Opioid Market - By Drug Type, By Application, By Route of Administration, By Distribution Channel, Global Forecast 2025 – 2034

Opioid Market Size

The global opioid market size was valued at USD 25 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 25.2 billion in 2025 to USD 29.6 billion by end of 2034, at a CAGR of 1.8% from 2025 to 2034. The considerable growth in the market is primarily driven due to the rising incidence of chronic pain conditions such as cancer pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, post-surgical pain, and other conditions spurring the need for pain relief medications including opioids.
 

As projected by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) global cancer cases are expected to rise by 77%, surpassing 35 million cases by 2050 from 20 million cancer cases in 2022. This rise in cancer incidence is expected to prompt the need for effective pain management drugs, thereby fueling the growth of the market.
 

Moreover, growing focus on formulation advancement such as extended-release formulations and abuse-deterrent formulations (ADF) by manufacturers improve the treatment efficacy and safety by reducing the misuse and risks. This development enables further widening of access and compliance. Also, expanded access through telehealth services has steered awareness for early diagnosis and treatment enabling timely interventions. This shift enhances the patient’s engagement, improving ease of access to pain management solutions. This will drive the demand for opioid products and other pain management therapeutics in the market.
 

Opioids are the class of drugs that act on nervous system treating pain relief by binding to the opioid receptors in brain, spinal cord and other areas of the body They include natural, semisynthetic and synthetic compounds such as morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and other drug types.
 

Opioid Market Trends

• Advancements in opioid-based drug formulations such as extended-release formulations for improving efficiency and safety are fueling the adoption of opioids in the market. The formulations provide prolonged pain relief, with reduced dosing frequency and improving patient compliance.
   
• In addition, ADFs help to mitigate the risk of misuse and addiction addressing the growing concern for opioid abuse. For instance, a study published in NCBI reported that in opioid dependents, three long-acting buprenorphine delivery systems, two depot injections (CAM 2038, RBP-6000), and an implant (Probuphine) have been developed and studied.
   
• These innovations significantly improve retention, compliance, and reduce diversion, thus greatly improving the prospects of managing opioid use disorder (OUD).
   
• Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies are significantly investing in innovative drug delivery systems to improve pain management addressing the patient’s need. For instance, in May 2023, Camurus received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). approval for Brixadi, an extended-release injection for the treatment to severe OUD in patients. This approval signified advancement in opioid formulations as an effective treatment for OUD patients in U.S.
   
• However, stringent regulatory requirements, concern for opioid addiction, and option for non-opioid pain management alternatives are some of the key factors expected to limit market growth.
   

Opioid Market Analysis

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Based on drug type, the global market is segmented into oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl, tramadol, and other drug types. The oxycodone segment dominated the market generating market revenue of USD 8.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 10.9 billion by 2034 witnessing its prominence throughout the forecast period at a CAGR of 2.3%.
 

• The widespread use of oxycodone drugs in pain management particularly in moderate to severe pain including injury pain, post-surgical pain, and other chronic conditions strengthen the oxycodone segment prominence in the market.
   
• For instance, a recent study published in National Institutes of Health (NIH), reported five clinical cases where oxycodone effectively managed the pain induced by the cancer drugs during the adjuvant therapy.
   
• This study highlighted the oxycodone’s potential effect addressing the chemotherapy induced pain in the cancer treatment. The findings support the growing use of opioids in cancer pain management. Thus, oxycodone's potential effect combined with its constant demand solidifies its demand within the opioid industry.
   

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Based on the application, the global opioid market is categorized as pain management, anesthesia, cough suppression, and other applications. The pain management segment held the largest market share at 74.3% in 2024 and maintained its dominant position throughout the analysis period.
 

• Opioids are widely regarded as effective treatment option for alleviating moderate to severe pain, including post-surgical, cancer-related, and chronic pain from various conditions. They act by blocking the pain signals by binding to the opioid receptors on nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord, gastrointestinal tract and other organs in the body.
   
• The rise in opioid prescribers, increasing awareness about OUD among population, growing government initiatives to diagnose and treat OUD, and rise in product approvals for treatment is anticipated to fuel the market growth.
   
• For instance, in May 2020, Indivior PLC, a pharmaceutical company in the U.S., announced the approval of Subutex from Swedish Medical Products Agency (MPA). Subutex is a prolonged release solution available in the form of injection- 100 and 300mg for substitution treatment of opioid dependence in adults and adolescents over 16 years of age.
   

Based on the route of administration, the global opioid market is categorized into oral, injectables, transdermal, and other routes of administration. The oral segment leads the market and is expected to experience significant growth with a CAGR of 1.6%, with projections predicting to reach USD 17.1 billion by 2034.
 

• Despite the existing risk of misuse, oral opioids remain the primary option for pain management, which drives the demand and strengthens their position in this segment of the market. This ensures extensive and continued use of these drugs in the market.
   
• Also, oral opioids such as tablet and capsule are frequently prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain relief for the short-term period. Therefore, the ease of availability, palatability, and convenience makes them easily accessible to patients and healthcare providers.
   
• Further, their availability of different formulation options allows tailored dosing and prolonged use, which further patients opt for this route.
   

Based on the distribution channel, the global opioid market is categorized hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. In 2024, the hospital pharmacies segment holds the largest market share of 52.9% and is expected to reach USD 15.3 billion by end of 2032.
 

• Hospital pharmacies are key providers of opioids consumed for acute pain relief post-surgery, alongside those with certain chronic pain conditions requiring potent analgesics.
   
• The hospitals possess a stringent regulatory standard facilitating abuse control through prescription monitoring, which limits misuse. Also, the availability of different brand and their formulation in the hospital pharmacies will spur the market growth.
   
• For instance, buprenorphine is currently available in two forms- alone and in combination with the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. Both formulations of buprenorphine are effective for the treatment of opioid use disorders, acute pain, and chronic pain.
   

In 2024, the U.S. held a significant position in the North America opioid market accounting for USD 10.4 billion and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 1.9% during the analysis period.
 

• The high prevalence cases such as cancer, arthritis and other conditions are likely to increase the demand for effective pain-relieving solutions and the consumption of opioids in the country.For instance, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, approximately 58.5 million adults in U.S were found to have arthritis in 2021.
   
• There is a projection which indicated that this number would rise to 78 million in the year 2045. Thus, the increasing cases of pain due to arthritis greatly increases the need for possible opioid treatment, which in turn spur demand to the pain management in the market.
   
• Also, the country’s well-established healthcare infrastructure and widespread opioid use contribute significantly to market growth.
   
• Furthermore, the expansion of the U.S market will be sustained by enhanced access to healthcare and the innovation of opioid products such as abuse-deterrent opioid formulation (ADF) and extended-release formulations.
   

Germany shows strong growth potential in the Europe opioid market.
 

• Germany strong potential growth in European market is driven due to its strong healthcare infrastructure, coupled with higher elderly population, resulting in high demand for pain management solutions.
   
• Also, the adoption of new opioid formulations, including ADF, is expected to further contribute to market expansion.
   
• According to the UN’s 2017 report on narcotic drug use, Germany has the second highest opioid consumption of the 20 most populous countries in the world. Therefore, Germany’s ongoing efforts to manage pain relief with opioid abuse prevention make it a key player in Europe’s market growth.
   
• Further, availability and constant government support have accelerated the country level market. Opioid prescription in Germany is tightly regulated by the Narcotic Drugs Prescription Ordinance (Betaubungsmittelverschreibungsverordnung, BtMVV) and by the German Narcotic Drugs Act (Betaubungsmittelgesetz, BtMG)
   

China opioid market in Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at a significant growth rate over the next few years.
 

• The opioid demand in China market is primarily driven by an increase in the prevalence of chronic pain conditions. Also, its ageing population coupled with and improving healthcare system has propelled the demand of opioids as the potential pain management solution in the country.
   
• For example, a cross-sectional study published in NIH, investigated the chronic disease prevalence and severity in the Chinese elderly population. The study resulted that around 76.4% of the elderly population suffered from chronic pain. These findings highlighted the need for pain management, thereby spurring the demand opioids and non-opioids solutions addressing the pain concern.
   
• Also, the growth of the Chinese market is anticipated due to higher spending on healthcare, government efforts to improve access to effective pain management, alongside more affordable services.
   

Brazil's opioid market is projected to witness growth in coming years.
 

• The rising incidence of chronic pain conditions elevated due to the chronic conditions such as cancer, arthritis, and other conditions spurred the demand for effective pain management treatment in the country. Studies show that 41% of Brazilians have chronic pain, and opioids are the most important analgesics in the treatment of moderate to severe pain
   
• As healthcare access improves and the population ages, the demand for effective pain management solutions, including opioids, is expected to rise in the country poising for potential growth.
   
• Further, there are other government programs aimed at better pain management and healthcare in Brazil further fuels the market growth.
   

Opioid Market Share

The top 5 players in the opioids market generated ~55% of the market share. The leading companies such as Purdue Pharma, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Hikma Pharmaceuticals dominate the market through extensive opioid-based products.
 

The market is highly competitive with key players focusing on product innovations, strategic collaborations and regulatory approvals strengthening their position in the market. The market key players also invest in research to innovate safer and effective opioid based formulations addressing the concerns over opioid addiction and misuse. In addition, the presence of generic manufacturers and their significant role in expanding the access to affordable opioid medications has further formed a competitive scenario in the market.
 

Opioid Market Companies

Few of the prominent players operating in the opioid industry include:

• Allergan
• Amneal Pharmaceuticals
• AstraZeneca
• Camurus AB
• Grunenthal
• Hikma Pharmaceuticals
• Indivior
• Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
• Pfizer
• Purdue Pharma
• Rusan Pharma
• Sun Pharmaceutical
• Teva Pharmaceuticals
   

Opioid Industry News

• In April 2024, Amneal Pharmaceuticals launched its generic alternative to NARCAN supporting opioid overdose treatment a Naloxone Hydrochloride (HCl) nasal spray an over-the-counter (OTC). This launch enabled an accessibility to antidotes addressing the opioid crisis.
   
• In August 2023, Emergent BioSolutions expanded the availability of NARCAN Naloxone HCl nasal spray in stores and online pharmacies. This OTC expanded the accessibility of the efficient drug supporting safety and reducing risk of opioid overdose emergency.
   
• In May 2023, FDA granted approval to Indivior PLC’s OPVEE nasal spray. OPVEE was developed to treat opioid overdose in adults and pediatrics. This product launch marked the development of effective treatment option addressing the challenges of opioid crisis.
   
• Purdue Pharma heavily invest in R&D activities to alleviate the innovation in the opioid industry. Developing advanced opioid-based formulations. The company offers a varied range of opioid-based formulations such as OxyContin, an extend-release oxycodone medication for chronic pain. and other maintaining its position in the market.
   
• Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals invests in tamper-resistant opioid formulations, enhancing the patient’s safety and outcome maintaining its position in the market.
   
• Teva Pharmaceuticals is highly focused on developing generic opioids addressing the pain management challenges. In addition, the company’s strong presence enables product accessibility in the market.
   

The opioid market research report includes 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 Type

• Oxycodone
• Hydrocodone
• Morphine
• Fentanyl
• Tramadol
• Other drug types

Market, By Application

• Pain management
• Anesthesia
• Cough suppression
• Other applications

Market, By Route of Administration

• Oral
• Injectables
• Transdermal
• Other routes of administration

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Hospital pharmacies
• Retail pharmacies
• Online pharmacies

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
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE