Market Trends of Global Anesthesia Drugs Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Anesthesia Drugs Market according to our research experts:
The Propofol 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.
As a result of the aforementioned factors, the propofol segment is expected to experience healthy growth during the forecast period.
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. according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in 2020, about 768,000 total cosmetic procedures were performed in people aged 10-29 years, and 6.1 million total cosmetic procedures were performed among the age group of 40-54-year-olds. These statistics indicate that surgical procedures are constantly increasing in the region, ultimately driving the demand for anesthesia drugs. 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. Moreover, in December 2021, Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC (Hikma) launched Bupivacaine HCl Injection USP through its United States affiliate Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. The company launched 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75% in 10 milliliter and 30 milliliter doses. Similarly, in April 2020, Blue-Zone Technologies Ltd received approval from Health Canada for desflurane, USP, an anesthetic drug used for general anesthesia.
Such developments coupled with growth in the number of surgeries using anesthesia drugs are anticipated to bolster market growth in the region.
