Atracurium Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Global Atracurium Market is Segmented By Type (Atracurium besilate Injection, Cisatracurium Besylate Injection and Others), By Units(10 ml, 2.5 ml, 5 ml and others), By End-user(Hospitals, ASCs, Clinics and Others), By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2022-2029

Atracurium Market Overview 

The global atracurium market size is estimated to reach at a high CAGR during the forecast period 2022-2029

Atracurium besilate is also known as atracurium besylate, is a medication used in conjunction with other medications to relax skeletal muscles during surgery or mechanical ventilation. Atracurium Besilate Injection is used to relax skeletal muscles during surgery as an adjunct to general anesthesia.

Atracurium Market Overview 

To Know More: Download Sample

Atracurium Market Dynamics

The factor driving the global atracurium market is the increasing demand for atracurium in anesthesia.

Increasing demand for atracurium in anesthesia is expected to drive its market growth in the forecast period

Atracurium is a neuromuscular blocker that is commonly used in anesthesia. Atracurium is used in conjunction with general anesthesia to aid in endotracheal intubation and relax skeletal muscles during surgery or mechanical ventilation.

The increased use of general anesthesia for intraocular surgery in recent years attests to the significant contribution that the anesthetist can make to optimizing surgical conditions. Because most patients undergoing such procedures are elderly, a technique involving controlled ventilation of the lungs has the advantage of achieving optimal and stable intraoperative conditions at a lighter plane of anesthesia while minimizing postoperative side effects. Controlled ventilation is especially useful for intraocular surgery because it can significantly lower intraocular pressure by inducing intraocular vasoconstriction with mechanical hyperventilation.

While muscle relaxation is typically reserved for endotracheal intubation, studies have shown that atracurium can also be used to aid in the placement of a laryngeal mask airway. After an optional initial bolus dose of 0.3 to 0.6 mg/kg, neuromuscular block can be maintained by infusing atracurium besilate at rates ranging from 11 to 13 micrograms/kg/min (0.65 to 0.78 mg/kg/hr). Dosage requirements may vary greatly between patients, and they may increase or decrease over time. Some patients require infusion rates as low as 4.5 micrograms/kg/min (0.27 mg/kg/hr) and as high as 29.5 micrograms/kg/min (1.77 mg/kg/hr). According to a calculation based on data from the World Health Organization's (WHO) 56 member states, approximately 230 million major surgical procedures are performed under anaesthesia worldwide each year. Hence, the increasing anaesthesia related surgical procedures are expected to drive the global atracurium market.

Side-effects associated with atracurium is expected to hamper the market growth

Allergic reactions (including skin flushing [redness or warmth], redness, itching, wheezing, and hives), low blood pressure, fast or slow heart rate, and shortness of breath. For most patients, an initial dose of atracurium besylate of 0.4 to 0.5 mg/kg (1.7 to 2.2 times the ED95) administered as an intravenous bolus injection is recommended. Enflurane, isoflurane, halothane, antibiotics, lithium, magnesium salts, procainamide, quinidine, other muscle relaxants, and succinylcholine may interact with atracurium besylate injection.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis On Atracurium Market

Neuromuscular blocking agents are used in the intensive care unit (ICU) for various indications, including facilitating intubation in patients with status asthmaticus and facilitating mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The neuromuscular blocking agents atracurium and cisatracurium are used in the first line of treatment for COVID-19 patients. The second surge in COVID-19 cases has increased demand for the non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking drug atracurium, which is now under supply disruption alert. Hence, the demand for atracurium during COVID-19 has positively impacted the market growth.

Atracurium Market Segment Analysis

Based on type, the cisatracurium besylate segment is expected to dominate the global atracurium market

Cisatracurium Besylate Injection is a non-depolarizing skeletal neuromuscular blocking agent with a medium onset and duration of action that is used as an adjunct to general anesthesia, to facilitate non-emergency endotracheal intubation, and to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation. The recommended dosage range for adults is 0.3 to 0.6 mg/kg (depending on the duration of the full block required) and will provide adequate relaxation for approximately 15 to 35 minutes. Endotracheal intubation is usually completed within 90 seconds of receiving a 0.5 to 0.6 mg/kg intravenous injection. Supplemental doses of 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg can extend the full block as needed. The accumulation of neuromuscular blocking effect does not occur with successive supplementary dosing. The restoration of the tetanic response to 95 per cent of normal neuromuscular function takes about 35 minutes after the end of the full block.

On September 4th, 2020, the FDA approved an abbreviated new drug application for cisatracurium besylate USP 20 mg/10mL (trade name Nimbex), which facilitates tracheal intubation to relax skeletal muscles during surgery or mechanical ventilation.

Atracurium Market Geographical Analysis

North America region accounted for the largest market share in the global atracurium market

The increasing number of surgeries involving anesthesia and the presence of major key players are expected to dominate the market in this region. In the United States, nearly 1.5 million surgical procedures were performed in 2019 as atracurium is used in conjunction with other medications to relax skeletal muscles during surgery or mechanical ventilation. The demand for atracurium increased during COVID-19. According to the CDC, as of December 2020, more than 13.8 million people tested positive in the United States alone.  Despite wide variation globally, more than 70% of those diagnosed with COVID-19 who became critically ill required intubation and support with invasive mechanical ventilation.

On May 8th, 2020, Aurobindo Pharma Limited received final U.S FDA approval to manufacture and market Cisatracurium Besylate Injection USP, 20 mg/10mL MDV.

Atracurium Market Competitive Landscape

The global atracurium market is highly competitive with increasing demand, FDA approvals and company acquisitions.

Some of the major key players in the global atracurium market are GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Aurobindo Pharma Limited, Zhejiang Xianju Pharmaceutical, Grindeks AS, Zydus Pharma, Aspen Pharmacare, Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Trumachealthcare and Aurobindo Pharma

Zydus Pharma

Overview: Cadila Healthcare Limited (formerly Zydus Cadila) is a multinational pharmaceutical company based in Gujarat, India, that primarily manufactures generic drugs. It was founded in 1952.

Product Portfolio: The company manufactures (Nimbex ) in the strength of 20 mg (base)/10 mL (2 mg/mL) Multiple-Dose Vial.

Key Development: On September 2, 2020, The USFDA gave market approval for Zydus Cadila's  Cisatracurium Besylate Injection USP (Nimbex ). The drug will be manufactured at the Liva plant of Cadila Healthcare Limited.