Diclofenac Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Route of Administration (Oral, Parenteral, and Topical), By Type (Prescription and Over-the-Counter (OTC)), By Indication (Acute Pain, Chronic Pain, Neuropathic Pain, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Drug Stores & Retail Pharmacies, and Online Pharmacies), and Regional Forecast till 2032

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain and inflammation. This drug is used to treat pain and inflammation associated with muscles, joints, and bones. This drug can reduce signs and symptoms of different medical conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, migraine, and ankylosing spondylitis, and also minimizes sprains and strains in muscles and ligaments.

The major factors contributing to the diclofenac market growth include an increasing number of regulatory approvals, product launches in various formulations, and the rising prevalence of arthritis, migraine, and other chronic medical conditions associated with joint pain. Along with this, the expanding applications of this drug also support the market growth.

• For instance, as per data provided by World Health Organization (WHO) in July 2023, nearly 75.0% of individuals over the age of 55 years are diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Out of these, 60.0% was female population. Further, more than 528.0 million people worldwide were living with osteoarthritis in 2019.

Furthermore, the growing geriatric population is at a high risk of experiencing one or more inflammation-related problems. This surge in population has led to a growing demand for diclofenac usage using different administration methods.

• For instance, as per data provided by the Population Reference Bureau in March 2020, Europe and Asia have the world's highest oldest population of 65 and above.

Thus, the growing prevalence of chronic medical conditions and increasing older populations requiring the symptomatic treatment with diclofenac medicine are some of the factors contributing to market growth during the forecast period.

The diclofenac market experienced a slightly negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This was due to the decreased demand and supply of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including diclofenac. Similarly, several market players experienced a decrease in their revenues for diclofenac products.

• For instance, as per the 2020 annual report of Novartis AG, the company experienced a decrease in revenue for its diclofenac product, Voltaren, in 2020 compared to the fiscal year 2019. The net sales for Voltaren were USD 417.0 million in 2019, which decreased to USD 360.0 million in 2020. The revenue declined by 13.7% in 2020 due to increased generic competition and external supply issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The demand for diclofenac drugs suddenly increased in 2021 due to the relaxation of government restrictions. Furthermore, in 2022, due to the normalization of the drug supply chains, the market reached the pre-pandemic levels and is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period.

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Prevalence of Chronic Conditions - By Key Countries/Regions, 2023

• Pipeline Analysis, By Key Players

• Overview: Regulatory Scenario, By Key Regions

• New Product Launches, By Key Players


• Key Industry Developments - Merges, Acquisitions & Partnerships


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Diclofenac Market

Segmentation

Analysis by Route of Administration

Based on the route of administration, the market is divided into oral, parenteral, and topical. The oral segment accounted for a significant proportion of the diclofenac market in 2023. The growth is mainly attributed to the increasing regulatory approvals and the launch of new diclofenac generics administered orally.

• For instance, in June 2023, Zydus Lifesciences announced that the company has received the U.S. FDA approval for manufacturing and marketing of its new Diclofenac Sodium delayed-release tablets USP, 50mg/200 mcg in the U.S. market.

Furthermore, the rising adoption of oral dosage forms due to their ease of administration and the availability of these medications over the counter are some of the factors contributing to segmental growth.

The parenteral segment accounted for a considerable market share during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is mainly attributed to the continuity of drug delivery, low systemic side effects, and faster onset of action.

Moreover, the topical segment is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period. Most topical diclofenac medications are in the form of gels, creams, and sprays. Due to its ease of application, these topical medications are highly adopted for muscle sprains. Furthermore, several market players are also introducing new topical diclofenac formulations, such as patches, as a pain relief medication. The higher patient acceptance of topical medication is another factor, contributing to the segment growth.

• For instance, in March 2019, Teva Pharmaceuticals launched a generic version of Pfizer's Flector patch in the U.S. market. This patch is designed to treat acute pain, including sprains, strains, and contusions.

Regional Analysis

North America is anticipated to gain a significant market share in the diclofenac market during the forecast period. The regional growth is driven by several factors, such as the growing prevalence of arthritis across the nation, robust medical infrastructure, widespread understanding of diclofenac usage, and sustained demand from trauma injuries. Similarly, the growing demand for diclofenac to reduce the pain and inflammation related to surgeries and increasing regulatory approvals for diclofenac medications are primary factors boosting market growth.

• For instance, according to a report provided by ClinCalc LLC, diclofenac was the 61^st most commonly prescribed medicine in the U.S. in 2021, with more than 11.0 million prescriptions.

• Similarly, in February 2020, the U.S. FDA approved Voltaren (diclofenac sodium topical gel, 1%) for temporary relief from arthritis pain.

Moreover, the substantial rise in the elderly population and their related physical conditions are also among the factors driving market growth in the region during the forecast period.

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of key players such as Pfizer Inc., Novartis AG, Bayer AG, Actavis Pharma, Inc., and GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS LTD. 

Key Industry Developments

• In November 2023, Hisamitsu Pharma introduced Salonpas Diclofenac Patch 1% in Singapore. This topical patch is used to reduce muscle pain, joint pain, backaches, and shoulder stiffness.


• In January 2023, Yaral Pharma introduced a topical diclofenac epolamine system 1.3%, which is the official generic version of IBSA Pharma's Flector topical system.


• In December 2022, Lupin introduced Diclofenac Sodium Topical Solution 2%, which is the generic version of Horizon Pharma's Pennsaid.

In October 2020, IBSA Pharma Inc. announced the launch of the Licart (diclofenac epolamine) topical system 1.3% for treating acute pain in the U.S.