DICLOFENAC PATCHES MARKET ANALYSIS

Diclofenac is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which works in reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most widely used therapeutic class of analgesic compounds, indicated to use in relieving post extraction pain. Diclofenac sodium is a commonly prescribed NSAID, which exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic activity. Diclofenac transdermal patches are used to get temporary relief of minor aches and pains of the muscle and joints that are applied directly to the area of pain. Transdermal diclofenac patches are found to be more effective as compared to the diclofenac tablets, owing to its once-daily application and lesser frequency of systemic adverse effects. Transdermal patches have been developed to offer innovative drug delivery system for diclofenac, with reduced incidence of systemic adverse effects due to lower plasma concentrations. Diclofenac patches are designed to treat pain associated with conditions such as gout, migraine, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains of muscles and joints and in mild to moderate fever in some cases.

Diclofenac Patches Market Drivers

Diclofenac patches market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period, owing to high prevalence of chronic pain disease. According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM), in 2011, around 1.8 billion people suffered from chronic pain. Moreover, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that one in 10 people in the U.S. suffer from chronic pain. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal in 2016, nearly one-third to half of the population in the U.K. suffers from chronic pain. Moreover, according to the NIH estimates published in 2015 by the American Pain Society (APS), around 50 million people in the U.S. suffered from chronic pain. Moreover, rising prevalence of pain and increasing prevalence of diseases such as cancer and others are driving the diclofenac patches market growth. For instance, according to the National Cancer Institute, in 2018, around 1,735,350 new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. and 609,640 people are expected to die from the disease. Furthermore, according to the Cancer Atlas: 2017, there were an estimated 14.1 million new cancer cases in 2012. Moreover, India, China and other East and Central Asian countries accounted for nearly half of world’s new cancer cases and deaths, in 2017. In addition, according to the same source, by 2025, there will be an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases and 11.4 million cancer deaths, in less developed regions.

Growing research developments in the NSAIDs to increase its effectiveness pain management and to extend its application in various areas of medical field, will drive the diclofenac patches market. For instance, a study published in the International Journal of Ophthalmology: April 2018, stated that, application of prophylactic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in pre- and post-cataract surgery may help to reduce the severity and frequency of the development of cystoid macular edema (CME) in the eyes of diabetic patients. Furthermore, in November 2017, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad have developed a novel skin patch which releases diclofenac at the target site in a controlled way in such way that, there will be constant release of the drug for as long as 12 hours. In addition, the drug has low half-life of one–two hours and therefor constant release for up to 12 hours offers consistent efficiency of diclofenac for a longer period.  

Diclofenac Patches Market Restraint

Diclofenac patches shows increased risk of heart attack or stroke when applied for longer duration than it prescribed, hindering the growth of diclofenac patches market size. NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use. Diclofenac patches also associated with major to minor side effects including abnormal pain, constipation, nausea and vomiting, skin rash and tinnitus.

Furthermore, an acceptance of diclofenac patch in the routine practice are low, compared to the diclofenac tablet or injection, which is probably due to the lack of awareness and a mental inertia to accept a new concept among the medical professionals and patients.

Diclofenac Patches Market - Regional Analysis

On the basis of region, global diclofenac patches market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Africa. North America holds dominant position in diclofenac patches market, owing to the higher prevalence of strains, sprains of muscle and joints, in this region. According to the National Health Statistics Reports: November 2016, there were an estimated 4,262 numbers of sprains and strains injury are reported in the U.S. between 2011 and 2014, which is also the major cause (41.4%) of natural injury in sports and recreation-related injury episodes.

Diclofenac Patches Market – Competitive Landscape

Key players operating in the diclofenac patches market include Pfizer Inc., Cadila Healthcare, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical co. Inc. and Teikoku Seiyaku Co., Ltd.

Diclofenac Patches Market Taxonomy

The global diclofenac patches market is segmented on the basis of application, end user, and region as mentioned below:

By Application

• Lesions
• Sprains
• Strains

By End User

• Hospital Pharmacy
• Retail Pharmacy
• Online Pharmacy

By Region

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East
• Africa