Controlled Substance Market

U.S. Controlled Substance Market Outlook 2031

• The U.S. controlled substance market was valued at US$ 44.5 Bn in 2021
• It is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2022 to 2031
• The U.S. controlled substance market is expected to reach a value of US$ 74.3 Bn by the end of 2031

Analysts’ Viewpoint on U.S. Controlled Substance Market Scenario

High incidence rate of chronic pain among the geriatric population, introduction of controlled substance or controlled drug products, and rise in target population of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are main factors that are expected to boost the U.S. controlled substance market. The market is estimated to grow at around 5% of CAGR from 2022 to 2031. These controlled substances are illicit drugs; hence, controlled drugs used in medical preparations require proper prescription from a licensed medical professional. Opioids offer the best results in the treatment of certain disorders. Consequently, several clinical trials are being conducted in the past few years by key players in the industry. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted harshly the manufacturing and export of drugs, which has led to a negative impact on production rate of controlled substances.

Overview of U.S. Controlled Substance Market

Controlled substances are basically controlled drugs or prescribed medications, which are designated by the law and their production & use are regulated by the government. These controlled substances or controlled prescribed medications are used in treatment of several types of neurological disorders as well as in drug research. Various product types of controlled substances are, opioids, stimulants, depressants, and cannabinoids drugs.

The U.S. controlled substance market is likely to grow at a steady pace during the forecast period, owing to the increasing demand for controlled substances as drugs on chronic pain.

High Incidence Rate of Chronic Pain among Geriatric Population to Drive Demand for Controlled Substances in U.S.

Chronic pain persists for a longer duration, and the number of patients suffering from chronic pain is increasing. According to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2019, an estimated 20.4% adults in the U.S. had chronic pain, and 7.4% adults had high-impact chronic pain.

Moreover, increase in geriatric population that is more prone to chronic pain, due to reduced mobility and lack of activity, is projected to propel to demand for controlled substance. The WHO stated that the growth rate of the geriatric population would be higher in developed countries, especially in countries such as the U.S. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, around 89 million people are expected to be aged over 65 years in the U.S. by 2050.

Introduction of New Controlled Substance Products to Boost Market in U.S.

The launch of new products is estimated to boost the market, as this would provide more options for effective treatment. Controlled drugs for depression, or other drugs such as amphetamine, which are available in the market in different forms can be easily abused, primarily by adolescents. Several pharmaceutical companies are taking interest or initiatives to introduce some new products or capsule control drugs in the market in order to provide better treatment to people suffering from chronic diseases. For instance, in 2020, Trevena, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, received the U.S. FDA approval for its brand OLINVYK (oliceridine) injection for the management of acute pain in adults. In addition, the FDA recently approved cocaine-based products, such as C-Topical in topical form, to provide anesthetic support during procedures.

Opioid Segment to Lead U.S. Controlled Substance Market

Opioid is basically used to treat moderate to severe pain. The growth of the opioid segment can be attributed to the consistent rise in population that suffers from pain, and an opioid is used as a component in the management of pain. Awareness about the advantages of these drugs to treat different types of pain and availability through different distribution channels, such as online mode prescribed by specialists, have increased considerably. Therefore, a rise in the demand for opioids for use in pain management is one of the major reasons that boosts the market.

In terms of revenue, the opioid product type segment accounted for a dominant share of the market in 2021. The segment is anticipated to expand at a high CAGR rate from 2022 to 2031.

Need for Pain Management to Drive Demand for Controlled Drugs

The pain management segment is projected to account for a notable share of the global market. Pain can lead to severe complications if proper care or treatment is not provided for a longer time. Unattained pain results in many health issues such as vein thrombosis, reduced patient mobility, and pulmonary embolism. Therefore, doctors usually prescribe analgesics in the initial stage of pain. If the patient remains unresponsive for the initial medications then, these controlled drugs are used for further treatment. Thus, this increase in use of controlled drugs is estimated to fuel the demand for controlled substances.

Geriatric individuals and people suffering from chronic pain caused by cancer and other diseases can be effectively treated with controlled substance drugs; hence, an increase in usage of controlled substances is estimated to propel the market significantly during the forecast period.

Retail Pharmacies to Remain Preferred Distribution Channel for Drug Sales

Based on distribution channel, the U.S. controlled substance market has been segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. The retail pharmacies segment accounted for a dominant market share of the market, in terms of revenue, in 2021. The segment is anticipated to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period.

Medicines for various neurological disorders, pain management, etc., are prescribed for a long period, which prompts patients to prefer retail stores instead of visiting hospitals. A rise in the number of retail pharmacies, owing to the growth of international pharmacy corporates in the U.S., and initiatives taken by key players in strengthening their distribution networks are also expected to boost the segment.

Analysis of Key Players in U.S. Controlled Substance Market

The U.S. controlled substance market is a consolidated with a limited number of distributers. Key players operating in the market are AbbVie, Inc., Pfizer, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Mallinckrodt plc, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Each of these players has been profiled in the U.S. controlled substance market report based on parameters such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies, product portfolio, business segments, and recent developments.

Key Developments in U.S. Controlled Substance Market

• AbbVie, Inc., one of the key players, has a promising pipeline of new medicines, including more than 50 compounds in the clinical developments stage across fields, such as, virology/liver diseases, immunology, oncology, neurological diseases, dermatology, and women’s health
• In March 2022, Pfizer, Inc. announced the completion of its acquisition with Arena Pharmaceuticals, a clinical trial stage company developing innovative potential therapies. Arena Pharmaceuticals brings to Pfizer a portfolio of diverse and promising development-stage therapeutic candidates in various types of diseases.
• In March 2021, Mallinckrodt plc, a global pharmaceutical company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved several updates to the full prescribing information for Acthar Gel (repository corticotrophins injection)

U.S. Controlled Substance Market Snapshot