Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2024-2032)

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) requires medication, behavioral therapies, and supportive services for those struggling with addiction since it is a complex disease affecting the brain. Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone alleviate the withdrawal process and provide relief from cravings and opioid effects. Other behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management seek to change undesirable behaviors as well as incentivize recovery. Counseling, case management, and support groups help individuals continue to abstain from substance use and reintegrate into society. Holistic non-pharmacological approaches that exist include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs and OUD treatment strategies that are aimed at providing a rounded and comprehensive solution to treat the disorder.

The Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment Market is expected to grow at a steady rate of around 8.1% owing to the rising company expansions. For instance, in November 2022, Indivior PLC and Opiant Pharmaceuticals, Inc. entered into a definitive agreement under which Indivior will acquire Opiant for an upfront consideration of USD 20.00 per share, in cash (approximately USD 145 million in aggregate), plus up to USD 8.00 per share in contingent value rights that may become payable if certain net revenue milestones are achieved during the relevant seven-year period by OPNT003 after its approval and launch. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of each company. The acquisition strengthened and extended the Indivior's position as a leader in addiction treatment. Moreover, the rising health & wellness trends, a growing number of treatment centers, mergers with recovery institutions, and increasing initiatives & funding by the government for the awareness and treatment of opioid use disorder are leading to the growth of the opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment market.

Based on the drug class, the market is segmented into buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. The buprenorphine segment held a significant market share in the market in the year 2023 owing to its effectiveness and side effects as compared to other treatment solutions. Buprenorphine belongs to the partial opioid agonist, and it is appreciable because it helps in managing craving and withdrawal syndrome with a low likelihood of abuse and overdose. The increased use of buprenorphine is due to the acceptance of prescribers and patients as well as regulatory factors that allow its distribution. Moreover, advanced features like extended-release formulations and combination products are improving the therapeutic profile of Welch and fueling the market's growth. The growth of this segment is further supported by the continuation of the efforts to incorporate buprenorphine into the treatment plans and enhance the efficacy in combating opioid use disorders.

Based on the route of administration, the market is bifurcated into oral and parenteral. The oral segment is expected to hold a significant market share in the forecast period as it is convenient, effective, and affordable. Both buprenorphine and naltrexone are orally administered drugs and are not invasive so patients do not have to constantly visit the clinic to receive this medication. New molecules have improved drug delivery systems including extended-release products and combination products have given them a further edge in terms of efficacy and safety. Other factors such as the general acceptance of oral medications in treatment protocols along with the growing realization on the part of clinicians and patients have also contributed. This growth reflects the fact that the oral segment has been highly important for the development of practical and effective treatment strategies for OUD management. Thus, the oral segment is expected to hold a significant market share in the forecast period among the route of administration methods.

Based on the distribution channel, the market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies & stores, and online pharmacies. The online pharmacies segment of the opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment market has witnessed robust growth owing to enhanced access options, comfort, and anonymity for consumers. Due to the advancement in technology, prescriptions and medications for OUD have been made more easily available through digital health platforms, telemedicine, and online pharmacies making it easy for the patients to deal with their conditions away from the public eye and in the comfort of their homes. This segment has been further benefiting from improved data protection, faster prescription methods, and accessibility to areas not previously served. Also, the inclusion of online pharmacies with telehealth services and electronic prescriptions has broadened their role in the provision of maintenance care and continuous medication management, which also has aided in the growth of this sector. Thus, the online pharmacies segment is expected to grow at a significant rate in the forecast period among the distribution channels.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of opioid use disorder (OUD) treatments, the market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in countries such as North America (U.S., Canada, and the Rest of North America), Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Rest of World. North America held the majority share of the market in the year 2023 because of the continuous increase in the opioid epidemic and a greater understanding of treatment programs. This market is boosted by increased demand for medication-assisted treatments (MAT), including buprenorphine and methadone as well as behavioral therapies. The arrival of new drug formulations and therapies in the market is also credited to have fueled market growth in this segment. Some of the other factors that are further driving market expansion include government campaigns, increasing funding for substance abuse treatment services, and global transitions towards combined care practices. For instance, in May 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Brixadi (buprenorphine) extended-release injection for subcutaneous use (under the skin) to treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder (OUD). Brixadi is available in two formulations, a weekly injection that can be used in patients who have started treatment with a single dose of a transmucosal buprenorphine product or who are already being treated with buprenorphine, and a monthly version for patients already being treated with buprenorphine. Thus, amongst areas, North America held a significant share of the market in the year 2023.

Some of the major players operating in the market include MediciNova, Inc.; Aphios Corporation; Braeburn Inc.; Alkermes; Indivior PLC; Zynerba Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Mylan N.V.; Janssen Global Services, LLC; Sandoz AG; Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc.