medications, especially topical pain relief medications, which might not always require a prescription and thus is easier to order online. This poses an opportunity for the market in the forecasting years, as with the expansion of online pharmacies, the industry would likely face a surge in demand for pain relief solutions. Also, the plethora of options and new innovative products being provided online would help in the growth of the market.

Key Trend: Participation of People in Sports and Gym

The trend of having a physical activity or sport as a hobby to maintain the levels of daily physical activities is being adopted rapidly and is on the rise with the influence of social media and the internet. The growing awareness about keeping one healthy is leading to an increase in gym-goers, morning walkers, hikers, etc. This is leading to a surge in sales of topical painkillers or analgesics for managing pain, instant pain relief, and as a precaution in case of future injury or need. Also for individuals who are intolerant to other routes of administration in treating pain, Topical painkillers provide an alternative effectual solution.  It is advised to have some kind of topical therapeutic medication in hand or in a first aid kit, to prevent delay in treatment and as an instant solution, especially for hikers, campers, and gym goers, which further poses a lucrative growth opportunity for the industry.

Market Segmentation

Based on Therapeutic Class

• Non-Opioids

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug
• Methyl Salicylate
• Capsaicin
• Lidocaine

• Opioids

• Buprenorphine
• Fentanyl

Here, the Non-opioids therapeutic class accounted for the highest market share in the historic period and is expected to maintain its status throughout the forecasting period. This is owed to the consumer’s preference for non-opioids over opioid drugs for mild to moderate pain treatment as it offers lesser side effects than opioids and leaves no room for substance abuse or addiction. This growth is also attributed to the growing gym culture, interest in sports, and hiking, leading to the eminence of sports injuries, along with the rise in the elder population. As non-opioids provide a healthier, addiction-free alternative, it is preferred more, and also its availability and accessibility would likely lead to the heaving growth of the market in the forecasting period.

Based on Distribution Channel

• Pharmacy Drug Store
• E-Commerce
• Others

Of them all, Pharmacy Drug Store acquired the largest market share in recent years and is anticipated to prevail in a similar graph during the forecast period. It is owing eminently to the presence of pharmacy drug stores in all populated locations and even in pastoral or rural areas. On another hand topical painkillers are also available in a huge variety without the need for a prescription from a medical practitioner. Thus, due to the traditional habit of buying medicines from pharmacy drug stores, interaction with the pharmacist in choosing the best topical medication as needed, and availability of a drug store in various locations, the market is likely to experience significant growth.

However, the E-Commerce segment is also estimated to grow fast during the forecasting period with rapid digitalization, better online infrastructure, and expansion of online pharmacies. Given benefits such as at-door delivery, saving time, and easy access to varieties of brands and compositions, the E-Commerce sector would flourish in the forecasting period.

Regional Projection

Geographically, the Global Topical Pain Relief Market expands across:

• North America
• South America
• Europe
• Middle East & Africa
• Asia-Pacific

Of them all, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to attain a significant market share during the forecasting period. This growth is accustomed to the augmenting elderly population in several Asian countries, especially in India and China, which would lead to an increase in chronic ailments, and other joint and muscle issues and support the expansion of healthcare and refining of the medical sector.

Besides, the demand for an alternative to pain management pharmaceuticals with numerous side effects is also driving the market. The necessity of long-term pain management in the elderly community, the huge patient population base, widely proven validity of pain management devices for chronic pain treatment are fueling the growth of the industry.

Additionally, due to an increase in disposable income resulting in a surge in affordability, a rise in healthcare expenditure, and increasing awareness towards safer pain management and relief products, the growth of the topical therapeutics industry is likely to elevate.

On the other hand, North America is likely to create growth opportunities for the leading market players in the coming years. It has majorly dominated the market in the historic period due to the early approval of topical pain relief medications and high adoption of over-the-counter pain relief products, additionally with the presence of major market players in the region. Consecutively, due to health acquainted population, high-class laboratories, and superior healthcare infrastructure, the market is likely to experience continuous growth in the region.

Recent Developments in the Market

• In December 2022, Harrow Health purchased U.S. rights to Novartis drugs.
• In March 2022, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. presented phase 3 data for WINLEVI (clascoterone) cream 1% for the topical treatment of Acne Vulgaris at the AAD annual meeting.

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