Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a painful condition that develops as a result of nerve damage caused by shingles. Shingles is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox infection, the virus lies dormant in the nerves and can reactivate later in life to cause shingles. Shingles presents with a painful rash that usually heals within 2-4 weeks. However, in some cases the pain from shingles persists long after the rash heals. This prolonged pain condition is referred to as postherpetic neuralgia. Currently available treatment options for PHN include antidepressants, anticonvulsants and topical lidocaine patches. However, these treatments provide only partial pain relief to many patients highlighting the need for newer treatment approaches.
The postherpetic neuralgia market is estimated to be valued at USD 756.1 Mn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1,157.5 Mn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% from 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the postherpetic neuralgia market are copyright, Inc., Depomed, Inc., and Mylan N.V.
Rising geriatric population is expected to present lucrative growth opportunities in the market Postherpetic Neuralgia Market as incidence of shingles and PHN increase with age. Over 60% of shingles cases occur in people over 50 years of age.
Advancements in novel pain management therapies such as patches containing capsaicin, necrotizing antigens and topical formulations offering localized pain relief are driving market growth.
Market Drivers
Increasing awareness about PHN as a medical condition among patients and physicians is leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment seeking behavior. This is expected to drive market demand over the forecast period.
Growing geriatric population worldwide is a major demographic driver of Postherpetic Neuralgia Market PHN market growth. As immunity decreases with age, older people are at higher risk of reactivation of the varicella zoster virus that causes shingles and PHN.
Challenges in Postherpetic Neuralgia Market
The Postherpetic Neuralgia market faces various challenges in areas such as diagnostic complexities, lack of effective treatment, and high costs of treatments. As Postherpetic Neuralgia is diagnosed by eliminating other possible causes of nerve pain, it requires extensive testing and neurological examinations to confirm the diagnosis. This complex diagnostic process poses challenges.
Current challenges in Postherpetic Neuralgia treatment include lack of very effective treatment options. While analgesics and antidepressants provide some relief to Postherpetic Neuralgia pain, complete cure is still elusive. Newer treatments such as topical lidocaine patches provide limited relief for localised neuralgia pain. High costs of newer topical and oral Postherpetic Neuralgia drugs also restrict their widespread availability. Affordability of long term treatments is a challenge, especially in developing regions.
SWOT Analysis
Strength: Anticonvulsants and tricyclic antidepressants provide first line relief; Newer topical lidocaine patches offer localized pain relief
Weakness: No definitive cure available; complex diagnosis prolongs treatment initiation
Opportunity: Scope for new drugs focused on nerve regeneration and pain mechanisms; Expanding geriatric population increases market potential
Threats: High R&D costs of new therapies; affordability and availability challenges in developing markets
The United States holds the major share of the Postherpetic Neuralgia market currently in terms of value. This is due to factors such as high per capita healthcare spending, growing geriatric population, and availability of newer treatment options through extensive R&D. On the other hand, China and Japan are projected to be the fastest growing regional markets owing to increasing healthcare investments and expanding medical infrastructure in these nations.
Europe also captures significant market share currently due to presence of key players and availability of ample treatment choices. However, the Asia Pacific region excluding Japan is likely to offer strongest growth opportunities during the forecast period with fast evolving healthcare sectors and growing focus on effective chronic pain management in countries like India, South Korea and Australia.
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