Neuropathic Pain Treatment Market - By Drug Class, By Indication, By Route of Administration, By Distribution Channel - Global Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Neuropathic Pain Treatment Market Size

The global neuropathic pain treatment market was valued at USD 8.2 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 8.8 billion in 2025 to USD 18.1 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 8.3%. The market is growing due to the rising prevalence of neuropathic pain disorders, advancements in drug development and novel therapies, increasing chronic diseases, an aging population, stricter opioid regulations driving non-opioid alternatives, rising awareness towards timely treatments, advancements in targeted therapies, improved diagnosis, and expanded telemedicine and e-pharmacy access.
 

Additionally, the demand for neuropathic pain medications is on the rise as a result of the growing cases of diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and spinal cord injury. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of diabetes in adults worldwide increased from 7% to 14% between 1990 and 2022. This growing patient population has necessitated a greater need for effective, long-term treatments for multimodal neuropathic pain management approaches.
 

In addition, the innovation of next-generation neuropathic pain drugs has been expedited through advances in biotechnology, research and development in pain treatment research, and the formulations of drugs. The manufacturers are producing non-opioid medications, biosimilars, gene therapies, and monoclonal antibodies to effectively treat chronic neuropathic pain patients.
 

In the past few years, the FDA has approved numerous new therapies for neuropathic pain, including high-dose capsaicin patches, sodium channel antagonists, and NMDA receptor blockers, providing enhanced management of pain with fewer side effects and addiction hazards than with traditional opioids. For instance, in August 2020, Grünenthal announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of its Qutenza (capsaicin 8% patch) to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy. These developments constitute significant progress toward overcoming the complex issues involved in managing neuropathic pain.
 

Neuropathic Pain Treatment Market Trends

• Due to the concerns of addiction, dependency, and regulation (legal control), the market is moving toward the adoption of non-opioid alternatives like anticonvulsants, antidepressants, capsaicin drugs, and neuromodulation treatments.
   
• For instance, according to the International Overdose Awareness Organization, the number of individuals using opioids worldwide doubled from 26-36 million individuals in 2010 to 61.3 million in 2020. This shift towards safer options is a vital step in resolving the global opioid crisis while maintaining effective pain management.
   
• Additionally, topical treatments such as capsaicin patches and lidocaine creams are preferred by both patients and medical practitioners due to their localized action, minimal systemic side effects, and convenience.
   
• For instance, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), topical treatments exhibit similar efficacy with oral drugs, yet with the substantial reduction in systemic side effects. Such developments in topical delivery systems are revolutionizing the management of neuropathic pain.
   
• Furthermore, innovation in treating neuropathic pain is evolving with the help of biologics, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and gene therapy. Pharmaceutical organizations are developing targeted biologic drugs that inhibit pain pathways at the molecular level, providing longer relief than conventional medications. Anti-NGF (nerve growth factor) antibodies and sodium channel blockers are the focus of research as substitutes with fewer side effects.
   

Neuropathic Pain Treatment Market Analysis

Based on drug class, the market is segmented into anticonvulsants, antidepressants, opioids, capsaicinoids, and other drug classes. The anticonvulsants segment is expected to drive market growth and expand at a CAGR of 8.5%, reaching over USD 7.8 billion by 2034.
 

• The rise in diabetes, shingles, cancer treatments, and nerve injuries has led to significant growth in the use of anticonvulsants for neuropathic pain. For instance, according to the International Diabetes Federation, the global diabetic population was 537 million in 2021 and is projected to reach at 643 million by 2030. This increasing disease burden has made diabetic neuropathy a leading factor contributing to high anticonvulsant demand, with a need for better treatment and availability.
   
• Moreover, healthcare guidelines often suggest anticonvulsants like pregabalin, gabapentin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and lamotrigine as first-line therapy for neuropathic pain given their established efficacy. The drugs retain a solid market position with their established safety profile, extensive clinical data, and extensive availability.

Based on indication, the neuropathic pain treatment market is segmented into diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, HIV-associated neuropathy, and other indications. The diabetic neuropathy segment generated revenue of USD 3 billion in 2024.
 

• The growing prevalence of diabetic neuropathy is driving the market due to the need for effective related-pain management therapies. For instance, data from the Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice Journal states that diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes, and it impacts up to 50% of patients over time. Among them, 20–30% experience neuropathic pain. This high volume of patients is significantly driving segment growth.
   
• Further, diabetic neuropathy is a progressive, chronic condition that often requires long-term treatment for pain management, this increases the frequency of therapeutic treatments among patients.
   
• Additionally, insurance coverage expansion across countries for diabetic neuropathy treatments has led to an improvement in patient access to medications such as pregabalin, duloxetine, and capsaicin patches. Government policies supporting neuropathic pain therapies have increased their adoption, supplementing segment growth.
   

Based on route of administration, the neuropathic pain treatment market is segmented into oral, tropical, and injectable. The oral segment generated a revenue of USD 5.9 billion in 2024.
 

• The convenience, non-invasiveness, and ease of access to oral medications make them more popular than injections or topical treatments. These factors make oral medication the preferred choice among both patients and medical professionals.
   
• In addition, the sophisticated design of injectables and transdermal patches makes them more expensive than oral medications which further increases the preference for oral medications as they are available over the counter or through a prescription.
   
• Clinical guidelines primarily recommend oral medications such as gabapentin and pregabalin from the gabapentinoid class, antidepressants like duloxetine and amitriptyline, as well as opioids that are more readily available across distribution channels, which drives the revenue growth in oral segment.
   

Based on distribution channel, the neuropathic pain treatment market is segmented into hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, and e-commerce. The retail pharmacy segment generated a revenue of USD 4.6 billion in 2024.
 

• The large retail pharmacy chains CVS, Walgreens, and Boots are expanding their product offerings and services by managing prescriptions and sending out medications for neuropathic pain digitally and through mail.
   
• Moreover, many countries’ policies on insurance and reimbursement enable easy access to essential, yet often overlooked, neuropathic pain treatments from retail pharmacies at affordable rates.
   
• Furthermore, the presence of non-prescription treatments, such as capsaicin creams, lidocaine patches, and nerve-support supplements in retail pharmacies, enhances market growth.

North America: The U.S. neuropathic pain treatment market was valued at USD 3.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow substantially in the coming years.
 

• The U.S. has a large and aging population experiencing increasing rates of diabetes, cancer, and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). For instance, according to Michigan Medicine, over 37 million U.S. individuals had diabetes in 2022, with up to 50% developing the risk of diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage, creating significant demand for neuropathic pain treatments. These trends indicate a sustained growth in neuropathic pain treatment requirements across the region.
   
• Additionally, federal opioid prescribing limitations and regulations, put into place in reaction to the opioid epidemic, have placed greater demand on non-opioid options in the US. They consist of anticonvulsants (pregabalin, gabapentin), antidepressants (duloxetine, amitriptyline), and topical applications (capsaicin patches, lidocaine).
   
• Further, agencies such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) endorse safer pain management methods, advising physicians to make non-addictive treatment the first choice for chronic neuropathic pain, thereby driving market growth in the region.
   

Europe: UK neuropathic pain treatment market is projected to grow remarkably in the coming years.
 

• Growing prevalence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy among cancer patients in the UK is fueling the demand for successful treatment solutions.
   
• For instance, according to ecancer.org, about 40% of cancer chemotherapy patients in the UK suffer from prolonged and severe peripheral neuropathy. This large number of patients is propelling market growth across the region.
   
• Moreover, the National Health Service (NHS) pays for neuropathic pain medication either in whole or in part, such as pregabalin, gabapentin, duloxetine, and amitriptyline. The NHS is increasing pain clinics and specialist provision to make neuropathic pain management more accessible.
   

Japan holds a commendable position in the Asia Pacific neuropathic pain treatment market.
 

• Japan has the largest elderly population across the globe, owing to higher life expectancy in comparison to other countries globally. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the life expectancy of Japan in 2022 stood at 84.7 years, the highest in the world.
   
• Moreover, the Japan Journal of Nursing Science reports that about 60-70% of Japanese geriatric populations experience chronic pain, which indicates a heavy burden of neuropathic pain conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). This aging population trend indicates a growing need for neuropathic pain management solutions in the region, thereby facilitating market growth.
   
• Additionally, the government has implemented healthcare coverage program nationwide, including the National Health Insurance (NHI) and Employee Health Insurance (EHI) schemes, which ensures extensive coverage for neuropathic pain therapies. This includes payments for prescription medication, hospital consultation, and professional pain management procedures, making the treatment highly accessible to the public.
   

Saudi Arabia in the Middle East and Africa is expected to witness lucrative growth in the neuropathic pain treatment market.
 

• Saudi Arabia has one of the highest diabetes prevalence rates globally, affecting over 20% of adults. For instance, according to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 4.3 million individuals in Saudi Arabia were affected by diabetes in 2021, a number projected to increase to 7.5 million by 2045. This has increased the number of diabetic neuropathy cases, driving the demand for neuropathic pain treatments.
   
• Additionally, the expansion of mandatory health insurance coverage for expatriates and Saudi citizens has increased access to neuropathic pain medications and specialized pain management services.
   
• Furthermore, investments in hospital networks and retail pharmacies have improved the availability of neuropathic pain treatments across urban and rural areas.
   

Neuropathic Pain Treatment Market Share

The market is fragmented, featuring multiple pharmaceutical firms having approved products. The top players in this market include Pfizer, Eli Lilly and Company, Grünenthal, and Johnson & Johnson, which account for approximately 40% of the market share. These players are constantly investing in the development of advanced treatments to enhance neuropathic pain prevention.
 

Moreover, strategic partnerships with research institutions and healthcare providers have become critical for integrating modern technologies and expanding distribution, which has enabled the companies to address the surge in demand for treatment options. Owing to regulatory support and streamlined approval processes, which further motivate innovation and facilitate market entry, contribute to increased competition in the market. Emerging players are focusing on the development of new treatments that aim to improve pain management. These innovations continue to promote market progression.
 

Neuropathic Pain Treatment Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the neuropathic pain treatment industry include:

• Assertio Therapeutics
• Biogen
• Cipla
• Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
• Eli Lilly and Company
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
• Grünenthal
• Johnson & Johnson
• Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
• Novartis
• Pfizer
• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
• Vertex Pharmaceuticals
   
• Pfizer is one of the key companies in the market for neuropathic pain treatment, mainly because of its blockbuster Lyrica (pregabalin). Lyrica was among the first medications to be approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of neuropathic pain, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and pain related to spinal cord injury. Despite losing patent protection, Pfizer still maintains a robust presence in the market because of its brand name, worldwide distribution network, and investments in the next generation of pain management drugs.
   
• Eli Lilly and Company is a leading innovator in the neuropathic pain treatment market, with Cymbalta (duloxetine) being among the most prescribed serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for diabetic neuropathy pain. The company uses its robust neurology and psychiatry portfolio to drive its expansion in pain management. Moreover, Eli Lilly's emphasis on personalized medicine and digital health solutions increases patient compliance with treatment, further securing its position in the neuropathic pain market.
   
• Grünenthal is a specialized pain management company that differentiates itself through its evidence-based approach to the treatment of neuropathic pain. Through its established centrally acting analgesic Tramadol and Qutenza (capsaicin 8% patch), a non-opioid, topical pain treatment for peripheral neuropathic pain, the company holds a major position in the market. Grünenthal's dedication to non-opioid pain management fits the worldwide movement toward safer methods of pain treatment, solidifying its competitive advantage in the market.
   

Neuropathic Pain Treatment Industry News:

• In January 2025, Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced that the U.S. FDA approved JOURNAVX (suzetrigine), an oral, non-opioid NaV1.8 pain signal inhibitor, for treating moderate-to-severe acute pain in adults. The drug demonstrated effectiveness, tolerability, and no evidence of addictive potential across various pain types. This approval strengthened Vertex’s position in the pain management market and expanded its non-opioid treatment portfolio.
   
• In November 2024, Grünenthal announced that its U.S. subsidiary, Averitas Pharma, Inc., completed recruitment for the Phase III AV001 clinical trial evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of QUTENZA (capsaicin) 8% topical system for post-surgical neuropathic pain (PSNP). If successful, the trial could support a U.S. label extension, enhancing Grünenthal’s market presence and expanding QUTENZA’s therapeutic applications.
   
• In February 2025, Grünenthal and Apotex Inc. entered into a strategic licensing agreement granting Apotex exclusive Canadian rights to Qutenza, a topical, non-systemic, non-opioid pain patch for neuropathic pain management. The agreement strengthened Grünenthal’s international reach and expanded Qutenza’s market presence in Canada.
   

The neuropathic pain treatment market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Drug Class

• Anticonvulsants
• Antidepressants
• Opioids
• Capsaicinoids
• Other drug classes

Market, By Indication

• Diabetic neuropathy
• Postherpetic neuralgia
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
• HIV-associated neuropathy
• Other indications

Market, By Route of Administration

• Oral
• Topical
• Injectable

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Hospital pharmacy
• Retail pharmacy
• E-commerce

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE