South Africa Addiction Therapeutics Market Analysis

South Africa Addiction Therapeutics Market Executive Summary

South Africa addiction therapeutics market was valued at $66 Mn in 2022 and is estimated to reach $123 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.13% during the forecast period.

Addiction is a chronic and recurrent illness characterized by compulsive substance seeking and use despite undesirable outcomes. Addiction therapies employ a combination of medication and psychological interventions that have been shown to be successful in scientific trials to treat the underlying causes of an individual's addiction and help them stop using drugs and alcohol. Personalized care for addiction therapy takes into consideration an individual's preferences, social support networks, co-occurring mental health difficulties, type of addiction, severity of the substance use disorder, and any underlying medical concerns. The all-encompassing treatment plan of the addiction therapies coupled to promote long-term recovery includes behavioural therapy, medication, counselling, support groups, and other scientifically proven treatments.

In South Africa, concerning the adult population aged 15 and above, approximately 10.3% are estimated to engage in harmful alcohol consumption, notably higher among men at 16.5% and 4.6% among women. Moreover, around 8.6% (13.3% men and 4.1% women) use illicit drugs, primarily driven by cannabis, Mandrax (methaqualone), methamphetamine, and opiates. 13.3% of South Africans meet the criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD), predominantly presenting with alcohol use disorder. Despite the prevalence of SUDs, access to treatment remains limited, with fewer than 5% of individuals with SUDs ever seeking treatment. This scarcity of treatment options is exacerbated by constraints in treatment infrastructure, with only 86 treatment sites available nationwide, providing approximately 20,000 outpatient and residential treatment episodes annually for individuals grappling with substance use disorders in South Africa.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical, a Japanese pharmaceutical company, is engaging in active collaborations with prominent South African research institutions such as the SA MRC (South African Medical Research Council) to investigate long-acting injectable formulations of buprenorphine. This research involvement might encompass partnerships with pharmaceutical companies like Mundipharma, known for their production of generic buprenorphine tablets.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Changing Societal Attitude: As addiction is more recognized by society as a medical condition rather than a moral failing, the stigma attached to it has progressively diminished. This change makes it more likely that people will seek treatment, which fuels the market's expansion and raises demand for comprehensive, easily available addiction therapy.

Rise in Substance Abuse: The rising prevalence of substance abuse, including the use of opioids, cocaine, and other addictive substances, has resulted in a growing need for effective treatment medications across the country. An increase in the prevalence of addiction helps the market for addiction treatments grow significantly.

Government Initiatives: The expansion of the market for drugs used in addiction treatment is facilitated by government-led initiatives to combat substance abuse through legislation, financing for programs that treat addiction, and public health campaigns.

Market Restraints

Stigma and Perception: Because addiction is stigmatized in society, some people may be prevented from getting the assistance they need. Addicts may be discouraged from seeking treatment due to social perceptions and beliefs that perceive addiction as a moral failing rather than a medical problem. This could have an impact on the market for medications used in addiction therapy.

Healthcare Infrastructure Disparities: The broad availability and delivery of medications used to treat addiction is severely hampered by inadequate healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Inadequate infrastructure and a dearth of qualified medical personnel impede efficient access to these drugs.

Affordability: Many patients may find the expense of prescription medications for addiction treatment to be unaffordable. Accessibility is hampered by high prescription costs, especially for individuals without sufficient insurance or financial resources.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

Registration, control, and approval of medicines, including medications used to treat addiction, are supervised by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). Before these medications are put on the market, SAHPRA makes sure they meet safety, effectiveness, and quality standards.

The National Drug Master Plan of South Africa is centred on the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of substance misuse. With a focus on harm reduction, public knowledge, and access to treatment services, this strategy directs tactics and initiatives pertaining to medications used in addiction treatment.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• Aspen Pharmacare
• Adcock Ingram
• Mylan Pharmaceuticals
• Teva Pharmaceuticals
• AbbVie
• Reckitt Benckiser
• Sun Pharma Industries
• Cipla
• Alkermes
• Lupin Pharmaceuticals