U.S. Antiepileptic Drugs (AED) Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Drug Generation (First Generation Drugs, Second Generation Drugs, and Third Generation Drugs), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, and Online Pharmacies), and Country Forecast, 2023-2030

The U.S. Antiepileptic Drugs (AED) Market size was worth USD 6.00 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period.

Antiepileptic drugs are used in the treatment of epilepsy. The common symptoms of epilepsy are severe emotional distress, sudden behavioral changes, and the loss of consciousness. The rising prevalence of neurological disorders is expected to promote strong demand for these drugs in the U.S. market.

In the U.S., a substantial number of programs have been launched to make people aware of epilepsy. The strong initiatives by various organizations to enhance awareness and treatment for epilepsy are expected to drive market growth.

• For instance, November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM) in the U.S. Every November, social media campaigns, special events, and other awareness activities are organized to help educate about epilepsy.

Similarly, key players are continuously engaged in clinical trials, and gaining drug approvals from the FDA is expected to propel the Antiepileptic Drugs (AED) Market.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the U.S. market. This market’s growth was stifled due to reduced patient visits for neurological disorders and disruptions in the supply of antiepileptic drugs across the U.S.

U.S. Antiepileptic Drugs (AED) Market Trends

Introduction of Effective Third Generation Drugs

The overall market is witnessing an increase in the regulatory approvals and adoption of third generation antiepileptic drugs. There are certain advantages of third generation drugs over other-generation drugs. Some common benefits include reduced drug-drug interactions, fewer life-threatening adverse events, and less negative impact on cognitive functions.

Also, the growing R&D initiatives by key players to receive approval from regulatory bodies and launch new products are augmenting market growth.

• For instance, in August 2021, UCB S.A. gained the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for an expanded indication for BRIVIACT (brivaracetam) CV tablets, oral solution, and injection. It is used to treat partial-onset seizures in patients as young as 1 month of age.

Therefore, these launches of new products are expected to contribute to the U.S. Antiepileptic Drugs (AED) Market growth over the forecast period.

U.S. Antiepileptic Drugs Market Growth Factors

Significant FDA Product Approvals to Propel Market Growth

The prevalence of epilepsy has risen significantly over the last few decades. This dramatic increase in prevalence has resulted in increased demand for antiepileptic drugs. The growing demand has increased the focus of prominent players on launching new products in the U.S. market.

• For instance, in March 2022, UCB received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for FINTEPLA (fenfluramine) oral solution CIV for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients two years of age and older.

The growing prevalence and significant new launches in the market are expected to experience strong growth in the coming years.

According to estimates published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2020, about 1.2% of the total U.S. population had active epilepsy in 2015.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Various Side Effects Associated with Antiepileptic Drugs is Limiting Market Growth

Although there is an intense demand and adoption for antiepileptic drugs, several limiting factors for these products are projected to hamper the U.S. market growth in the coming years. Some side effects of these drugs include ataxia, lack of concentration, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, and tingling (paresthesia) in the extremities, nausea, sleepiness, memory problems, depression, agitation, and slowness of speech.

• As per one medical article published by MedicineNet, Inc. in 2023, the first-generation antiepileptic drugs can have severe side effects and are known to cause liver damage. Such side effects associated with antiepileptic drugs limit product adoption in the U.S.

U.S. Antiepileptic Drugs (AED) Market Segmentation Analysis

By Drug Generation Analysis

By drug generation, the market is distributed into first generation drugs, second generation drugs, and third generation drugs. The second generation drugs segment held the largest U.S. antiepileptic drugs market share in 2022. This category has the potential to slow the brain's impulses and control seizures. Such robust benefits and a large number of drugs in this category are expected to drive the growth of the segment during the forecast period.

• According to an article published by Archives in 2022, levetiracetam, the second generation drug, is mainly cleared by the kidneys. It is useful in patients whose renal function is changing due to pregnancy, illness, or aging. Moreover, levetiracetam and lacosamide have parenteral formulations that are used for the acute management of seizures, including status epilepticus.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies.

The hospital pharmacies segment held the maximum share in 2022. This growth is attributed to a strong preference for hospitals as they provide advanced care and reimbursement facilities. Also, the increasing number of accreditations by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) in terms of providing advanced facilities to patients in the U.S. is propelling segmental growth.

• In April 2023, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital was re-accredited as a Level 4 Epilepsy Center for 2023 and 2024 by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC). This accreditation is the highest level of accreditation for epilepsy care. This provides the hospital recognition with the professional expertise and advanced capabilities to provide the medical and surgical evaluation and treatment for patients with complex epilepsy.

List of Key Companies in U.S. Antiepileptic Drugs Market

The competitive landscape of the market comprises a consolidated nature. The U.S. market is dominated by Pfizer Inc. and GSK plc. Their dominance is an efficient drug portfolio and robust presence in the market.

Similarly, increasing strategic activities and advanced launches by other players, such as UCB S.A. and Eisai Co., Ltd., are expected to propel these pharmaceutical industries' market share.

• In December 2022, Eisai Co., Ltd. agreed to transfer the U.S. commercial rights for the antiepileptic drug Fycompa (perampanel) CIII to Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Pfizer Inc. (U.S.)


• UCB S.A. (Belgium)


• GSK plc. (U.K)


• H. Lundbeck A/S (Denmark)


• Eisai Co., Ltd. (Japan)


• Sanofi (France)


• Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (U.S.)


• Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Ireland)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• October 2022: Biohaven Ltd. launched as a new publicly traded company focused on delivering innovative life-changing treatments for neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. The company’s primary focus will be developing treatments for epilepsy, pain and mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, spinocerebellar ataxia, and spinal muscular atrophy.


• August 2022: UCB collaborated with Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, the Wisconsin Health Information Organization (WHIO), and Yale University to examine the impact of seizure clusters on patients' and caregivers' quality of life.


• January 2021: UCB launched Nile AI, Inc., a new independent company created to improve care for people living with epilepsy, their caregivers, and healthcare providers (HCPs).

REPORT COVERAGE

The U.S. antiepileptic drugs market research report highlights the key aspects, including the prevalence of epilepsy in the U.S., new product launches, key industry developments, challenges in the market, and pipeline analysis. Additionally, it covers market dynamics, trends, COVID-19 impact, competitive analysis, and company profiles of major market players. The report encompasses the numerous factors that will contribute to the market growth during the forecast period.

Report Scope & Segmentation