SCOPOLAMINE MARKET ANALYSIS

Scopolamine Market Size and Trends

Global scopolamine market is estimated to be valued at USD 485.1 Mn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 739.2 Mn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2024 to 2031.

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Rising incidence of motion sickness, specialty drug innovation, and technological advancements can drive the market growth. Moreover, factors such as easy availability and low cost of generic medicines for motion sickness can also drive the scopolamine market growth during the forecast period. However, side effects associated with scopolamine drugs such as blurred vision, dry mouth and others can hamper the market growth.

Growing treatment trials on scopolamine

 Scopolamine is used for treating various medical conditions.  Several clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of scopolamine patches and gels for nausea, vomiting, motion sickness and other issues have provided promising results. This has generated significant interest in pharmaceutical companies to further research and develop scopolamine-based products. For instance, in 2021, according to a trial conducted by the National Institutes of Health, scopolamine patches were effective in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in 80% of cancer patients.

In 2020, according to a study published by American Journal of Medicine, scopolamine nasal spray reduced symptoms in 70% of individuals experiencing dizziness. For instance, in April 2021, according to an article published by Jama Network, there was decline in surgical procedures nationwide, a trend that began during the initial surge of the COVID-19 pandemic and persisted thereafter. This reduction directly affected demand for scopolamine-based formulations that is used to prevent nausea and vomiting following anesthesia, opioid pain medications, and surgeries.  For instance, in January 2022, according to a report published by Euractiv, approximately 400,000 surgeries were postponed during the pandemic, leading to a significant increase in patient waitlists.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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Motion sickness as a growing health issue

Rising incidence of motion sickness globally can drive the market growth. Motion sickness refers to a set of symptoms like nausea, vomiting and dizziness that is experienced when travelling in boats, trains, cars or airplanes. It is triggered due to discrepancies between visual motion cues and signals coming from different balance mechanisms like the vestibular system in the inner ear. Long distance travels have become very common nowadays due to improving transportation infrastructure and increasing mobility. However, even short trips induce motion sickness in many people. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to motion sickness. Prolonged bouts of motion sickness can cause discomfort, anxiety and even lead to misses from school or work. Scopolamine transdermal patches are a popular preventive treatment option for this health issue due to their non-invasive nature and longer duration of action. Increasing awareness about motion sickness and availability of effective over-the-counter remedies like scopolamine can boost demand for scopolamine.

Key Takeaways from Analyst

Global scopolamine market is expected to witness steady growth over the forecast period due to increasing use of scopolamine as an anticholinergic drug for various therapeutic applications. The wide acceptance of scopolamine patches for treatment of motion sickness can drive the market growth. Asia Pacific is likely to remain the dominant region owing to widespread use of scopolamine in countries like India and China. However, North America will exhibit the fastest growth due to growing adoption of scopolamine products for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Availability of alternative anticholinergic drugs for treatment of similar health conditions can hamper the market growth. Furthermore, side effects associated with overdose of scopolamine such as blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation and others can also hamper the market growth. Rising generic drug manufacturing in Asia and Latin America can offer opportunity for the market players to reduce costs and penetrate markets through affordable offerings.

Emerging therapies and novel drug delivery formats using scopolamine can offer market growth opportunities over the forecast period. Extensive R&D for new clinical indications could expand the scope of scopolamine applications.

Market Challenges: Side effects associated with scopolamine

Side effects associated with usage of scopolamine can hamper the market growth. Scopolamine, although effective in treating motion sickness and postoperative nausea and vomiting, often causes undesirable anticholinergic effects that discourage patients from opting for it. Common side effects of scopolamine include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty urinating, drowsiness, and confusion. In some cases, scopolamine also cause hallucinations and delirium. This makes its usage risky, especially in elderly patients who are more susceptible to anticholinergic toxicity. In 2020, according to a study published by British Medical Journal, analyzing drugs commonly implicated in cases of delirium, scopolamine patch ranked third among the culprit medications. The risks and side effects associated with scopolamine discourage its use, especially for long term treatment or prevention purposes.

Market Opportunities: Emerging markets in developing countries

Emerging markets in developing countries can offer opportunity for scopolamine market growth. Many developing nations across Latin America, Asia, and Africa are experiencing rapid economic growth and rising disposable incomes. As living standards improve in these regions, there is huge demand for advanced healthcare products. Scopolamine, which is commonly used for treating motion sickness and postoperative nausea/vomiting, has widespread applications that can benefit public health in developing nations. As more people gain access to vehicles, air travel, and modern medical care in emerging economies, there has been increase in incidence of conditions treatable by scopolamine. For instance, the number of road accidents resulting in nausea or vomiting is projected to grow considerably in parallel with motorization rates in developing countries over the coming decade. Expanding healthcare infrastructure and greater availability of effective drugs like scopolamine plays a key role in improving management of nausea/vomiting associated with these accidents. The volume of surgeries performed annually is increasing in developing countries. Better postoperative care using antiemetics such as scopolamine can help expedite recovery and reduce complications arising from nausea/vomiting.

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In terms of Dosage Form, Tablet segment contributes the highest share of the market owing to its convenience and compliance

By dosage form, tablet segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share of 35.1% in 2024. Tablets are the most popular dosage form in the global scopolamine market due to their convenience and compliance benefits.  Being oral solid dosage forms, tablets are easy for patients to administer themselves without medical supervision. The tablet dosage form does not require reconstitution or preparation like other dosage forms such as injections. This makes tablets highly convenient for both home and outdoor use. Tablets also help improve patient compliance with treatment regimens as compared to other dosage forms. As tablets do not need to be measured or administered by a healthcare professional, patients find it easier to take their medication as prescribed in tablet form. The fixed dose in a tablet ensures accurate dosing each time. This encourages patients to follow their treatment schedules properly and complete the prescribed course of therapy. High compliance with scopolamine tablets helps achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.

In terms of Distribution Channel, Hospital Pharmacies contributes the highest share of the market owing to treatment of complex conditions

By distribution channel, hospital pharmacies segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share of 30.25 % in 2024, due to their central role in treating complex medical conditions requiring scopolamine therapy. Scopolamine is used in managing post-operative nausea, motion sickness and other conditions that may require in-patient monitoring or management by medical specialists. Since hospitalized patients have restricted mobility and receive round-the-clock medical care, scopolamine drugs are readily available and distributed from hospital pharmacies directly to patients as part of their treatment protocol. This ensures optimal dosage administration and compliance with complex treatment regimens that require multiple drug interactions or titrations based on response. Hospital pharmacists can also provide medication counselling and address adverse drug events seamlessly as an integral part of the care team. Furthermore, hospitals have sophisticated inventory management and supply chain systems along with purchasing clout to secure supplies of scopolamine products consistently at competitive rates. This caters to demand from intensive care units, emergency departments and specialized therapeutic areas dealing with conditions benefiting from scopolamine therapy. Several major manufacturers also prioritize hospitals through dedicated sales teams for new product placements and contracts.

Regional Insights

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North America has established itself as the dominant region in the global scopolamine market with an estimated market share of 40.2% in 2024, due to well-established pharmaceutical industry presence and favorable regulatory environment for new drug approvals. Most of the major players operating in the scopolamine drug manufacturing have their headquarters located in the U.S. This allows them to leverage their R&D capabilities and efficiently cater to the regional demand. Higher per capita healthcare expenditure in the region boosts sales of specialty pharmaceutical products like scopolamine.

Asia Pacific has emerged as the fastest growing regional market due to  rising geriatric population, growing pharmaceutical industry, and improving access to healthcare in major developing economies. Countries like China and India are witnessing significant investments by international players aiming to tap the high-potential market. Local pharmaceutical companies are also enhancing their product portfolios and production capabilities in collaboration with global drug manufacturers. Japan is one of the major importers of scopolamine drugs. The large patient pool and rising medical tourism in Southeast Asian nations can offer  lucrative opportunities.

Market Report Scope

Scopolamine Industry News

• In January 2024, the U.S. FDA issued a complete response letter to Defender Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical company, for its New Drug Application (NDA) of intranasal scopolamine gel (DPI-386) aimed at preventing motion-induced nausea and vomiting in adults. Clinical trials, including a phase 3 study, showed that intranasal scopolamine was more effective than placebo in reducing vomiting and rescue medication use.
• In June 2023, Defender Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical company, announced positive results from a pivotal Phase III clinical trial assessing the effectiveness of intranasal scopolamine in preventing nausea and vomiting induced by motion
• In March 2022, Athira Pharma, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, explored the use of scopolamine, an innovative small molecule being investigated for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia with Lewy bodies. It also focused on ATH-1020; an oral brain-penetrating small molecule candidate aimed at treating neuropsychiatric disorders.
• In July 2022, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. introduced its product Transderm-Scop, a skin patch, into both retail and online markets. This updated formulation, with a dosage of 1 mg per 72 hours, received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

*Definition: Global scopolamine market is focused on the production and distribution of the medicine scopolamine, which is primarily used for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as motion sickness. The market players develop and provide different formulations like scopolamine patches, scopolamine tablets, and scopolamine syrups. These also carry out R&D activities to enhance the dosage and delivery methods of scopolamine, in order to expand its therapeutic applications and medical usage globally.

Market Segmentation

•  Dosage Form Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Tablet
  • Syrup
  • Injection
  • Patch
  • Others
•  Distribution Channel Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Hospital Pharmacies
  • Retail Pharmacies
  • Online Pharmacies
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • Alchem International
  • Integra LifeSciences Holding Corporation
  • Alkaloids Corporation
  • Boehringer Ingelheim
  • Caleb Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Centroflora Group
  • Fine Chemicals Corporation
  • GlaxoSmithKline plc
  • Henan Fusen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
  • Laboratorio RAAM de Sahuayo
  • Mylan N.V. (part of Viatris)
  • Novartis AG
  • Pfizer Inc.
  • Pharmaceutical Associates, Inc.
  • Phytex Australia
  • Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
  • Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
  • Global Alkaloids