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Add to CartGlobal Pain Patch Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Type;
Opioid Pain Patches and Non-Opioid Pain Patches.By Technology;
Traditional Drug Delivery Patches and Advanced Drug Delivery Patches.By Prescription;
Prescription Pain Patches and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pain Patches.By Adhesive Properties;
Hypoallergenic Patches and Standard Adhesive Patches.By Distribution Channel;
Retail Pharmacies, Hospitals and Clinics.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Pain Patch Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global Pain Patch Market was valued at USD 5,305.89 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 7,062.95 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.2%.
The pain patch market has emerged as a leading solution for effectively managing various types of pain, offering a convenient and targeted approach to pain relief. These transdermal patches, also known as pain patches, deliver controlled doses of pain-relieving medications directly through the skin, providing localized relief for conditions ranging from chronic pain to post-operative discomfort and musculoskeletal injuries. Their popularity stems from several key advantages they offer over traditional oral medications. One notable benefit is the consistent delivery of medication over an extended period, ensuring a steady level of pain relief without the peaks and troughs often experienced with oral medications. This controlled release mechanism not only improves the efficacy of pain management but also reduces the risk of systemic side effects, particularly gastrointestinal issues commonly associated with oral pain medications. Additionally, pain patches provide a convenient alternative for patients who may have difficulty swallowing pills or adhering to a complex medication regimen, enhancing overall treatment compliance and patient satisfaction.
As healthcare trends continue to emphasize personalized care and non-invasive treatment options, the pain patch market is poised for sustained growth. Patients increasingly seek targeted pain relief solutions that minimize systemic side effects and offer localized treatment for their specific pain conditions. This shift towards personalized care aligns well with the capabilities of pain patches, which can deliver tailored doses of medication directly to the site of pain, optimizing therapeutic outcomes while minimizing the risk of adverse effects. Moreover, the non-invasive nature of transdermal patches makes them an attractive option for patients wary of invasive procedures or uncomfortable treatments, further driving demand in the market. In response to evolving patient needs and market trends, manufacturers in the pain patch market are actively innovating their product offerings. This includes advancements in patch design and formulation, with a focus on incorporating cutting-edge drug delivery technologies and optimizing adhesive properties to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. Additionally, market players are expanding their product portfolios to include a diverse range of options, catering to different types of pain and patient preferences. From prescription-based patches containing opioids or non-opioid analgesics to over-the-counter options containing ingredients like lidocaine or capsaicin, the market offers a variety of choices to meet the unique needs of patients and healthcare providers alike.
Global Pain Patch Market Recent Developments
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In October 2023, Nysh.in, a pharmaceutical company, announced the launch of the cramp care pain relief patch under the BluHeat category, a company business segment. This product provided comfort and relief available for cramping menstruation. This ground-breaking invention used heat treatment to provide a safe and all-natural means of pain alleviation.
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In February 2023, Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a pharmaceutical company, announced the launch of a Salonpas Pain Relieving FLEX Patch Lidocaine 4% featuring thin, flexible, and highly adhesive patch technology.
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In February 2022, NexGel, Inc., a healthcare company, announced the launch of its MEDAGEL Bug Bite Relief Patch. These cooling patches, made in the U.S. using NEXGEL's soothing hydrogel technology, provided instant relief to irritated skin caused by insect bites.
Segment Analysis
By Type, the market includes non-opioid pain patches and opioid-based pain patches. Non-opioid pain patches are gaining significant traction due to their safer profile and reduced risk of dependency, making them suitable for chronic pain management and over-the-counter use. Opioid-based pain patches, while effective for severe pain, are subject to stringent regulations and controlled usage, given the potential risks of misuse and addiction.
By Technology, the market is divided into matrix, reservoir, and drug-in-adhesive technologies. Matrix patches dominate the market due to their simple design, cost-effectiveness, and efficient drug delivery. Reservoir patches are preferred for controlled and sustained drug release, often used in managing long-term pain. Drug-in-adhesive technology is gaining popularity for its improved adhesion and patient comfort, making it a preferred choice in newer pain patch formulations.
By Prescription, the market is categorized into prescription-based and over-the-counter (OTC) pain patches. Prescription-based patches are widely used for managing chronic and severe pain conditions, often involving advanced formulations. OTC patches cater to mild to moderate pain relief, offering ease of accessibility and convenience for consumers, which drives their demand globally.
By Adhesive Properties, the market includes permanent and removable adhesives. Permanent adhesive pain patches are preferred for long-term applications, ensuring consistent drug delivery and minimal displacement. Removable adhesives cater to short-term pain management and are valued for their flexibility and ease of removal, particularly in sensitive patients.
By Distribution Channel, the segmentation includes hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online stores. Hospital pharmacies account for a significant share due to the reliance of patients on prescribed patches during treatment. Retail pharmacies also hold a considerable portion of the market, driven by the widespread availability of OTC pain patches. Online stores are rapidly growing as a distribution channel, offering convenience, better pricing, and a broad range of products.
By Geography, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America dominates the market, supported by high healthcare spending, an aging population, and a rising prevalence of chronic pain conditions. Europe follows closely, driven by a growing focus on innovative pain management solutions. The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing robust growth due to increasing healthcare awareness, expanding access to pain management therapies, and rising disposable incomes. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are experiencing steady growth as healthcare infrastructure improves and awareness about pain relief products expands.
Global Pain Patch Segment Analysis
In this report, the Global Pain Patch Market has been segmented by Type, Technology, Prescription, Adhesive Properties, Distribution Channel, and Geography.
Global Pain Patch Market, Segmentation by Type
The Global Pain Patch Market has been segmented by Type into Opioid Pain Patches and Non-Opioid Pain Patches.
Opioid Pain Patches contain potent opioid analgesics such as fentanyl, providing effective relief for moderate to severe pain. These patches are designed to deliver controlled doses of opioids transdermally, offering a convenient and sustained pain management solution for patients with chronic conditions like cancer or neuropathy. However, their use comes with inherent risks, including the potential for opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose. In contrast, Non-Opioid Pain Patches utilize alternative analgesics such as lidocaine, capsaicin, or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to alleviate pain without the risks associated with opioids. These patches are suitable for managing mild to moderate pain associated with conditions like arthritis, muscle strains, or post-operative discomfort. Non-opioid patches offer a safer option for pain management, particularly for individuals who may be at risk of opioid-related adverse effects or for whom opioids are not suitable due to medical conditions or contraindications. By segmenting the market into Opioid and Non-Opioid Pain Patches, healthcare providers and patients can make informed decisions regarding the appropriate pain management approach based on the severity of pain, individual patient factors, and the desired balance between efficacy and safety. This segmentation also facilitates targeted research and development efforts aimed at optimizing the effectiveness and safety profiles of pain patches, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.
Global Pain Patch Market, Segmentation by Technology
The Global Pain Patch Market has been segmented by Technology into Traditional Drug Delivery Patches and Advanced Drug Delivery Patches.
Traditional Drug Delivery Patches utilize established mechanisms of drug release, relying on passive diffusion to deliver medication through the skin. These patches typically consist of a reservoir containing the drug, which gradually diffuses through the skin's layers to reach systemic circulation, providing sustained pain relief over an extended period. While traditional patches offer simplicity and reliability in drug delivery, they may have limitations in terms of drug permeation rates and efficacy, especially for medications with poor skin permeability or large molecular sizes. In contrast, Advanced Drug Delivery Patches incorporate innovative technologies to enhance drug delivery efficiency and therapeutic outcomes. These patches may employ mechanisms such as micro-needles, iontophoresis, or transdermal patches embedded with nanoparticles to facilitate drug penetration through the skin barrier more effectively. Micro-needle patches use tiny needles to create micro-channels in the skin, allowing for enhanced drug absorption, while iontophoresis patches use electric currents to drive charged drug molecules across the skin barrier. Additionally, transdermal patches with nanoparticle formulations enable targeted drug delivery and controlled release, maximizing drug bioavailability and minimizing systemic side effects. By leveraging these advanced drug delivery technologies, manufacturers can optimize drug permeation rates, increase drug loading capacity, and improve patient compliance with pain patch therapy. Overall, the segmentation of the Global Pain Patch Market by technology into Traditional Drug Delivery Patches and Advanced Drug Delivery Patches reflects the evolving landscape of pain management, with a shift towards innovative approaches to enhance the efficacy and convenience of pain relief therapies.
Global Pain Patch Market, Segmentation by Prescription
The Global Pain Patch Market has been segmented by Prescription into Prescription Pain Patches and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pain Patches.
Prescription pain patches are formulated with potent analgesics and require a healthcare provider's prescription for acquisition. These patches are typically prescribed for individuals suffering from moderate to severe pain, such as post-operative pain, chronic musculoskeletal pain, or neuropathic pain. Prescription pain patches often contain opioids like fentanyl, which provide powerful pain relief but also carry the risk of addiction and misuse, necessitating careful monitoring and adherence to prescribed dosage regimens. In contrast, Over-the-Counter (OTC) pain patches are readily available without a prescription and can be purchased directly from retail pharmacies or other healthcare outlets. OTC pain patches typically contain milder analgesics such as lidocaine or capsaicin and are indicated for mild to moderate pain relief, such as muscle strains, joint pain, or minor injuries. These patches offer consumers convenient access to pain relief options for temporary or less severe pain conditions, allowing for self-management without the need for medical supervision. By segmenting the pain patch market based on prescription requirements, stakeholders can effectively target their product offerings and marketing strategies to cater to the distinct needs and preferences of healthcare providers and consumers. Additionally, this segmentation facilitates regulatory compliance and ensures appropriate usage and distribution of prescription and OTC pain patches, promoting patient safety and optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Global Pain Patch Market, Segmentation by Adhesive Properties
The Global Pain Patch Market has been segmented by Adhesive Properties into Hypoallergenic Patches and Standard Adhesive Patches.
Hypoallergenic patches are engineered with materials specifically formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions, making them suitable for individuals with sensitive skin or known allergies to common adhesive components. These patches undergo rigorous testing to ensure compatibility with a wide range of skin types, offering peace of mind to users concerned about adverse skin reactions. In contrast, standard adhesive patches utilize conventional adhesive formulations designed for strong and durable adhesion to the skin. While effective for most users, standard adhesive patches may pose a risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions in individuals with sensitivities to adhesive ingredients. By offering hypoallergenic and standard adhesive options, the pain patch market caters to the diverse needs and preferences of consumers, ensuring accessibility and safety for all users. Whether seeking relief from chronic pain conditions or acute injuries, individuals can choose the adhesive properties that best suit their skin sensitivities and comfort levels, enhancing overall treatment compliance and satisfaction. This segmentation strategy reflects the market's commitment to delivering high-quality and user-friendly pain management solutions while addressing the varying sensitivities and requirements of the global consumer base.
Global Pain Patch Market, Segmentation by Distribution Channel
The Global Pain Patch Market has been segmented by Distribution Channel into Retail Pharmacies, Hospitals and Clinics.
Retail pharmacies emerge as a primary distribution channel, offering convenient accessibility to pain patches for consumers seeking over-the-counter (OTC) options. These pharmacies serve as vital hubs where individuals can easily purchase pain patches without the need for a prescription, catering to those seeking immediate relief from mild to moderate pain. Moreover, retail pharmacies play a crucial role in providing information and guidance to consumers, ensuring they select the most suitable pain patch for their needs. On the other hand, hospitals and clinics represent another significant distribution channel within the pain patch market, particularly for prescription-based patches and specialized pain management services. Healthcare professionals in hospitals and clinics prescribe pain patches to patients experiencing severe or chronic pain, ensuring proper dosage and monitoring. Additionally, hospitals and clinics offer a comprehensive approach to pain management, incorporating pain patches as part of a broader treatment plan alongside other interventions. With their expertise and resources, healthcare providers in these settings contribute to optimizing patient outcomes and ensuring safe and effective pain relief. Overall, the segmentation by distribution channel underscores the multifaceted nature of the global pain patch market, highlighting the pivotal roles played by retail pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics in facilitating access to pain management solutions and delivering quality care to individuals seeking relief from various pain conditions.
Global Pain Patch Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Pain Patch Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.
Global Pain Patch Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
In 2022, North America emerged as the dominant market for pain patches, claiming over 39% of the global market share. This prominence can be attributed to the region's well-established healthcare infrastructure, the high prevalence of chronic pain conditions, and a sophisticated pharmaceutical industry. The escalating opioid epidemic has prompted a shift towards non-opioid pain relief alternatives like transdermal patches, further fueling the adoption of pain patches in the region. Regulatory efforts aimed at curbing opioid misuse have propelled the demand for these patches, which offer a targeted and convenient solution for pain management. Additionally, the aging population and increasing awareness of pain management practices have contributed to the sustained growth of the pain patch market in North America.
Europe stands as the second-largest market for pain patches, accounting for over 29.0% of the global market share in 2022. The region's pain patch market is propelled by several factors, including the prevalence of chronic pain conditions, a growing focus on patient-centric pain management, and efforts to minimize opioid-related risks. With robust healthcare systems supporting the integration of innovative pain management solutions, Europe has become a conducive environment for the adoption of pain patches. Regulatory agencies prioritize patient safety and effective pain relief, fostering an environment conducive to the adoption of pain patches. Moreover, the rising trend of self-care and home-based treatments has contributed to the popularity of over-the-counter pain patches in the region.
In Asia-Pacific, the pain patch market is experiencing rapid growth, capturing over 23.5% of the global market share in 2022. The region presents a mix of opportunities and challenges for pain patch manufacturers. Increasing awareness of pain management, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and a rising prevalence of chronic conditions are driving market growth. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and China, with their aging populations, are particularly susceptible to chronic pain, stimulating demand for pain relief solutions. However, the region also faces challenges such as varying regulatory landscapes, cultural perceptions of pain, and disparities in healthcare access across different countries. Despite these challenges, the Asia-Pacific region remains a promising frontier for pain patch manufacturers, with ample opportunities for market expansion and innovation.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Pain Patch Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Effective Pain Relief
- Non-Invasive Treatment
- Reduced Systemic Side Effects
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Convenience and Long-Lasting Relief- One of the key advantages of pain patches is their ease of use, as they can be applied directly to the affected area of the body, eliminating the need for swallowing pills or undergoing invasive procedures. This convenience factor makes pain patches particularly appealing to individuals with mobility issues or those who prefer non-invasive pain management options. Furthermore, pain patches are designed to provide sustained relief over an extended period, typically ranging from several hours to days depending on the specific formulation. This prolonged duration of action ensures continuous pain relief without the need for frequent reapplication or dosage adjustments, enhancing patient convenience and adherence to treatment regimens. By delivering controlled doses of medication directly through the skin, pain patches offer a consistent and targeted approach to pain management, minimizing fluctuations in pain intensity and improving overall comfort.
Moreover, the long-lasting relief provided by pain patches contributes to improved patient outcomes and quality of life. Individuals experiencing chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis or neuropathy, can benefit from sustained pain relief throughout their daily activities, allowing them to maintain functionality and engage in social and occupational endeavors more effectively. Additionally, pain patches offer a non-systemic route of drug administration, reducing the risk of systemic side effects often associated with oral pain medications, such as gastrointestinal disturbances or liver toxicity.
Restraints
- Skin Sensitivity and Irritation
- Dosing Challenges
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Limited Drug Compatibility- However, not all drugs are suitable for transdermal delivery due to various factors such as molecular size, chemical properties, and skin permeability. This limitation restricts the range of medications that can be formulated into pain patches, thereby constraining the options available for pain management. Additionally, some drugs may not be compatible with the adhesive materials or matrix systems used in pain patches, further limiting their formulation possibilities. As a result, the development of new pain patches may be hindered by the challenge of finding drugs that can effectively penetrate the skin barrier and provide therapeutic levels of pain relief without causing skin irritation or other adverse effects.
Limited drug compatibility poses a significant challenge for manufacturers in the pain patch market, as they must carefully select and formulate drugs that meet the requirements for transdermal delivery while ensuring safety, efficacy, and patient comfort. Moreover, this constraint may impact the availability of pain patches for certain pain conditions or patient populations, potentially leading to gaps in treatment options and suboptimal pain management outcomes. Overall, limited drug compatibility represents a notable restraint in the global pain patch market, requiring innovative solutions and careful consideration of drug formulation and delivery technologies to overcome.
Opportunities
- Expansion of Indications
- Personalized Pain Management
- Collaboration with Pharma Companies
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Pediatric Pain Relief- Pediatric patients often experience pain from various conditions, including injuries, surgical procedures, and chronic illnesses. However, traditional pain management methods, such as oral medications, may pose challenges in pediatric populations due to issues with dosing accuracy, taste preferences, and potential side effects. Pain patches offer a promising alternative for pediatric pain relief, providing controlled and localized delivery of analgesic medications directly to the site of pain. These patches can be applied externally, eliminating the need for invasive procedures or oral administration, thus reducing discomfort and anxiety in pediatric patients. Additionally, pain patches can offer a more consistent and prolonged release of medication compared to oral formulations, ensuring sustained pain relief over an extended period. Furthermore, the availability of pediatric-specific pain patches, formulated with appropriate dosage strengths and tailored to children's unique physiological and developmental needs, can address the challenges associated with pediatric pain management more effectively.
As healthcare providers and parents seek safe, non-invasive, and child-friendly pain management options, the demand for pediatric pain patches is expected to rise. Manufacturers in the global pain patch market have the opportunity to develop innovative pediatric formulations, improve patch design for ease of use in children, and conduct research to optimize the safety and efficacy of pain patches in pediatric populations. Moreover, educational initiatives aimed at healthcare professionals and caregivers can increase awareness about the benefits of pain patches for pediatric pain management, fostering greater adoption and acceptance of these products in clinical practice. Overall, the focus on pediatric pain relief represents a compelling opportunity for stakeholders in the global pain patch market to address an unmet need, enhance patient care, and contribute to improved outcomes for pediatric patients worldwide.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Pain Patch Market include:
- Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc.
- Johnson & Johnson
- Pfizer Inc.
- Novartis AG
- Mylan N.V.
- Endo Pharmaceuticals
- Teikoku Pharma USA, Inc.
- Acorda Therapeutics
- Ibsa Institut Biochimique SA
- Alembic Pharmaceuticals
- Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Teva Pharmaceuticals
- Strativa Pharmaceuticals
- Galen Limited
- Napp Pharmaceuticals
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By Technology
- Market Snapshot, By Prescription
- Market Snapshot, By Adhesive Properties
- Market Snapshot, By Distribution Channel;
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Pain Patch Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Effective Pain Relief
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Non-Invasive Treatment
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Reduced Systemic Side Effects
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Convenience and Long-Lasting Relief
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- Restraints
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Skin Sensitivity and Irritation
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Dosing Challenges
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Limited Drug Compatibility
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- Opportunities
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Expansion of Indications
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Personalized Pain Management
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Collaboration with Pharma Companies
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Pediatric Pain Relief
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Pain Patch Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Opioid Pain Patches
- Non-Opioid Pain Patches
- Global Pain Patch Market, By Technology, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Traditional Drug Delivery Patches
- Advanced Drug Delivery Patches
- Global Pain Patch Market, By Prescription, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Prescription Pain Patches
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pain Patches
- Global Pain Patch Market, By Adhesive Properties, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Hypoallergenic Patches
- Standard Adhesive Patches
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Global Pain Patch Market, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Retail Pharmacies
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Hospitals
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Clinics
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- Global Pain Patch Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global Pain Patch Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
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Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc.
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Johnson & Johnson
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Pfizer Inc.
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Novartis AG
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Mylan N.V.
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Endo Pharmaceuticals
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Teikoku Pharma USA, Inc.
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Acorda Therapeutics
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Ibsa Institut Biochimique SA
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Alembic Pharmaceuticals
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Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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Teva Pharmaceuticals
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Strativa Pharmaceuticals
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Galen Limited
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Napp Pharmaceuticals
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- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market