Gabapentin Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Dosage Form (Tablet, Capsule, Oral Solution), By Type (Generic, Branded), By Application, By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global gabapentin market size was estimated at USD 2,022.84 million in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.35% from 2023 to 2030. The growth can be attributed to factors such as the increasing incidence of neuropathic pain and seizures and the rising usage as a pain management drug. Other drivers include the increasing geriatric population, a rise in government initiatives, R&D investments by pharmaceutical companies, and growing product approvals. Belonging to the class of anticonvulsants, gabapentin is primarily prescribed to control seizures in individuals with epilepsy. The World Health Organization estimates that almost 5 million people around the world are affected by epilepsy, with the LMIC diagnosis rate for epilepsy at 139 per 100,000.

Awareness campaigns such as National Epilepsy Awareness Month in November also help spread awareness and take initiatives to understand and help control the condition, further propelling the market's growth. Furthermore, to substantially reduce drug addiction, health practitioners are preferring prescription of gabapentin over opioids. This is expected to further fuel the demand for the drug.

One of the major drivers in the gabapentin market is the increasing usage as a pain management drug, especially for neuropathic pain. This space is driven by the rising incidence of chronic pain conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, shingles, and spinal cord injuries, which are difficult to treat with conventional painkillers.

Initially, the drug was developed and prescribed for epilepsy and seizures, and in recent years gabapentin's prescription has increased five-fold due to the growing number of doctors prescribing it "off-label" for both acute and chronic pain. Some even prescribe it instead of opioids, while others prescribe it alongside opioids.

The growing demand for generic formulations, which are less expensive than brand-name drugs, is driving the industry. Generic drugs are becoming more popular due to their affordability and accessibility, especially in developing countries with limited healthcare budgets. This trend is expected to drive the growth of the gabapentin market in the Asia Pacific region, where the demand for affordable healthcare is high.

The increasing availability of gabapentin in various dosage forms and formulations is also driving the growth of the gabapentin market. It is available in oral capsules, tablets, and solutions, as well as topical gels and creams. Manufacturers are also developing new formulations and delivery methods to improve the efficacy and safety of the drug.

However, the gabapentin market is also facing challenges due to concerns about the misuse and abuse of the drug. Gabapentin has been found to have the potential for addiction and overdose, leading to regulatory scrutiny and restrictions on its use in some countries. This trend may affect the growth of the gabapentin market in the long run and force manufacturers to focus on developing safer and more effective pain management drugs.

Dosage Form Insights

The capsules segment held the largest share of the gabapentin market in 2022. The dominance of the segment is attributed to the faster mechanism of action and higher acceptance of the dosage form. Furthermore, the high prescription rate for capsules along with the availability of major brands in the segment such as Neurontin and Gralise is driving the market growth. These capsules are majorly available in 100 mg, 300 mg, and 500 mg dosages.

The tablet segment is expected to demonstrate a lucrative CAGR over the forecast period owing to its high consumption rate, and easy availability of tablets. The presence of major products such as Horizant and Neurontin helps escalate revenue generation. These products are some of the highest-reimbursed gabapentin formulations in the U.S. The tablets are primarily available in 300mg, 600mg, and 800mg dosages. A major trend in the segment includes the increased preference for extended-release tablets, which increases patient compliance.

Application Insights

The epilepsy segment held the largest revenue share in 2022 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. The dominance is attributed to the increasing prevalence of active epilepsy globally, which requires constant pharmaceutical support for seizure management. Over 50 million people globally suffer from epilepsy and over 80% of these patients are located in middle- and lower-income countries that lack access to basic medications, which is expected to hinder the adoption of gabapentin in these nations.

The neuropathic pain segment is projected to witness the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, attributable to the increasing prevalence of the condition and the rising adoption of treatments. Neuropathic pain has an average prevalence rate of 8.45% globally. The adoption of gabapentin is rising in the segment due to the efforts being made towards reducing the dependence on opioids, thereby leading to the surge in usage for gabapentin.

Distribution Channel Insights

The hospital pharmacy segment held the largest revenue share in 2022 and is projected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. The ease of availability of medications and reimbursement facilities at these pharmacies gives the segment a competitive edge. Furthermore, these pharmacies have direct access to patient records, leading to higher accuracy in medication provision. However, these pharmacies cannot prescribe drugs and are aimed at reducing the overall expenditure by supporting the adoption of generics.

As pharmacies develop groups and chains, the retail pharmacy market is trending toward consolidation. Horizontal integration is projected to result in market consolidation and give well-known businesses a monopoly. These pharmacies have an advantage over online pharmacies because of the proximity, experience, and physical presence of a pharmacist.

Type Insights

The generic segment held the largest revenue share in 2022, attributed to the low market entry barriers leading to the rising entry and increased preference for generics. In February 2023, Zydus Lifesciences received FDA approval for 300 mg and 600 mg gabapentin tablets, demonstrating a supportive regulatory environment for generics in the market. However, the product is expected to be manufactured in the company’s Indian facility. Major generic manufacturers such as Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and Aurobindo Pharma are focusing on sales of generic versions of the drug.

Branded gabapentin products majorly include Gralise, Horizant, and Neurontin. The segment is projected to advance at a slow CAGR over the forecast period. The entry of generics is majorly responsible for the slowed-down sales of these products. Policy changes in regions such as Europe further support the adoption of generics, thereby diminishing the market growth rate of branded products.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the gabapentin industry with the largest revenue share in 2022 and is expected to maintain its dominant position, in terms of share, throughout the forecast period. The dominance can be attributed to the high prevalence of neurological disorders and chronic pain conditions in the region. However, the rising number of gabapentin overdose cases in the market is projected to diminish regional growth. FDA is supportive of the launch of generics in the region, leading to enhanced product availability in the U.S.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period due to increasing awareness about the benefits of gabapentin over opioids and rising healthcare spending in emerging economies such as India and China. The presence of key generic players such as Aurobindo Pharma, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, and Zydus Lifesciences further propels the growth in Asian countries. This region majorly includes developing nations with lower income, making the market more suitable for generic products.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market for gabapentin is highly competitive, with several players operating in the space. These companies are focusing on developing new formulations and expanding their product portfolios to cater to the growing demand for gabapentin. Some prominent players in the global gabapentin market include:

• Zydus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited

• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

• Ascend Laboratories, LLC

• Apotex Inc.

• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

• Aurobindo Pharma.

• Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC.

• Cipla USA, Inc.

• BP Pharmaceuticals Laboratories Company

• Assertio Holdings, Inc.

• Arbor Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

• Pfizer Inc.

Gabapentin Market Report Scope

Global Gabapentin Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global gabapentin market report based on dosage form, type, application, distribution channel, and region:

• Dosage Form Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Tablet

  • Capsule

  • Oral Solution

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Generic

  • Branded

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Epilepsy

  • Neuropathic Pain

  • Restless Legs Syndrome

  • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hospital Pharmacy

  • Retail Pharmacy

  • Online Pharmacy

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

    • Rest of Europe

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Thailand

    • Rest of Asia Pacific

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

    • Rest of Latin America

  • Middle East and Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait

    • Rest of Middle East and Africa