UK Chronic Pain Therapeutics Market Analysis

UK Chronic Pain Therapeutics Market Analysis Executive Summary

The UK Chronic Pain Therapeutics Market is anticipated to experience a growth from $1.932 Bn in 2022 to $2.624 Bn by 2030, with a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period of 2022-2030.

Chronic pain is a persistent type of pain that lasts for an extended period, typically beyond three months, and can continue for several years. It differs from acute pain, which is short-term and usually related to an injury or illness that resolves once the underlying cause is treated. Chronic pain can affect various parts of the body and significantly impact daily activities, leading to issues like depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. The causes of chronic pain can vary, ranging from ongoing health conditions like arthritis or cancer to changes in the body's sensitivity to pain even after healing from an injury. Additionally, psychogenic pain, triggered by psychological factors such as stress and depression, is another form of chronic pain. Managing chronic pain involves a combination of medications, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. While there is no universal cure for chronic pain, seeking appropriate treatment and support from healthcare providers is essential to effectively manage this challenging condition.

About 23 Mn people in the UK, or approximately one-third of the population, suffer from chronic pain. Across all assessed phenotypes, chronic pain was more prevalent in female individuals than in male ones. Chronic pain was more common as people aged, with a range of 18% in the 16–34 age group and 53% in the 75+ age group. Of the various forms, the most prevalent cause of chronic pain is musculoskeletal disorders, which account for 8 out of 10 cases (84%) of chronic pain. These illnesses include osteoarthritis, and back, neck, and limb pain.

The main drivers of market growth include the imperative for cost-effective medicines to address the substantial financial burden on the NHS, rising demand for non-opioid treatments due to concerns over opioid risks, and the increasing prevalence of chronic pain linked to an aging population and the growing incidence of chronic diseases.

Global giants like Pfizer and GSK are considered major players in the UK market as well. Pfizer provides a large selection of painkillers, both prescription and over-the-counter. It is heavily involved in the investigation and creation of novel pain treatments. With brands including Voltaren and Panadol, GSK holds a substantial market share in the UK for over-the-counter chronic pain management. Like Grünenthal which specializes in neuropathic pain, several local and smaller businesses are segment-focused. Cassava Sciences (Pain Therapeutics) is an example of an up-and-coming innovator in this segment.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Need for cost-effective medicines: The escalating healthcare costs represent a significant financial challenge for the NHS, and chronic pain stands out as a substantial contributor, accounting for an estimated $21.4 Bn annually. This financial strain underscores the urgency to explore and implement new treatments that effectively manage chronic pain and are more economically sustainable, aiming to alleviate the overall burden on the healthcare system.

Demand for non-opioid treatment: The growing demand for non-opioid treatments is a response to the increasing recognition of the risks associated with opioid painkillers, including addiction and overdose concerns. This heightened awareness has spurred efforts to develop and adopt alternative pain management therapies. Innovations such as neuromodulation devices, cannabinoids, and botulinum toxin are gaining prominence as they offer potential solutions with reduced risks and improved outcomes.

Increasing pain prevalence: Chronic pain's prevalence in the UK is a pressing health concern, currently affecting approximately 23 Mn people. Projections indicate a future rise in these numbers, attributed to the aging population and the expanding incidence of chronic diseases such as arthritis, back pain, and cancer. This demographic shift and evolving health landscape emphasize the ongoing need for comprehensive strategies to effectively address and manage chronic pain, ensuring the well-being of individuals and optimizing healthcare resources.

Market Restraints

Economic challenges: High development costs pose a barrier, as extensive research and development needed for novel pain management solutions can place them beyond the reach of some companies. Moreover, the NHS's budget limitations constrain the adoption of expensive therapies, even when their efficacy is demonstrated. Out-of-pocket costs associated with certain pain management options may also create access barriers, especially for vulnerable populations.

Incomplete understanding of chronic pain: Chronic pain presents challenges due to its subjective nature, making it difficult to establish standardized measures and treatment protocols. The complex mechanisms underlying chronic pain further complicate the development of effective treatments. The focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing root causes may limit the long-term effectiveness of existing therapies.

Competition from Alternative Therapies: The rise of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) options introduces competition and potential confusion among patients, influencing treatment choices and potentially delaying or hindering adherence to conventional approaches. Additionally, the limited evidence base for some CAM therapies poses challenges, as insufficient research on their efficacy and safety may impact their acceptance within mainstream healthcare.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

The National Health Service (NHS), UK’s publicly financed system governs the overall healthcare policies in the country. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) regulates the pharmaceutical industry in the UK. The MHRA is an important regulatory authority in the UK that oversees the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines, medical devices, and blood components. The MHRA is responsible for ensuring standard compliance for these products, it also helps in securing the supply chain, and above all, it helps in promoting international harmonization. It assesses and authorizes all the medicinal products for sale in the UK, conducts post-marketing surveillance for drugs, and educates both the public and healthcare professionals on the risks and benefits of healthcare products. With an emphasis on safety and efficacy, the MHRA also supervises Notified Bodies for medical devices, licenses and inspects manufacturers and importers, and monitors adverse reactions through programs such as the Yellow Card Scheme. As an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, the MHRA's work is critical to protecting public health and ensuring the quality of healthcare goods in the UK.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players:

• Sanofi
• Pfizer
• Merck
• Novartis
• Bayer
• Amgen
• Abbott
• AstraZeneca
• Norgine
• Xenova