The buprenorphine market encompasses products used for medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist approved by the U.S FDA for treating opioid addiction. It helps reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal effects. Buprenorphine can be administered sublingually as films, tablets or implant under the skin. It provides an alternative to methadone for addiction treatment and is preferred due to its safety profile and flexible dosage options. The rising incidence of opioid addiction globally has increased the demand for buprenorphine products.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the buprenorphine market are Hyundai Heavy Industries, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, China State Shipbuilding Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Samsung Heavy Industries, Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Tsuneishi Group, China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, Fincantieri S.p.A., Meyer Werft GmbH & Co. KG, Navantia, Damen Shipyards Group, STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
The growing abuse of prescription opioids and availability of illicit fentanyl derivatives are major factors contributing to the opioid crisis. This has increased demand for medication-assisted therapy with buprenorphine products.
Technological advancements include the development of long-acting injectable and implant formulations of buprenorphine that offer higher treatment compliance compared to oral tablets. New drug delivery routes lower misuse risks and improve medication efficacy.
Market Trends
The Global Buprenorphine Market Size is witnessing high demand for Sublocade, the first once-monthly buprenorphine injection approved by FDA for opioid dependence treatment. Its long-acting profile aids sustained recovery and minimizes diversions.
Another trend is the emerging role of generics. Generic versions of sublingual films and tablets are available at lower costs, improving accessibility in developing regions with budget constraints. This substantially increases the treatable patient population.
Market Opportunities
One major opportunity is the approval and market entry of extended-release injectable and implant formulations of buprenorphine that offer superior safety and convenience over oral dosage forms.
Geographic expansion into emerging Asian and Latin American countries presents significant commercialization potential. These regions have large untreated opioid addiction patient pools and growing healthcare investments on substance abuse therapies.
Impact of COVID-19 on Buprenorphine Market
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the growth of the buprenorphine market. During the initial months of the pandemic, there was a disruption in the supply chain and production facilities were temporarily shut down to comply with lockdown measures implemented across various countries. This led to a decrease in the availability of buprenorphine drugs in the market. However, with the resumption of manufacturing activities and relaxation of lockdowns, the supply chain is being restored.
The demand for buprenorphine also saw an initial decline as hospital visits and outpatient departments witnessed fewer footfalls owing to the risk of virus spread. Nevertheless, the need for buprenorphine in treating opioid addiction remains high. As addiction and withdrawal issues can negatively impact mental health, there is an increased focus on ensuring continuity of care for patients undergoing opioid substitution therapy. Telemedicine and home delivery options have helped address this need to a large extent during the pandemic.
Going forward, the market is expected to rebound steadily as production capacities are ramped up. Investment in expanding manufacturing facilities and building robust supply networks will be crucial to handle any surge in demand and avoid disruption. New product launches, especially formulations catering to improved accessibility and adherence, may boost the market. Continued support through remote care programs will also help tackle barriers to treatment posed by the pandemic.
Buprenorphine Market Concentration in North America
In terms of value, North America constitutes the largest share of the global buprenorphine market. The region has a high prevalence of opioid dependence owing to non-medical use of prescription opioids and heroin abuse. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the United States accounts for about two-thirds of the global opioid abuse. This has driven the demand for treatment options like buprenorphine for medication-assisted therapy. Favorable regulations and reimbursement policies have also supported market growth in the region. Countries like the US and Canada are home to several key manufacturers as well.
Fastest Growing Region for Buprenorphine Market
Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest rate for the buprenorphine market during the forecast period. Rapid economic development, changing lifestyles and increasing disposable incomes have contributed to a rise in substance abuse disorders. At the same time, awareness about treatment modalities and availability of affordable generic drugs are enhancing accessibility in emerging markets. Countries with large populations, such as China and India, present major growth opportunities. Additionally, lack of stringent regulations in the region allows local manufacturers to contribute to affordable supply, augmenting market expansion.
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