Japan Intrathecal Pumps Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Application (Pain Management and Spasticity), By Drug (Morphine and Baclofen), By End User (Hospitals, Specialty Clinics, and Others), and Country Forecast, 2025-2032

The Japan intrathecal pumps market size was USD 7.0 million in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 7.4 million in 2025 to USD 12.2 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period.

Intrathecal pumps are medical devices that deliver medications directly into the intrathecal space. This pump delivers a small amount of medication to the central nervous system. This delivery reduces the dose of the drug and decreases side effects associated with oral and parenteral drug delivery. Additionally, intrathecal pump delivery via pump offers targeted drug delivery with a rapid onset of action. Thus, these pumps help with effective long-term treatment and pain management for cancer patients.

Furthermore, Japan's rising prevalence of chronic pain diseases, cancer, and muscle spasticity propelled the introduction of intrathecal pumps and boosted the Japan intrathecal pumps market growth.

• For instance, in 2023, the National Cancer Center estimated 1,033,800 cancer cases in Japan. Such a large number of cancer cases increases the demand for long-term management through the administration of intrathecal pumps. Thus, such scenarios are expected to boost Japan's intrathecal pump market growth.

Moreover, the market is highly consolidated with only one player. The Japan intrathecal pumps market is expected to grow during the forecast period due to the focus of key players on expanding its footprint by offering advanced products.

MARKET DRIVERS

Growing Aging Population and Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases to Bolster Market Growth

The rising senior population is leading to a rise in various chronic age-related diseases in the country. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, degenerative spinal disorders, and neuropathic pain are more common in older adults, making intrathecal pumps an effective treatment option for long-term management.

• For instance, according to the data published by The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the number of older adults will be around 36.25 million in September 2024. Thus, the rising elderly population creates a significant demand for advanced healthcare solutions tailored to age-related conditions.

Moreover, older adults are more likely to experience side effects of drug interactions from oral medications, and intrathecal delivery allows lower dosages and localized treatment, thus minimizing side effects and improving quality of life. This scenario is expected to drive the value of intrathecal pumps in Japan.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

High Cost of Intrathecal Pump and Risks Related to Surgical Implantation to Hinder Market Growth

The risk associated with surgical implantation is a restraining factor in the market. Implantation of intrathecal pump and catheter requires surgery that carries a risk of infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions due to anesthesia in older adults.

Additionally, errors in pump programming and malfunctions can cause incorrect dosing, leading to severe side effects such as cerebrospinal drug leakage, medical device site hematoma, infection, and others associated with the implantation of the intrathecal pump. Such factors can restrict market growth to a certain extent.

Moreover, the high initial cost of implantation and device cost is also a restraining factor in the market that hampers its adoption.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Rising Government Initiatives to Chronic Pain Treatment Offering Lucrative Growth Opportunities

The rising burden of chronic diseases, spinal cord injuries, and cancer in the country is shifting the focus of government bodies to offer new treatments for pain in Japan. Additionally, rising collaborations between government associations for launching initiatives to develop advanced treatment options for pain management will propel the market's growth during the forecasted timeframe.

• For instance, the Japanese Association for the Study of Pain (JASP), in collaboration with the International Association for the Study of Pain, expanded research activities throughout Japan to present study results and treatment of pain in the country.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Lack of Awareness and Presence of Alternative Treatment Options to Challenge Market Growth

Lack of awareness among patients and providers about the benefits of intrathecal pumps poses a significant challenge to market growth. Limited knowledge about its advantages, such as reduced systemic side effects and targeted drug delivery, and misconceptions about invasive surgical procedures for implantation further deplete the adoption.

Moreover, the presence of wide pharmaceutical noninvasive methods for treatment, such as oral medications, transdermal patch products, and external infusion pumps, are often more affordable, easier to administer, and widely accepted. Thus, making it a preferred choice for patients and providers. Such scenarios pose a significant challenge to the growth of the market.

JAPAN INTRATHECAL PUMPS MARKET TRENDS

Integration of Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring for Drug Delivery is Prominent Trend

Integration of telemedicine and remote monitoring in intrathecal pumps is a key trend for market growth. Advanced pumps with connectivity features enable real-time monitoring of drug delivery, dosage management, and device functionality, improving patient outcomes. Also, remote patient monitoring reduces the need for frequent hospital visits. Also, telemedicine integration aligns with the demand for personalized medicine by enabling individualized drug delivery and minimizing hospitalization.

Also, the rising expansion of telehealth providers in the country and the launch of new devices are aimed to propel market growth.

• For instance, in December 2021, The Medical Information Systems, PHC Corporation, a top provider of healthcare IT solutions for clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies in Japan, launched Teladoc Health's virtual care devices nationwide. This initiative aimed to enable even small or remote medical facilities to deliver essential specialty care in light of the ongoing shortage of doctors.

Thus, this trend is expected to improve patient compliance and boost market expansion.

Request a Free sample to learn more about this report.

REGULATORY LANDSCAPE

The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) in Japan oversees the approval process for intrathecal pumps, which necessitates rigorous clinical trials, adherence to safety standards, and comprehensive post-market surveillance. Compliance with international certifications, such as ISO and CE marking, alongside FDA approvals, is crucial for ensuring that pain management devices meet local healthcare regulations. However, trade protectionism can significantly impact the import and export of medical devices, presenting challenges for foreign companies navigating local regulations, which can hinder market access and competition.

SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Application

Rising Prevalence of Spasticity to Propel Segment Growth

The Japan market is bifurcated into spasticity and pain management in the application segment.

The spasticity segment dominated Japan intrathecal pumps market share in 2024. The growth is owing to the high prevalence of neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, and traumatic brain injury that causes damage to the brain's spinal cord, leading to muscle spasticity. Thus, such conditions require targeted drug delivery over a longer period to maintain patient conditions and thus, propel the segment’s growth in the market.

On the other hand, the pain management segment is expected to grow during 2025-2032. The segment's growth is augmented by the country's rising prevalence of chronic pain-related diseases. The increasing demand for intrathecal pumps for faster drug delivery and immediate pain relief is expected to boost the segment’s growth.

• For instance, according to an article published by the Health and Global Policy Institute in 2023, chronic pain affects 22.5% of the adult population in Japan, which is approximately 23.15 million people. Such a large number of the population affected due to pain is expected to boost the adoption of intrathecal pumps for drug delivery and propel the segment’s growth in the market.

By Drug

Effective Treatment of Muscle Spasticity with Baclofen to Boost Segment’s Growth

Based on the drug, the Japanese market is divided into morphine and baclofen.

The baclofen segment held the maximum revenue share of the market. The rising prevalence of muscle spasticity-related diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries, highlights the effectiveness of baclofen in treating such conditions. Baclofen helps to decrease the number and severity of muscle spasms. It is the first choice of drug to deliver with an intrathecal pump in Japan. Thus, such scenarios boost the segment’s growth.

• For instance, according to the data published by Elsevier Journal, around 23.3 per 100,000 population in 2021 have multiple sclerosis in Japan. Such conditions propel the number of cases with spasticity and thus, boost the segment's growth.

Morphine is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during 2025-2032. The segment growth is due to its rising demand for various pain conditions with cancer, surgery, and age-related conditions. Morphine is an effective drug for long-term intrathecal treatment and has fewer side effects than systemic opioids. Thus, the benefits associated with the drug boost the adoption and growth of the segment.

To know how our report can help streamline your business, Speak to Analyst

By End User

Presence of Skilled Professionals with Immediate Treatment Options to Propel Demand for Hospitals Segment

The end-user segment is divided into hospitals, specialty clinics, and others.

The hospitals held the maximum share of the Japanese market in 2024. The presence of advanced healthcare facilities and infrastructure with skilled and trained medical professionals is shifting the focus of patients toward these settings for pain management cancer care. This setting is also a primary setting for the implantation of devices and follow-up care. Thus, it is expected to propel the adoption of intrathecal pumps in these settings and market growth.

Furthermore, the specialty clinics segment is expected to grow with a potential CAGR during the forecast period. The launch of advanced facility clinics for pain management and neurological care in the country will propel the segment's growth during the forecast period.

ECONOMIC IMPACT & FUTURE OUTLOOK

The Japan intrathecal pump market is poised for significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for pain management solutions among the aging population and the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. However, the market faces challenges, including economic pressures on healthcare systems and regulatory hurdles for foreign manufacturers. As the industry evolves, there is a noticeable shift toward more compact and patient-friendly devices, alongside a growing role for telemedicine in post-implantation care. A comprehensive analysis reveals the current market size and forecasts robust growth rates over the next 5-10 years, with diverse revenue sources from device sales, consumables, and maintenance services. Key investment opportunities are emerging, particularly in research and developing innovative technologies to meet these evolving needs.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Presence of Key Product with Strategic Activities to Boost Market Position of Medtronic in Japan

The market's competitive landscape reflects a highly consolidated structure, with Medtronic accounting for the overall share in terms of users in the market with no competition. This dominance is due to a significant preference for the SynchroMed infusion system in Japan. The company has collaborated with pharmaceutical companies to provide intrathecal therapies to patients. Such factors have influenced its market dominance in 2024.

LIST OF KEY MARKET PLAYERS PROFILED:

• Medtronic (Ireland)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• October 2023: Medtronic obtained approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its advanced SynchroMed III intrathecal drug delivery system, designed for patients suffering from chronic pain, cancer pain, and severe spasticity.


• January 2020: Medtronic launched Efficio, a cloud-based data management software that enhances the management of the SynchroMed II intrathecal drug delivery system. This tool helps clinicians streamline their practices in administering targeted drug delivery for patients dealing with chronic pain, cancer pain, and severe spasticity.


• February 2019: Medtronic initiated the Embrace TDD (targeted drug delivery) clinical study, enrolling its first patient to assess the effectiveness of the SynchroMed II intrathecal drug delivery system (pain pump) as an alternative to oral opioids for individuals with chronic intractable non-malignant primary back pain, with or without associated leg pain.

REPORT COVERAGE

To gain extensive insights into the market, Request for Customization

The Japan intrathecal pumps market outlook focuses on an industry overview and market dynamics, such as the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and trends. In addition, it provides information related to the prevalence of key diseases analysis of leading brands of intrathecal pumps in Japan. Furthermore, the Japan market analysis also focuses on key industry developments and new product launches by key companies in the market. In addition, the impact of COVID-19, as well as a detailed company profile and the industry overview during the pandemic, are covered in the report.