The global neuropathic pain treatment market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of nearly 5.8% during the forecast period. The major factors contributing to the growth of the market include increasing prevalence of diabetes and rising incidences of spinal cord injury. As per the data published by the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, as of 2019, in the US, the annual incidence of spinal cord injury is approximately 54 cases per one million people, or nearly 17,730 new spinal cord injury cases each year. As of 2019, the estimated number of individuals suffering from spinal cord injury in the US is nearly 291,000. Nearly 78% of new incidences were reported among males. 

Since 2015-2018/2019, motor vehicle accidents are the major cause of spinal cord injuries (39.3%), which is followed by falls (31.8%), acts of violence (13.5%), sports (8%), medical/surgical (4.3%), and other (3.1%). Nearly 2/3rd of sports injuries were reported from diving. People with spinal cord injury may suffer from different kinds of pain in different areas of the body, which comprises musculoskeletal pain, visceral pain, and neuropathic pain. Spinal cord injury results in damage to any part of the nerves or spinal that causes abnormal communication between the nerves, which results in neuropathic pain. This contributes to the increasing demand for medications to treat neuropathic pain. 

Some common medications and patches are used to treat neuropathic pain caused by spinal cord injury include gabapentin (Neurontin), amitriptyline (Elavil), pregabalin (Lyrica), and lidocaine (Lidoderm). Lidocaine patches are utilized for pain relief from post-herpetic neuralgia. The patch works by stopping nerves from transmitting pain signals. Pregabalin (Lyrica) is an anticonvulsant drug which is indicated for the treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic pain. Pregabalin is a substitute treatment for patients with neuropathic pain that has not responded to other drug alternatives. Additionally, innovations in neurostimulation devices will likely offer an opportunity for more reliable and efficient treatment of neuropathic pain. 

Market Segmentation

The global neuropathic pain treatment is segmented based on indication and treatment. Based on indication, the market is classified into spinal stenosis, diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and others. Based on treatment, the market is classified into tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, opioids, creams and patches, steroids, and others. 

Tricyclic antidepressants find its significant application in neuropathic pain treatment

Tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants have been significantly used to treat neuropathic pain. Tricyclic antidepressants can provide relief from neuropathic pain coupled with their unique ability to restrict presynaptic reuptake of the noradrenaline and serotonin. However, other mechanisms such as blockage of the sodium channel and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor may also play a crucial role in the pain-relieving effect. In several randomized and controlled trials associated with the effect of tricyclic antidepressants in neuropathic pain in man, it was found that tricyclic antidepressants provide relief to one in every 2-3 patients suffering from peripheral neuropathic pain.

Based on the effectiveness, tricyclic antidepressants tend to work effectively as compared to anticonvulsant (gabapentin). The most commonly used tricyclic antidepressants to treat neuropathic pain include desipramine, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, and imipramine. These drugs are effective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and thus, majorly supports in the treatment of neuropathic pain. The most common side-effect of tricyclic antidepressants includes constipation, dry mouth, somnolence, memory impairment, and weight gain. Less common side effects include cardiac arrhythmias, urinary retention, blurred vision, and orthostatic hypotension.

Global Neuropathic Pain Treatment Market Share by Treatment, 2019 (%)

Regional Outlook

Geographically, the market is classified into four major regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW). North America is anticipated to hold a significant share in the market owing to the rising spinal cord injuries and increasing prevalence of diabetes in the region. As per the American Diabetes Association, in 2018, 10.5% of the population or 34.2 million Americans had diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is a common and severe complication associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is a kind of nerve damage resulted due to long-term high blood sugar levels. Depending on the affected nerves, the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can vary from pain and numbness in the feet and leg to problems with the blood vessels, digestive system, heart, and urinary tract. This, in turn, contributes to the increasing demand for diabetic neuropathy treatment in the region.

Global Neuropathic Pain Treatment Market Growth, by Region 2020-2026

Market Players Outlook

The major players operating in the market include Eli Lilly and Co., Pfizer Inc., Biogen Inc., Grünenthal GmbH, and Assertio Therapeutics, Inc. The strategies adopted by the market players include mergers and acquisitions, product launches, and partnerships and collaborations to expand market share and gain a competitive advantage. For instance, in July 2019, InvaGen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a completely owned subsidiary of Cipla Ltd. declared that it has received final approval for Pregabalin Capsules, 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 225mg and 300mg from US FDA. These capsules are AB-rated generic therapeutic which is an equivalent version of Pfizer’s Lyrica. This is indicated for the management of pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and spinal cord injury and more. This approval will enable Cipla to increase its revenue generation from the US.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2019 and forecast to 2026.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global neuropathic pain treatment market. Based on the availability of data, information related to pipeline products, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.