The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs market is estimated to be valued at USD 24.4 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 36 Bn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2024 to 2031. The market has been observing steady growth over the past few years driven by rising geriatric population and increasing prevalence of arthritis disorders worldwide.

Market Driver - Growing Burden of Chronic Pain-related Diseases like Arthritis and Migraine

Chronic pain has emerged as one of the leading reasons cited by individuals for seeking medical care. According to estimates, arthritis alone afflicts over 300 million people worldwide and given the aging global population, this number is expected to surge substantially in the coming years.

Osteoarthritis, the most prevalent type of arthritis, usually affects the elderly and causes inflammation and stiffness in joints. Similarly, migraines have also been recognized as a disabling condition by WHO as frequent, severe headaches negatively impact personal and professional lives. Frequently recurring migraines often require periodic use of medications like NSAIDs to manage inflammation and obtain relief.

Rising health awareness and expanding access to healthcare have further prompted more people to actively seek treatment options rather than endure regular discomfort. This growing sensitivity towards chronic pain and its implications is a key factor augmenting consumption of over-the-counter as well as prescription NSAID formulations.

Moreover, recent approvals of advanced drugs with enhanced efficacy and lesser side effects are empowering physicians to prescribe NSAIDs more freely without serious safety concerns. As the global population continues to age rapidly, the high and rising prevalence of arthritis, migraines and other chronic pain syndromes will sustain heavy demand for NSAID therapies in the foreseeable future.

Market Driver - Increasing Preference for NSAIDs Over Other Classes of Pain Relievers

Besides the growing disease burden, shifting preferences among patients and prescribers have been further strengthening the NSAIDs market position compared to alternatives. NSAIDs are currently among the world's most widely used pharmaceutical products due to their potent analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Their proven record of relieving pain associated with minor illnesses, injuries, dental/surgical procedures or chronic conditions has made them a mainstay therapy worldwide.

At the same time, safety concerns with other classes of pain medications like opioids have steered treatment practices towards favoring NSAIDs more often for painful conditions wherever possible. Prolonged use of opioid medications entails high risks of side effects ranging from dependence, nausea to fatal overdose. Their prescriptions are now tightly regulated in many countries to curb misuse and deaths.

Additionally, consumers have also become increasingly disinclined towards prescription drugs with unwanted systemic side effects. This has amplified popularity of NSAIDs available without prescription for self-limiting pain conditions. Their easy over-the-counter availability, affordable prices, and lesser safety risks compared to opioids are strengthening the market position of NSAIDs at the expense of other pain drug categories. As treatment approaches continue prioritizing NSAIDs' superior safety risk profile vis-à-vis alternatives, this drug class will likely maintain its dominant status.

Market Challenge - High Cost of Drug Development and Regulatory Approval Process

One of the major challenges faced by the players in the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) market is the high cost associated with drug development and obtaining regulatory approvals. Developing a new drug and getting it approved is an expensive and lengthy process which often spans over a decade at an average cost of over $1 billion. This involves extensive research and testing to establish drug efficacy and safety. Further clinical trials, which often involve thousands of participants, add significantly to the development costs.

Obtaining regulatory approvals from agencies like the US FDA and EMA is another long drawn and expensive process. Filing for approval and undergoing detailed review of clinical data and manufacturing processes is a complex compliance requirement. Any deficiencies or need for additional data often results in delays and resubmissions adding further costs. Strict safety standards also mean that drugs need to be monitored constantly for adverse effects even post approval. All these factors contribute to increased financial risks for pharmaceutical companies and pressure to recover costs, which is ultimately passed on to patients and healthcare systems.

Market Opportunity - Rising Geriatric Population Base Leading to Increased Demand for Pain Management Solutions

One of the major opportunities for players in the NSAIDs market is the rising global geriatric population base over the coming decades. According to estimates, the population aged 65 years and above is projected to double from 703 million today to around 1.5 billion by 2050. This is significant as aging is often associated with degenerative conditions, injuries and disabilities that lead to chronic pain. With advanced age, tissues lose elasticity making the elderly more prone to osteoarthritis, back pain and other musculoskeletal issues requiring long-term treatment.

The growing geriatric demographic will drive increased demand for pain killers like NSAIDs that are commonly prescribed for age-related pain. Their ease of administration, availability in generic forms and overall effectiveness in relieving mild to moderate pain makes them a preferred choice among physicians as well as patients.

Leading NSAID manufacturers are well positioned to address this need by expanding their product portfolios with newer formulations catering to elderly patients. Formulations like topicals, liquids and orals that are easy to consume stand to benefit. This growing market base present a major revenue opportunity for players over the coming decades.

Product Innovation: Leading companies like Pfizer, Bayer, and Merck have continuously invested in R&D to develop innovative products with better efficacy and safety profiles. For example, in 2018 Pfizer launched a new type of NSAID called tanezumab, which specifically targets nerve fibers that transmit pain signals.

Strategic Acquisitions: Players pursue strategic acquisitions to strengthen their product portfolios and pipeline candidates. For instance, in 2021 Johnson & Johnson acquired Momenta Pharmaceuticals for $6.5 billion to gain access to their biosimilar and autoimmune pipeline including their FDA-approved generic version of copaxone for multiple sclerosis. Such deals allow companies to rapidly expand in high-growth therapeutic areas.

Life Cycle Management: Companies extend the market exclusivity of blockbuster drugs through techniques like new formulations, indications, and patent layering. For example, in 2015-16 Novartis extended market exclusivity of Voltaren gel, originally approved in 2007, by obtaining approvals for new topical formulations and pediatric arthritis indication extending sales by over $350 million annually.

Marketing Tactics: Aggressive promotion to physicians through medical representatives, advertising, and hospital deals is rampant. For example, between 2016-20 Humira accounted for over 60% of Abbvie's sales due to its 6000-person salesforce promoting it as the premier JIA, RA, and CD therapy.

Insights, By Indication: Pain Relief Drives Growth in the Arthritis Segment

In terms of indication, arthritis contributes the highest share of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs market owning to the large patient pool suffering from chronic joint and muscle pain. Arthritis is a common condition caused by the breakdown and inflammation of the joints.

The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis affects an estimated 32.5 million Americans and is the most common joint disorder. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation and pain in the joints, affecting around 1.3 million Americans. The symptoms of both conditions like swelling, stiffness, and deformity can significantly decrease the quality of life.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are extremely effective in relieving arthritis pain and reducing inflammation. The non-addictive nature and over-the-counter availability of many NSAIDs make them a preferred first-line treatment option among doctors as well as patients. As the prevalence of arthritis continues climbing with an aging population, the arthritis segment of the NSAID market is expected to grow steadily in the coming years.

Insights, By Route of Administration - Convenience Leads Oral Administration Segment

In terms of route of administration, oral contributes the highest share of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs market owning to the convenience it offers compared to other administration routes. NSAIDs are available in oral formulations like tablets, capsules, suspensions etc. that can be easily taken without any medical supervision. This makes oral NSAIDs very convenient for self-medication and long-term use. They are also generally better tolerated than parenteral forms.

Many mild to moderate pain conditions can be effectively managed with oral NSAIDs alone. The non-invasive nature of oral administration leads to high patient compliance. This segment has grown over the years as more NSAIDs have been commercialized in easy-to-take solid oral dosage forms. The ability to flexibly adjust oral dosages according to the severity of pain also contributes to the popularity of this administration route for NSAIDs.

Insights, By Distribution Channel: Hospital Fills Critical Treatment Need

In terms of distribution channel, hospital pharmacy contributes the highest share of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs market owning to its crucial role in treating complex conditions requiring specialized pain management. While retail pharmacies and e-pharmacies cater mainly to self-limiting pain, hospital pharmacies fulfill a critical need for inpatients experiencing severe acute pain from accidents, surgeries or chronic diseases like cancer.

A team of pharmacists in hospitals work closely with doctors to review medication histories, manage high-risk IV formulations, educate staff as well as expedite access to alternative forms like patient-controlled analgesic (PCA) IV pumps. Their involvement is indispensable when pain needs urgent medical attention or round-the-clock monitoring as in postoperative or trauma cases.

A reliable supply of different NSAIDs is also necessary to effectively treat the variety of conditions encountered in hospitals. This ensures hospitals remain the primary source for severe, complicated pain treatment requiring NSAIDs.

• Research into selective COX-2 inhibitors, such as the ongoing phase 3 trial of CG100649 by Crystal Genomics, is expected to drive the future market for arthritis treatment drugs.
• NSAIDs are currently the most prescribed class of drugs for treating mild to severe pain, with ibuprofen and naproxen recommended as first-line treatments by the American Academy of Family Physicians.

The major players operating in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs market include Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Bayer AG, Sanofi, GSK plc, Heron Therapeutics, Inc., Strides Pharma Science Limited, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, and Assertio Holdings, Inc.

• in August 2022, Strides Pharma Global Pte Ltd received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for its generic naproxen sodium softgel capsules. These capsules, at a strength of 220 mg, are used over the counter to treat pain and inflammation. The product is bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent to the reference-listed drug by Bionpharma Inc. This approval is part of Strides Pharma's strategy to strengthen its presence in the U.S. market, particularly in softgel formulations​
• In August 2021, Alkem Laboratories launched Ibuprofen and Famotidine Tablets (800 mg/26.6 mg) in the United States after receiving approval from the U.S. FDA. The product is a generic equivalent of Horizon Medicines' Duexis and is used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis while reducing the risk of developing gastrointestinal ulcers​.
• In February 2021, Strides Pharma Science Limited received approval for Ibuprofen Oral Suspension from the U.S. FDA. The product was approved for over-the-counter use, further strengthening Strides' portfolio in the U.S. market

• By Indication
  • Arthritis
  • Migraine
  • Ophthalmic Diseases
  • Others
• By Route of Administration
  • Oral
  • Parenteral
• By Distribution Channel
  • Hospital Pharmacy
  • Retail Pharmacy
  • E-Commerce