Acute Pain Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

Acute Pain Market Size

The acute pain market was valued at USD 50.03 billion in 2024, driven by the rising cases of acute pain-related conditions across the 8 major markets. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.11% during the forecast period of 2025-2034, with the values likely to reach USD 78.36 billion by 2034.

Acute Pain Market Outlook

• The increasing prevalence of acute pain conditions, such as post-surgical pain, trauma, and sports injuries, is driving the demand for effective pain management solutions.

• A major market trend is the rising shift towards non-opioid pain management solutions due to the increasing concerns about opioid addiction and misuse.

• The growing number of clinical trials assessing novel acute pain management drugs and the presence of a favorable regulatory environment is impacting the market dynamics.

Acute Pain Market Overview

Acute pain is characterized by intense or sharp pain including localized throbbing, sensations of burning or painful tingling, and localized numbness, among others. Unlike chronic pain, acute pain can last for a single day or up to 12 weeks. Acute pain can result from a physical injury such as a bone fracture, pulling a muscle, and developing an infection from an open wound.

The acute pain market is driven by the rising incidence of acute pain conditions. The need for acute pain treatments is also propelled by the growing aging population and the increase in the volume of medical procedures. The heightened awareness among patients and healthcare providers about the importance of timely and effective pain management is also contributing to the market demand. The development of new medications and non-pharmacological therapies that offer better efficacy and fewer side effects is expected to fuel the market growth. Moreover, the rising demand for non-opioid pain management solutions and increased focus on biologics and regenerative medicine is projected to shape the market landscape positively.

Acute Pain Market Growth Drivers

Development of Novel Acute Pain Management Treatments to Impact Market Growth

In August 2024, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, an American biopharmaceutical company, announced that its New Drug Application for suzetrigine, an investigational oral non-opioid painkiller, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug candidate, representing a novel class of analgesics, is intended to treat moderate-to-severe acute pain and has been granted priority evaluation by the FDA. The development of such innovative acute pain therapy is anticipated to fuel the market growth in the forecast period.

Acute Pain Market Trends

The market is witnessing several trends and developments to improve the current scenario. Some of the notable trends are as follows:

Increased Clinical Research to Affect the Market Landscape Significantly

In August 2024, Tris Pharma, a privately owned biopharmaceutical company in the United States, announced the initiation of two pivotal phase 3 trials (ALLEVIATE-1 and ALLEVIATE-2) that aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the first-in-class investigational therapy Cebranopadol (a dual-NMR agonist) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain. The growth in clinical trials that assess the analgesic efficacy of new pain medicines is expected to influence the market landscape.

Rising Focus on Biologics and Regenerative Medicine Poised to Augment Acute Pain Market Demand

The market is witnessing a rising interest in biologics and regenerative medicine for managing acute pain, particularly in cases where tissue damage or inflammation is involved. Treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, stem cell therapy, and other biologic treatments are increasingly being explored for their potential to reduce pain and stimulate healing. Thus, the growing emphasis on restorative treatments is likely to aid market expansion.

Development of Long-Acting Formulations to Elevate the Acute Pain Market Value

A major market trend is the development of long-acting formulations of pain medications (such as extended-release tablets or patches) that are designed to offer extended relief with fewer doses. These formulations provide consistent pain control and improve patient compliance. Such medications are particularly effective for managing postoperative pain or pain associated with injuries and are anticipated to elevate the market value in the forecast period.

Shift Towards Non-Opioid Pain Management to Influence Acute Pain Market Size

One of the significant market trends is the growing shift towards non-opioid pain management solutions due to the rising concerns about opioid addiction and misuse. This trend is pushing the development of alternative therapies such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and nerve blocks, among others. Thus, the rising demand for safer pain management options is projected to impact the market size significantly.

Acute Pain Market Segmentation

Market Breakup by Drug Class

• NSAIDs

• Anesthetics 

• Anticonvulsants 

• Anti-migraine Agents 

• Antidepressants

• Analgesics

• Others

Market Breakup by Form

• Oral

• Parenteral 

• Topical

• Others

Market Breakup by Indication

• Arthritic Pain

• Neuropathic Pain

• Postoperative Pain 

• Muscle Sprain/Strain 

• Bone Fracture

• Acute Appendicitis

• Others

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacies

• Independent Pharmacies 

• Online Pharmacies 

• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• United States

• EU-4 and the United Kingdom 
  • Germany 
  • France 
  • Italy 
  • Spain 
  • United Kingdom 
• India

• Japan

Acute Pain Market Share

Drug Class Segment is Poised to Witness Substantial Growth

The market segmentation by drug class includes NSAIDs, anesthetics, anticonvulsants, anti-migraine agents, antidepressants, analgesics, and others. The NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) segment holds a major market share as they are often the first-line treatment for acute pain like post-surgical pain, musculoskeletal injuries, and headaches. This drug class is popular due to its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and providing pain relief with fewer side effects in comparison to opioids. Additionally, the easy accessibility of NSAIDs as over-the-counter medications further boosts the growth of the segment.

Acute Pain Market Analysis by Region

The market segmentation by region includes the United States, EU-4 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain), and the United Kingdom, Japan, and India. The United States dominates the market share for acute pain, owing to the high prevalence of pain-related conditions, such as post-surgical pain, trauma, and sports injuries. The growing demand for innovative pain management therapies, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological options, also supports the market growth. Further, the rising shift towards non-opioid pain management alternatives in the country is poised to influence the market dynamics.

Leading Players in the Acute Pain Market

The key features of the market report comprise patent analysis, grants analysis, clinical trials analysis, funding and investment analysis, and strategic initiatives by the leading key players. The major companies in the market are as follows:

Pfizer Inc.

Biopharmaceutical giant Pfizer is one of the leading players in the market and is known for its broad portfolio of medications. The company provides acute pain management solutions including analgesics, such as NSAIDs and opioids.

Abbott

Abbott Laboratories, headquartered in Illinois, United States, has a significant market presence in pain management and is focused on meeting the consumer demand for safer, non-addictive pain therapies. The company is known for its expertise in developing non-opioid pain management solutions and advanced pain relief technologies.

GSK plc

GSK plc is a British multinational pharmaceutical company that specializes in developing innovative pain relief medications, including both over the counter and prescription options. The company invests in research to develop new treatments for different types of pain with fewer side effects.

Novartis AG

Novartis AG, based in Basel, Switzerland, is an innovative medicines company offering a variety of medications that target acute pain. The company is engaged in developing targeted therapies that can provide more effective pain control with fewer side effects.

Other key players in the market include Purdue Pharma LP, Sun Pharmaceutical, Eli Lily and Company, Intas Pharma, Johnson & Johnson Services Inc., and Sanofi.

Key Highlights of the Report

Key Questions Answered in the Acute Pain Market Report

• What was the acute pain market value in 2023?
• What is the acute pain market forecast outlook for 2025-2034?
• What are the regional markets covered in the EMR report?
• What is market segmentation based on drug class?
• What is the market breakup based on form?
• What is the market breakup by indication?
• What are the major distribution channels in the market?
• What are the major factors aiding the acute pain market demand? 
• How has the market performed so far and how is it anticipated to perform in the coming years?
• What are the market's major drivers, opportunities, and restraints? 
• Which regional market is expected to lead the market share in the forecast period? 
• Which country is expected to experience expedited growth during the forecast period? 
• How does the rising incidence of acute pain conditions affect the market landscape?
• What are the major acute pain market trends?
• How does the rise in the geriatric population impact the market size?
• Which drug class will dominate the market share? 
• Which form is expected to have a high market value in the coming years?
• Which indication will experience the highest demand in the market segment?
• Which distribution channel is projected to contribute to the highest market growth?
• Who are the key players involved in the acute pain market?
• What is the patent landscape of the market?
• What are the current unmet needs and challenges in the market?
• How are partnerships, collaborations, mergers and acquisitions among the key market players shaping the market dynamics?