Market Snapshot

Study Period: | 2019-2027 |
Base Year: | 2021 |
Fastest Growing Market: | Asia Pacific |
Largest Market: | North America |
CAGR: | 3.64 % |
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Market Overview
The anesthesia drugs market was valued at USD 6,071 million in 2020, and it is expected to reach USD 7,523 million in 2026, registering a CAGR of nearly 3.64% during the forecast period.
Due to the emergence of the pandemic situation, demand for anesthesia drugs decreased slightly in 2020, resulting in surgeries being postponed or canceled. According to a study published in the British Journal of Surgery in May 2020, around 28.4 million elective surgeries worldwide were estimated to be canceled or postponed, based on a 12-week period of peak disruption to hospital services due to COVID-19. However, as activities resume, all of the elective surgeries that had been postponed are now being completed, resulting in an increase in anesthesia drug consumption.
The primary factors propelling the growth of this market are the rising number of surgeries and new anesthesia drug approvals. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2020, 2.3 million cosmetic surgical procedures, 13.2 million cosmetic minimally invasive procedures, and 6.8 million reconstructive procedures will be performed in the United States2020, representing a 3% increase over 2019. This indicates the rising number of surgeries, which ultimately results in the rising demand for anesthesia drugs.
Also, according to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, by 2050, one in four persons living in Europe and Northern America could be aged 65 years or over. An increase in the elderly population has led to a steep rise in the number of chronic diseases among older people, like cardiovascular and neurological, further leading to the rising demand for anesthesia drugs.
In June 2019, Fresenius Kabi announced that Dexmedetomidine would be available immediately before and/or during surgery and other procedures. The anesthesia drugs market is expected to grow as a result of this. The medication Hydrochloride in 0.9 percent Sodium Chloride Injection is used to sedate non-intubated patients.
Thus, all aforementioned factors, such as the increasing number of surgical procedures and product launches, boost the market over the forecast period.
Scope of the Report
As per the scope of the report, anesthesia is a drug that induces a reversible loss of sensation. Anesthesia is one of the essential components of any surgical procedure. It induces temporary unconsciousness and loss of protective reflexes. General anesthesia drugs suppress the activities of the central nervous system and induce a complete lack of sensation. Local anesthetics restrict the transmission of nerve impulses from the targeted region to the spinal cord. The anesthesia drugs market is segmented by drug type (general anesthesia drugs and local anesthesia drugs), route of administration (inhalation, injection, and other routes of administration), application (general surgery, cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery, dental surgery, and other applications), and geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle-East and Africa, and South America). The market report also covers the estimated market sizes and trends for 17 different countries across major regions globally. The report offers market size and forecasts in value (USD million) for the above segments.
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Inhalation | |
Injection | |
Other Routes of Administration |
By Application | |
General Surgery | |
Plastic Surgery | |
Cosmetic Surgery | |
Dental Surgery | |
Other Applications |
Geography | ||||||||
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Key Market Trends
The Propofol Sub-segment is Expected to Show the Fastest Growth in the General Anesthesia Drugs Segment
Propofol is one of the most commonly used general anesthetics in surgeries and is used as a sedative for critical care (including those with COVID-19) in the ICU. It is used for the initiation and maintenance of procedural sedation, general anesthesia, etc. In June 2020, the United States Food & Drug Administration approved the use of Fresenius Propoven 2% emulsion to maintain sedation in COVID-19 patients (16 years and above) requiring mechanical ventilation.
Propofol is also used for the induction maintenance of anesthesia and the management of refractory status epilepticus. The drug has been used for a long time for various types of surgical procedures that require anesthesia. The companies that manufacture propofol injections are Neon Laboratories Limited, Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited, and Fresenius Kabi.
Furthermore, as per the study published in the British Journal of anesthesiology in May 2021, titled "Surgical activity in England and Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide observational cohort study", the total number of surgical procedures carried out in England and Wales in 2020 was 3,102,674. Hence, the increasing incidences of emergency surgeries, extensive usage of the drug, short-acting characteristics, and a rising number of surgical procedures worldwide are the major factors propelling the growth of the market.

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North America Dominates the Market and is Expected to Follow the Same Trend Over the Forecast Period
North America currently dominates the anesthesia drugs market and is expected to continue its stronghold for a few more years. The United States is the largest regional market in the world. With the emergence of COVID-19, the United States faced heavy shortages of vital anesthesia drugs, particularly dexmedetomidine, midazolam, propofol, and neuromuscular blocking agents. As a result, many companies are ramping up their production of anesthesia drugs. For instance, in May 2020, Hikma Pharmaceutical introduced a new product, "Propofol Injectable Emulsion," in the United States.
Furthermore, this market is driven by the increasing number of surgeries, rising aging population with increasing chronic conditions, and advancements in anesthesia technologies. As per the statistics provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) 2019, almost 1.8 million cosmetic surgical procedures and 16.3 million cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures were performed in the United States in 2019. The demand for various anesthetics goes hand-in-hand with the surgical procedures being performed. The application of anesthetics in general surgeries is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the market.
Moreover, new anesthesia drugs are being developed in the country, which is expected to propel market growth. For instance, in June 2020, Medova and the New York School of Regional Anesthesia (NYSORA) entered a partnership to introduce SAFIRA (SAFer Injection for Regional Anesthesia) in the United States. Also, in January 2020, the Food & Drug Administration approved the new drug application for cocaine hydrochloride (HCI; NUMBRINO) nasal solution 4% (40 mg/mL), manufactured by Lannett Company, for anesthetic use in the United States.

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Competitive Landscape
The anesthesia drugs market is highly competitive and consists of several major players. In terms of market share, few of the major players currently dominate the market. However, with rising drug approvals, mid-size to smaller companies are expanding their market presence by introducing new ingredients with fewer prices. In April 2020, Blue-Zone Technologies Ltd received approval from Health Canada for desflurane, USP, an anesthetic drug used for general anesthesia. Companies like Baxter, Abbott Laboratories, Aspen, Fresenius SE, Roche, and B. Braun Melsungen AG hold substantial market shares in the anesthesia drugs market.
Recent Developments
- In December 2021, Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC (Hikma), has launched Bupivacaine HCl Injection, USP through its United States affiliate, Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. The company has launched 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75% in 10mL and 30mL doses.
- In June 2021, PAION AG received United Kingdom Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approval for Byfavo (remimazolam besylate) in adults for procedural sedation.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
4.2.1 Increasing Number of Surgeries
4.2.2 New Approvals of Anesthesia Drugs
4.2.3 Reduction in the Cost of Newly Invented Drugs
4.3 Market Restraints
4.3.1 Side Effects of General Anesthetics
4.3.2 Lack of Skilled Anesthetics
4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants
4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size by Value)
5.1 By Drug Type
5.1.1 General Anesthesia Drugs
5.1.1.1 Propofol
5.1.1.2 Sevoflurane
5.1.1.3 Desflurane
5.1.1.4 Dexmedetomidine
5.1.1.5 Remifentanil
5.1.1.6 Midazolam
5.1.1.7 Other General Anesthesia Drugs
5.1.2 Local Anesthesia Drugs
5.1.2.1 Bupivacaine
5.1.2.2 Ropivacaine
5.1.2.3 Lidocaine
5.1.2.4 Chloroprocaine
5.1.2.5 Prilocaine
5.1.2.6 Benzocaine
5.1.2.7 Other Local Anesthesia Drugs
5.2 By Route of Administration
5.2.1 Inhalation
5.2.2 Injection
5.2.3 Other Routes of Administration
5.3 By Application
5.3.1 General Surgery
5.3.2 Plastic Surgery
5.3.3 Cosmetic Surgery
5.3.4 Dental Surgery
5.3.5 Other Applications
5.4 Geography
5.4.1 North America
5.4.1.1 United States
5.4.1.2 Canada
5.4.1.3 Mexico
5.4.2 Europe
5.4.2.1 Germany
5.4.2.2 United Kingdom
5.4.2.3 France
5.4.2.4 Italy
5.4.2.5 Spain
5.4.2.6 Rest of Europe
5.4.3 Asia-Pacific
5.4.3.1 China
5.4.3.2 Japan
5.4.3.3 India
5.4.3.4 Australia
5.4.3.5 South Korea
5.4.3.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific
5.4.4 Middle-East and Africa
5.4.4.1 GCC
5.4.4.2 South Africa
5.4.4.3 Rest of Middle-East and Africa
5.4.5 South America
5.4.5.1 Brazil
5.4.5.2 Argentina
5.4.5.3 Rest of South America
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Company Profiles
6.1.1 AbbVie Inc.
6.1.2 Apsen Pharmacare Holdings Limited
6.1.3 Baxter International Inc.
6.1.4 B. Braun Melsungen AG
6.1.5 Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
6.1.6 Pfizer Inc.
6.1.7 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited
6.1.8 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories
6.1.9 Abbott Laboratories Inc.
6.1.10 Novartis AG
6.1.11 Eisai Inc.
*List Not Exhaustive7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the study period of this market?
The Global Anesthesia Drugs Market market is studied from 2019 - 2027.
What is the growth rate of Global Anesthesia Drugs Market?
The Global Anesthesia Drugs Market is growing at a CAGR of 3.64% over the next 5 years.
Which region has highest growth rate in Global Anesthesia Drugs Market?
Asia Pacific is growing at the highest CAGR over 2021- 2026.
Which region has largest share in Global Anesthesia Drugs Market?
North America holds highest share in 2021.
Who are the key players in Global Anesthesia Drugs Market?
Baxter International Inc., Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Pfizer Inc. are the major companies operating in Global Anesthesia Drugs Market.