Global Anticonvulsants Market is segmented By Drug Class (Barbiturates (Hyper-CVAD Regimen, CALGB 8811 Regimen, Linker Regimen, Nucleoside Metabolic Inhibitors), Benzodiazepines, Hydantoins, Succinimides, Carboxamides, Bromides, Carbamates, Sulfonamides, Fructose derivatives, Pyrrolidines, Triazines, Fatty acids, Others), By Application (Epilepsy, Migraine, Fibromyalgia, Neuropathic pain, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder), By Route of Administration (Enteral, Parenteral, Topical), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacy, Pharmacy Stores, Others), and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031
Anticonvulsants Market Size
Global Anticonvulsants market size was worth US$ YY billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach US$ YY billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 2.2% during the forecast period (2024-2031).
Anticonvulsants are a diverse group of pharmacological agents used in the treatment of epileptic seizures. Anticonvulsants are also increasingly being used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. They seem to act as mood stabilizers and for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Anticonvulsants Market Dynamics
The global anticonvulsant drug market growth is driven by the Increasing approval of anticonvulsant drugs from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is highly contributing to the increase in the anticonvulsants market.
The rising prevalence of epilepsy disease is expected to drive the market growth in the forecast period
The anticonvulsants market size is expected to increase over the forecast period, owing to the rising prevalence of epilepsy globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) January 2019 report, around 50 million people are affected by epilepsy worldwide. Moreover, it is estimated that around 2.4 million new cases of epilepsy are diagnosed every year globally. Increasing approval of anticonvulsant drugs from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is highly contributing to the increase in the anticonvulsant market revenue. According to Epilepsy Society of U.K. 2019 data, over 20 drugs are available to treat epilepsy, such as barbiturates, carboxamides, carbamates, and GABA analogs. Around 25 generics are present in the market. Thus the rising prevalence of epilepsy disease is driving the market growth in the forecast period.
Introduction of anticonvulsant drugs projected to drive the market growth
Anticonvulsant drugs are primarily developed to treat epilepsy, a neurological condition that affects around 50 million people worldwide. They reduce seizure frequency by suppressing neuronal excitability via various molecular targets in the synapse, including voltage-gated ion channels, voltage-gated GABAA (γ-aminobutyric acid type A) glutamate receptors. There are around 24 anticonvulsant drugs approved by the FDA.
In 2018, FDA approved the first drug containing an active ingredient derived from marijuana to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. These factors are driving the market growth in the forecast period.
Side effects such as sores, blisters, or ulcers in the mouth are likely to hinder the market growth
However, the side effects such as sores, blisters or ulcers in the mouth, excessive bleeding in wounds, stomach pain and tenderness, fever, and unusual infections are major restraining factors for anticonvulsants market growth. According to the Epilepsy Foundation report of 2013, there are some unpredictable side effects known as idiosyncratic side effects that can be fatal, including a serious drop in the number of white blood cells and platelets in the body, Aplastic anemia, and liver failure.
COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted care delivery to people with epilepsy (PWE) in multiple ways, including limitations on in-person contact and restrictions on neurophysiological procedures. To better study the pandemic's effect on PWE, members of the American Epilepsy Society were surveyed between April 30 and June 14, 2020. There were 366 initial responses (9% response rate), and 337 respondents remained for analysis after screening out non-completers and those not directly involved with clinical care; the majority were physicians from the United States. About a third (30%) of respondents stated that they had patients with COVID-19 and reported no significant change in seizure frequency. Conversely, one-third of respondents reported new-onset seizures in patients with COVID-19 who had no prior history of seizures. The majority of respondents felt that there were at least some barriers for PWE in receiving appropriate clinical care, neurophysiologic procedures, and elective surgery.
Medication shortages were noted by approximately 30% of respondents, with no clear pattern in types of medication involved. Telehealth was overwhelmingly found to have value. Among the survey's limitations was that it was administered at a single point in time in a rapidly changing pandemic. The survey showed that almost all respondents were affected by the pandemic in a variety of ways. Thus the rising prevalence of pandemics on the person affected with epilepsy is driving the anticonvulsants market.
Anticonvulsants Market Segmentation Analysis
The barbiturates, segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period (2024-2031)
Barbiturates act as central nervous system depressants. Barbiturates are derivatives of a chemical called barbituric acid. Various barbiturate drugs are available on the market; however, all have a sedative effect on the central nervous system and are clinically prescribed for anxiety. Barbiturates are also used in the treatment of epilepsy, insomnia, and status epilepticus. Barbiturate drugs are available in pill form and can be taken orally and intravenously. Barbiturates are subjected to the Drug Abuse Prevention, and Control Act in the U.S. Hence, the manufacture and distribution of these drugs are strictly controlled. Barbiturate drugs enhance one of the brain's primary neurotransmitters, known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). An increase in GABA has a sedative effect on the user’s brain. The effect of barbiturate lasts between 4 hours and 16 hours, depending on the dose's type and strength. The rising prevalence of seizures across the world is driving the growth of the segment.
For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 10% of the world population has one seizure during a lifetime. The WHO also states that there are about 50 million people worldwide presently living with epilepsy. Every year, 30 to 50 per 100000 people are newly diagnosed with epilepsy in high-income countries, and this count is approximately two times higher among low and middle-income countries. These factors are driving the market growth in the forecast period.
The hospital pharmacy is expected to dominate the anticonvulsants market during the forecast period
The hospital pharmacies held the largest share in the anticonvulsants market. This is mainly owing to the increasing number of patients suffering from conditions that are treated in hospitals equipped with advanced infrastructure and adequate facilities. Moreover, the growing number of hospitals along with adequate reimbursement policies is also contributing to the growth of this segment.
Anticonvulsants Market Geographical Share
North America region holds the largest market share global anticonvulsants market
North America is expected to hold the dominant position in the anticonvulsants market during the forecast period, owing to increasing demand for the treatment of epilepsy. For instance, according to the WHO 2019 report, in up to 70% of people living with epilepsy globally, a seizure is controlled with appropriate diagnosis and use of anti-epileptic medicines. Low-cost treatment is available, with daily medication that costs US$ 5 per year. Pain management implants and devices such as neuromodulators are gaining market acceptance among medical professionals, while acupuncture and acupressure are world-renowned pain relief techniques along with physiotherapy that people adopt. These factors are driving the market growth in the forecast period.
Anticonvulsants Market Companies and Competitive Landscape
The anticonvulsants market is moderately competitive with the presence of local as well as global companies. Some of the key players which are contributing to the growth of the market include Abbott Laboratories, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Johnson & Johnson, Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., Sanofi S.A., UCB Group, Shire Plc., GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Cephalon Inc., and AstraZeneca Plc. among others. The major players are adopting several growth strategies such as product launches, acquisitions, and collaborations, which are contributing to the growth of the anticonvulsants market globally.
Pfizer Inc.
Overview: Pfizer Inc. (Pfizer), incorporated on June 2, 1942, is a research-based global biopharmaceutical company. The Company is engaged in the discovery, development and manufacture of healthcare products. Its global portfolio includes medicines and vaccines. The Company manages its commercial operations through two business segments: Pfizer Innovative Health (IH) and Pfizer Essential Health (EH). IH focuses on developing and commercializing medicines and vaccines that improve patients' lives. IH therapeutic areas include internal medicine, vaccines, oncology, inflammation and immunology and rare diseases. EH includes legacy brands, branded generics, generic sterile injectable products, and biosimilars and infusion systems. EH also includes a research and development (R&D) organization, as well as its contract manufacturing business. The Company sold its products in over 125 countries.
Product Portfolio: The Company’s portfolio comprised of include internal medicine, vaccines, oncology, inflammation and immunology and rare diseases and others.