General Anesthesia Drugs Market Outlook from 2023 to 2033

The global general anesthesia drugs market size is estimated at USD 4,978.1 million in 2023. Projections indicate a steady growth with a steady CAGR of 3.3% anticipated between 2023 and 2033. This trajectory is expected to lead the market to exceed USD 6,898.4 million by 2033.

Key Highlights

  • Given their widespread use in surgeries and increasing cases of cardiovascular disease, the general anesthesia drugs market is poised for considerable growth. Advancements in targeted drugs and drug delivery technology exceedingly support this.
  • North America's significant market share and projected continued dominance over the forecast period. This can be attributed to an upsurge in chronic disease prevalence, a boost in the volume of general anesthesia drug approvals, and the presence of general anesthesia drug industry players.
  • In terms of CAGR, the Asia Pacific is expected to demonstrate significant growth. This is driven by the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, a rise in surgical procedures, and a growth in healthcare expenditures.
  • Manufacturers are prioritizing the development of innovative aesthetic drugs for market sustainability. They are also frequently pursuing licensing arrangements to ensure the global accessibility of their products.
Attributes Details
General Anesthesia Drugs Market Size (2023) USD 4,978.1 million
General Anesthesia Drugs Market Projected Size (2033) USD 6,898.4 million
Forecasted Value CAGR (2023 to 2033) 3.3%

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A Comprehensive Look at the Top 5 Dynamics Shaping the General Anesthesia Drugs Market Growth Trajectory

Surge in Surgical Procedures Boosts Anesthetic Drugs Market: The entire world is dealing with a multidimensional burden of infectious diseases, maternal diseases, neonatal diseases, non-communicable diseases, and injuries. Many of these disorders require surgical and anesthetic care, which is a vital component of an effective, responsive, and resilient health system. The growing frequency of surgical operations globally is the main force behind the anesthetic agents market growth.

Every year, over 310 million crucial medical procedures take place worldwide, about 40 to 50 million in the United States and 20 million in Europe. This encompasses both standard surgery and minimally invasive techniques. Several less invasive medical surgeries are now carried out on an outpatient or ambulatory basis due to developments in technology, anesthetic, and pain control.

Global Aging Trend Fuels Demand for General Anesthesia Drugs: As the general population ages, the proportion of elderly patients requiring different surgical treatments is expected to skyrocket. There is an escalating need for surgeries related to age-related conditions. According to a World Health Organization research released in October 2021, one in every six people on the planet is expected to be 60 or older by 2030.

According to the Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, it was reported in April 2022 that about 227,442 people over the age of 70 have undergone cardiovascular procedures. This demographic shift has increased demand for general anesthesia drugs, as older patients often require more complex procedures.

Rising Chronic Diseases Drives the Adoption of General Anesthesia Drugs: A surge in the number of people suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and osteoarthritis is also driving the growth of the global general anesthesia drugs market share. An upsurge in financing from private and government organizations for the establishment of pharmaceutical manufacturing segments is also supporting the market expansion.

Chronic illnesses often necessitate surgical interventions for diagnosis, treatment, or management. This has led to a steady demand for general anesthesia drugs. The World Health Organization revealed in 2022 that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Patients with heart failure, coronary artery disease, or atrial fibrillation are more likely to require open heart surgery. The open heart surgery is performed under general anesthesia drugs.

Precision Medicine is Transforming General Anesthesia for Better Outcomes: The widespread use of tracheal intubation methods and novel anesthetic drugs with improved properties increased general anesthesia's efficacy in the twentieth century. Continuous innovations in drug formulations and delivery methods have improved the safety and efficacy of general anesthesia. Furthermore, developing specific targeted drugs will likely boost the general anesthesia drugs market growth. New and improved drugs with shorter onset times and reduced side effects are gaining traction in the market.

Remimazolam is a novel benzodiazepine with an ultra-short half-life. It works as an anesthetic by attaching to the GABAA receptor's benzodiazepine binding site. Several investigations have demonstrated that Remimazolam is reliable and efficient for surgical sedation. Remimazolam is now officially licensed for surgical sedation drugs in the United States, China, and Europe.

Advancements in Healthcare Access in Developing Nations Spurs Anesthesia Demand: Healthcare costs are rising in both developing and developed nations. Underutilization of public health services is extremely common in underdeveloped nations. However, in recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on strengthening developing nations' healthcare infrastructure. Aside from constructing new healthcare facilities and improving existing ones, infrastructure for training and human capital development has been greatly improved.

Improved access to healthcare services and heightened awareness about the benefits of timely surgical interventions have also led to more surgeries being performed globally. This, in turn, drives the demand for general anesthesia drugs. For about all medical treatments, anesthesia is reimbursed by insurance. The out-of-pocket cost for anesthesia for those with medical insurance is between 10% and 50%. As a result, health insurance is advantageous in the administration of anesthesia.

Historical General Anesthesia Drugs Market Analysis alongside Future Projections

Between 2017 to 2022, the general anesthesia drugs market experienced significant growth, climbing from USD 4,067.9 million to USD 4,799.2 million, showcasing a consistent 3.4% CAGR. Looking forward, projections suggest a slightly more measured pace, with the market size anticipated to rise from USD 4,978.1 million in 2023 to USD 6,898.4 million by 2033, reflecting a steady 3.3% CAGR. This nuanced shift indicates a slightly tempered but still promising trajectory for the general anesthesia drugs market in the years to come.

General Anesthesia Drugs Market Size (2017) USD 4,067.9 million
General Anesthesia Drugs Market Size (2022) USD 4,799.2 million
Historical Value CAGR (2017 to 2022) 3.4%

The sluggish growth in the general anesthesia drugs market can be attributed to the absence of healthcare services in low-income countries and distant locations. This gap in accessibility to essential medical services directly affects the demand for anesthesia drugs.

Furthermore, a scarcity of anesthetic physicians and certified anesthetic nurses per capita population is also expected to limit the growth of the general anesthesia drugs market. In addition, the expensive nature of procedures and branded medications is projected to hamper the expansion of this market throughout the forecast period. This financial barrier often deters individuals from seeking necessary medical interventions.

The adoption of ambulatory anesthesia is likely to present a significant opportunity. This approach allows patients to recover swiftly from the effects of general anesthesia drugs. Consequently, it allows them to leave the hospital sooner. This also brings substantial advantages to third-party payers, hospitals, and healthcare providers.

Additionally, a boost in the total number of approvals for general anesthetic drugs is projected to support market development. For example, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved Propofol injectable anesthetic emulsion in September 2020. It is a combination of general anesthesia and sedative medicines used prior to a surgical procedure.

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General Anesthesia Drugs Market Key Trends & Opportunities

Trends
  • Emphasis on minimizing side effects and post-operative complications is driving the adoption of safer anesthesia options.
  • Integration of technology, such as advanced monitoring systems, is enhancing the precision and safety of anesthesia administration.
  • Anesthesia drugs are now finding applications beyond surgery, such as in diagnostic procedures like MRI and endoscopy.
Opportunities
  • Ongoing research and development efforts in the pharmaceutical industry are leading to the development of more effective and faster-acting anesthesia drugs.
  • Customized anesthesia plans based on patient characteristics and medical history present a promising avenue for innovation.
  • Anesthesia management through telemedicine platforms presents a novel way to improve access and streamline pre-operative assessments.

General Anesthesia Drugs Market Analysis by Region

In 2022, North America asserted its dominance in the global general anesthesia drugs market, capturing a 29.3% share. This feat can be attributed to its robust healthcare infrastructure and a high prevalence of surgical procedures. Europe closely followed with a 27.4% share, driven by its well-established pharmaceutical industry and stringent regulatory framework.

Countries 2022 Value Share in Global Market
United States 27.9%
Germany 6.1%
Japan 6.2%

United States Dominates General Anesthetic Medications Market with a Promising Future

The United States now controls the general anesthetic medications market and is projected to do so in the decades to come. The population in the United States is experiencing an increase in chronic illnesses. More than half of them necessitate surgery to be treated. Cancer has become much more common in the United States in recent decades. According to the National Cancer Institute, there had been a little over 16.9 million cancer survivors in the United States as of January 2019.

By 2030, the overall number of cancer survivors is expected to reach 22.2 million. Since cancer surgery provides an ideal opportunity for a cure for many tumors, particularly when the cancer is confined, the increased prevalence of cancer is likely to result in an increase in the frequency of procedures. As a result of the increasing frequency of cancer, the United States general anesthesia market is projected to expand as general anesthesia is often used for surgical operations to treat cancer.

Based on a report from the American Society of Anesthesiology, the discovery of COVID-19 resulted in a severe scarcity of general anesthetic medications such as propofol, sevoflurane, and desflurane, among others. As a result, numerous corporations brag about their anesthetic medication manufacture. Hikma Pharmaceutical released an innovative drug, Propofol Injectable Emulsion, to address demand in the United States in May 2020.

Manufacturers are also attempting to encourage the general anesthesia drugs market expansion by developing novel product lines. Fresenius Kabi, for example, released its initial product with an RFID smart label in October 2020 in the United States. The anesthetic Diprivan® (Propofol) injection, enclosed in a 20 mL vial and employs radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, is the company's maiden smart-labeled pharmaceutical.

Advanced Anesthetic Delivery Methods Revolutionize Germany's Healthcare Landscape

Germany general anesthesia drugs market continues to grow rapidly because of the country's improving healthcare infrastructure and fast-expanding economy. The adoption of new and better anesthetic delivery methods has also had a substantial impact on the country's need for anesthetic medications.

The government spends more than 10% of its GDP on healthcare. As a result, the country spends US$ 3,122 per person on healthcare. The investments and the construction of new hospitals and medical facilities have significantly boosted the country's medical and pharmaceutical industries. As a result, these factors are expected to propel market expansion in Germany throughout the forecast period.

The increasing number of surgical operations needing anesthesia and technical improvements in anesthetic technology are also likely to drive the market. Furthermore, the population in this country is speedily aging as a result of declining birth rates and rising life expectancy. This results in a high frequency of chronic conditions needing anesthesia. According to the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, more than 18 million people in Germany were 65 or older in 2019.

As the population ages, the prevalence of chronic illnesses requiring ongoing monitoring is predicted to climb. The older generation is more susceptible to degenerative disorders and long-term illnesses. This has produced an increased demand for procedures that drive growth.

Japan's Rapidly Aging Population Spurs Surge in Anesthetic Medications

Japan has one of the most expensive healthcare-related expenses among OECD nations. Furthermore, many surgical operations are conducted in Japan each year. In addition to Japan's rising burden of chronic illnesses, the burgeoning senior population is expected to raise demand for medical equipment. Japan is home to the fastest-aging population in the entire world.

As per the World Ageing 2019 study, the total number of people over the age of 65 in Japan reached 35.524 million (28%) in 2019 and is projected to go up to 37.278 million (30.9%) by 2030. As the elderly population grows in the next years, the frequency of surgical operations and the usage of general anesthetic drugs are likely to increase. This is expected to have a favorable influence on the general anesthesia drugs market.

Countries Value CAGR between 2023 and 2033
United Kingdom 3.3%
India 4.9%
China 4.7%

Anesthesia Drug Industry Rises to Meet United Kingdom's Growing Surgical Needs

As the senior population grows, so is likely the requirement for operations in the United Kingdom, as this demographic is more sensitive to serious illnesses and, eventually, surgeries and treatments. Since anesthetic medications are used in surgical operations to decrease pain, the overall growth in the number of surgeries conducted has a significant influence on the general anesthesia pharmaceutical industry in the United Kingdom.

According to the Health Foundation Report, which was revised in December 2021, the number of individuals aged 85 and above in the United Kingdom is going to treble to 2.6 million over the following 25 years. Several age-related diseases have been connected to the aging population. This is going to result in increased demand for operations as well as anesthetic medicines.

India's Anesthesia Drugs Market Surges on the Back of Medical Advancements

The key growth reason for the general anesthesia drugs market is the rising therapeutic and technical advancements in the anesthetic field. In recent years, a novel cancer treatment known as proton beam therapy - a type of radiation treatment designed to eliminate malignant tumors - has come to light. However, in Western countries, this therapy is too costly. As a result, people from all over the world are coming to India for surgery. It boasts cutting-edge technologies at relatively reasonable prices when compared to Western countries. In South Asia, India has the most extensive pool of medical professionals.

Changes in lifestyle in India have led to an increase in the number of operations. This is predicted to boost the general anesthesia drugs market growth. In September 2022, AIIMS Delhi analyzed the five-year growth in knee replacement surgery in India. The rising number of procedures can be ascribed to an increase in cardiovascular illnesses, accidents, and persistent illnesses.

Based on the research titled Estimation of the National Surgical Needs in India, released by the World Journal of Surgery in September 2021, juxtaposed to the global average of 5,000 operations per 100,000 people, a yearly total of 3,646 operations have been estimated to be needed to meet the surgical demands of the population in India.

Cardiovascular Disease Epidemic Spurs Surgical and Anesthesia Demand in China

Certain aspects driving general anesthesia drugs market expansion in China include

  • an increase in the percentage of surgical operations needing anesthesia
  • the availability of several thousand patients due to chronic illnesses
  • technical breakthroughs in anesthetic technology

The findings of the research released in April 2022 named Cardiovascular Disease Mortality and Potential Risk Factor in China: A Multi-Dimensional Assessment by a Grey Relational Approach, respiratory, coronary artery disease was identified as the third leading cause of fatalities and disabilities in the Chinese population at the beginning of the century. Around 5 million of the 290 million people with cardiovascular disease have pulmonary heart disease in the country. Thus, the growing number of patients with cardiovascular disorders in China is predicted to raise the number of operations. This is simultaneously expected to fuel demand for general anesthesia drugs.

Despite its immature medical sector, China is increasing its healthcare spending year after year. This has prompted several global corporations to get into the market. In June 2023, Gufic Biosciences Limited acquired authorization from China's National Medical Products Administration for its drug Prilocaine, an amide-type local anesthetics with an immediate effect and a medium span of action. This clearance is going to help in its sale in China.

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General Anesthesia Drugs Market Analysis by Segment

The general anesthesia drugs market is segmented by drug class into Propofol, Sevoflurane, Dexmedetomidine, Desflurane, Remifentanil, Midazolam, and others. The Propofol segment dominated the global market in 2022, accounting for a 25.8% share. In a similar vein, when considering the route of administration, the general anesthesia drugs market is divided into intravenous anesthesia and inhaled anesthesia. Notably, the intravenous anesthesia segment took the lead, commanding an impressive 64.5% market share in 2022.

Segment 2022 Value Share in Global Market
Propofol 25.8%
Intravenous 64.5%

General Anesthesia Drugs Market Soars with Propofol at the Wheel

Propofol is a medication that is utilized to sedate and keep patients comatose during surgery or any other medical procedures involving general anesthesia. It is a frequently administered intravenous general anesthetic. It is commonly used for surgical procedures because of its lipophilic nature and immediate beginning of action with minimal side effects. Propofol, in addition to anxiolytics and analgesics, is often used by anesthesiologists to encourage sleep while enabling patients to keep breathing on their own at lower dosages.

Propofol can additionally be utilized for the treatment of refractory grade-epileptics. Propofol also has applications in ventilation-based sedative operations in adults when other medications are ineffective. In addition, propofol is used as a primary anesthetic to make patients comfortable while they are attached to ventilators in the ICU to deliver profound sedation. Avet Pharmaceuticals Inc. declared the introduction of its Propofol Injectable Emulsion in the United States in April 2022.

Intravenous is Redefining Anesthesia Administration in Global Pharmaceutical Markets

The dominance of the intravenous route in the global general anesthesia drugs market is due to its efficiency and reliability. When a drug is given intravenously, it goes directly into the bloodstream. This ensures a fast and precise onset of anesthesia. Compared to other methods like inhalation administration, intravenous delivery is faster and allows for better dosage control. It also lowers the risk of complications such as aspiration, which can occur with inhalation anesthetics.

The frequently employed primary route of pharmaceutical delivery is intravenous injection since it can avoid the liver's first-pass processing. Due to their proximal placement on the skin, peripheral veins provide easy entry to the bloodstream and are frequently used in the intramuscular delivery of drugs. Healthcare providers can adjust the dosage as needed during the procedure. This flexibility is essential in maintaining a stable surgical environment. This predilection has contributed to its global commercial dominance.

Competitive Landscape of the General Anesthesia Drugs Market

The entire general anesthetic drugs market is extremely fragmented, featuring multiple manufacturers. Companies are employing different tactics such as mergers and acquisitions, partnerships and collaborations, and new product releases to match consumer demand and boost their target audience.

Recent Developments in the General Anesthesia Drugs Market

  • In June 2023, Milla Pharmaceuticals' generic variant of Precedex, dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection 4mcg/mL in 50mL and 100mL, was officially approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
  • In June 2023, Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC introduced Midazolam injection pouches containing 0.9% Sodium Chloride (NaCl) in 50mg/50mL and 100mg/100mL dosages. The medicine has been approved for constant intravenous infusion for sedation of ventilated and oxygen-deprived adults, pediatric, and infants as part of anesthesia or during therapy in a critical care environment in the United States.
  • In January 2022, Halocarbon Life Sciences leased Isoflurane USP Inhalant Anesthetic and Sevoflurane USP Inhalant Anesthetic to Dechra Pharmaceuticals. These inhalation anesthetic solutions are utilized in both human and animal medicine.

Key Companies Profiled in the General Anesthesia Drugs Market

  • Baxter International Inc.
  • AstraZeneca
  • AbbVie Inc.
  • B. Braun Melsungen AG
  • Fresenius SE & Co. KgaA
  • Pfizer
  • Hospira Inc.
  • Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited
  • Hikama Pharmaceuticals plc
  • Abbott Laboratories
  • Avet Pharmaceuticals, Inc
  • Piramal Enterprises Limited
  • Par Pharmaceutical
  • Teva Pharmaceuticals
  • Viatris/Mylan
  • Novartis AG
  • GlaxoSmithKline plc
  • Gilead Sciences, Inc.
  • Sanofi
  • Akorn
  • Apotex
  • Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Key Market Segments Covered in General Anaesthesia Drugs Industry Research

General Anesthesia Drugs Market By Drug Class:

  • Propofol
  • Sevoflurane
  • Dexmedetomidine
  • Desflurane
  • Remifentanil
  • Midazolam
  • Others - (Sufentanil, Fentanyl, Ketamine, Isoflurane, Thiopental, etc.)

General Anesthesia Drugs Market By Route of Administration:

  • Intravenous Anesthesia
  • Inhaled Anesthesia

General Anesthesia Drugs Market By End User:

  • Hospitals
  • Ambulatory Surgical Centers
  • Specialty Clinics

General Anesthesia Drugs Market By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • South Asia
  • East Asia
  • Oceania
  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

Frequently Asked Questions

How Big is the General Anesthesia Drugs Market?

The global general anesthesia drugs market is presently valued at US$ 4,978.1 million as of 2023.

What are the Future Forecasts of the General Anesthesia Drugs Market?

The global general anesthesia drugs market size is projected to surpass US$ 6,898.4 million by 2033, recording a 3.3% CAGR.

What is the most Common Drug Used in general anesthesia?

The most common drug used in general anesthesia is Propofol, known for its rapid onset and smooth recovery.

Which Countries Drive the Demand for General Anesthesia Drugs?

The United States, Germany, and Japan drive demand for anesthesia drugs. Emerging markets like China and India also contribute significantly.

What is the Size of the General Anesthesia Drugs Market in India?

The general anesthesia drugs market in India is expected to demonstrate an average 4.9% CAGR through 2033.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Market Background
	4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Drug Class
		5.1. Propofol
		5.2. Sevoflurane
		5.3. Dexmedetomidine
		5.4. Desflurane
		5.5. Remifentanil
		5.6. Midazolam
		5.7. Others
	6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Route of Administration
		6.1. Intravenous Anesthesia
		6.2. Inhaled Anesthesia
	7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End User
		7.1. Hospitals
		7.2. Ambulatory Surgical Centers
		7.3. Specialty Clinics
	8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		8.1. North America
		8.2. Latin America
		8.3. Western Europe
		8.4. Eastern Europe
		8.5. South Asia and Pacific
		8.6. East Asia
		8.7. Middle East and Africa
	9. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	10. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	11. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	12. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	13. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	14. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	15. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	16. Key Countries Market Analysis
	17. Market Structure Analysis
	18. Competition Analysis
		18.1. Baxter International Inc.
		18.2. AstraZeneca
		18.3. AbbVie Inc.
		18.4. B. Braun Melsungen AG
		18.5. Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
		18.6. Pfizer
		18.7. Hospira Inc.
		18.8. Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited
		18.9. Hikma Pharmaceuticals plc
		18.10. Abbott Laboratories
		18.11. Avet Pharmaceuticals, Inc
		18.12. Piramal Enterprises Limited
		18.13. Par Pharmaceutical
		18.14. Teva Pharmaceuticals
		18.15. Viatris/Mylan
		18.16. Novartis AG
		18.17. GlaxoSmithKline plc
		18.18. Gilead Sciences, Inc.
		18.19. Sanofi
		18.20. Akorn
	19. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
	20. Research Methodology
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