The global gabapentin market size reached USD 2.3 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 3.5 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.92% during 2025-2033. There are many factors that are driving the market, which include rising neuropathic conditions, increasing drug versatility in treating off-label drugs, ongoing opioid crises, favorable government policies, and technological advancements and ongoing research and development (R&D) efforts.
Report Attribute
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Key Statistics
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Base Year
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2024 |
Forecast Years
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2025-2033
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Historical Years
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2019-2024
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Market Size in 2024 | USD 2.3 Billion |
Market Forecast in 2033 | USD 3.5 Billion |
Market Growth Rate (2025-2033) | 4.92% |
Increasing Prevalence of Neuropathic Pain
There is a rise in the incidence of neuropathic pain among individuals across the globe. Neuropathic pain is a complex, chronic pain state that typically follows conditions like diabetes, shingles, and certain types of injuries. Moreover, the market is growing because of the rising prevalence of shingles, which can result in post-herpetic neuralgia, a type of neuropathic pain. Additionally, the growing geriatric population is leading to a high rate of chronic conditions, necessitating effective treatment options, thereby catalyzing the gabapentin demand. The ability of gabapentin to offer relief with a relatively low risk of dependency makes it a preferred choice among clinicians as well as patients worldwide. The market is also growing as a result of the advancement of better diagnostic methods for neuropathic pain identification such as enhanced imaging technology. On 5 March 2024, Strides Pharma Science Limited received approval for gabapentin tablets USP, in strengths of 600 mg and 800 mg, from the United States Food & Drug Administration (USFDA). This announcement is a step towards expanding Strides' product portfolio and catering to the needs of patients suffering from neurological conditions.
Growing Product Versatility
The widespread utilization of gabapentin in treating off-label conditions such as anxiety disorders is contributing to the market growth. Physicians often prescribe gabapentin for conditions like restless leg syndrome, migraine prophylaxis, and various anxiety disorders. Besides this, several smaller-scale studies and clinical reports have cited its efficacy in reducing symptoms of anxiety, which is supporting the market growth. Furthermore, the growing drug utilization in substance abuse treatment programs including alcohol withdrawal management and as an adjunct in the treatment of opioid addiction is creating a positive gabapentin market outlook. Furthermore, key players in the market are receiving product approvals, which is impelling the market growth. For instance, on 29 March 2023, Granules India received approval from the US health regulator for its generic gabapentin tablets indicated for management of postherpetic neuralgia in adults. The approval by the US Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) is for the abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for gabapentin tablets of strengths 600 mg and 800 mg.
Rising Product Utilization in Opioid Crises
The increasing opioid crisis is bolstering the gabapentin market growth. There is a rise in the utilization of gabapentin as an alternative to opioids since it is a safer option that offers an effective treatment for chronic and neuropathic pain without the opioid-associated risk of dependency. Moreover, governing authorities and healthcare organizations of various countries are encouraging the utilization of gabapentin as a frontline treatment for certain types of pain. Besides this, the increasing adoption of gabapentin as an alternative to opioids, particularly crucial in chronic care settings and among patients who require long-term pain management, is contributing to the market growth. Furthermore, the shift towards safer alternatives away from opioids is impelling the market growth. Besides this, top players in the market are gaining product approvals, which further impels the market growth. For example, on 27 June 2023, Sun Pharma got the go-ahead from the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) to manufacture and market gabapentin extended released (ER) tablets 300mg/600mg for the treatment of neuroleptic pain as an additional indication.
IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on dosage form, type, application, and distribution channel.
Breakup by Dosage Form:
Capsule accounts for the majority of the market share
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the dosage form. This includes tablet, capsule, and oral solutions. According to the report, capsule represented the largest segment.
Compared to tablets, capsules are usually simpler to swallow, which is particularly useful for elderly patients or those who have swallowing issues. Gabapentin capsules are made to dissolve and absorb quickly in the gastrointestinal system. Because of their quick start of action, they are especially helpful for illnesses like acute neuropathic pain episodes or seizures that call for speedy alleviation. In addition, capsules frequently come in different strengths, enabling personalized dosing based on each patient's requirements. This helps medical professionals optimize treatment programs while enhancing patient results. The industry is also being supported by consumers' preferences for capsules over other dose forms like tablets or liquids because of their tasteless nature and ease of consumption. Furthermore, capsules have a longer shelf life and are less sensitive to environmental factors like humidity compared to other forms like oral solutions, which makes them more convenient for suppliers and end-users and can provide a positive gabapentin market forecast.
Breakup by Type:
Generic holds the largest share of the industry
A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type have also been provided in the report. This includes generic and branded. According to the report, generic represented the largest segment.
Generic gabapentin is far more affordable than its branded equivalents, making it more accessible to a larger patient population. To ensure their efficacy, generic copies of pharmaceuticals exhibit bioequivalence to branded counterparts by providing identical active component, potency, dosage form, and method of administration. In addition, the market is expanding due to the wide availability of generic medications, which are produced by several producers. In addition to this, many healthcare insurance plans encourage or mandate the use of generic medications as first-line treatment options in their formularies, incentivizing healthcare providers and consumers to opt for generic gabapentin. Apart from this, the increasing focus on healthcare affordability, encouraging consumers to become more knowledgeable about generic drugs' efficacy and cost benefits is contributing to the market growth.
Breakup by Application:
Epilepsy represents the leading market segment
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application. This includes epilepsy, neuropathic pain, restless legs syndrome, and others. According to the report, epilepsy accounted for the largest market share.
The efficacy of gabapentin in managing seizures, makes it a trusted option among healthcare providers. Gabapentin is often used as an adjunctive therapy along with other antiepileptic drugs, allowing clinicians to better tailor treatment regimens for individual patients. It has a relatively mild side-effect profile that makes it a preferred option for long-term treatment plans and contributes to higher patient adherence. Moreover, it is effective in pediatric populations to treat partial seizures, further enlarging its market share within the epilepsy segment. Furthermore, it is effective in managing various types of seizures including partial seizures and generalized seizures, which is increasing its applicability and making it a go-to option for multiple epilepsy subtypes. Apart from this, the widespread availability of generic versions makes gabapentin a cost-effective solution, facilitating its general use in treating epilepsy.
Breakup by Distribution Channel:
Hospital pharmacy exhibits a clear dominance in the market
A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel have also been provided in the report. This includes hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, and online pharmacy. According to the report, hospital pharmacy represented the largest segment.
The increasing utilization of gabapentin in hospital pharmacies, especially for conditions like epilepsy or severe neuropathic pain, as doctors prefer to prescribe the medication where it can be closely monitored initially, is supporting the market growth. Hospital pharmacies are often highly regulated and subject to stringent quality control measures, ensuring that the medication dispensed is stored correctly and is of the highest quality. Moreover, the immediate availability of drugs for acute conditions that require prompt medication, makes hospital pharmacies a preferred distribution channel in urgent situations. These pharmacies are part of an integrated care system, where prescriptions can be filled immediately following a consultation or treatment, offering convenience to patients and ensuring medication adherence.
Breakup by Region:
North America leads the market, accounting for the largest gabapentin market share
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America represents the largest regional market for gabapentin.
North America has a highly developed healthcare system that accommodates extensive medical research and drug development programs. Moreover, the growing consumer awareness about healthcare and medication options due to the emphasis on health is offering a positive market outlook. Apart from this, the competitive generic pharmaceutical sector in the region promotes the use of cost-effective medications, thereby increasing the gabapentin market value. Furthermore, North America invests heavily in pharmaceutical research and development (R&D), allowing for constant innovation and new applications for drugs like gabapentin, broadening its market scope. Additionally, the wide availability of health insurance and medical care programs in the region helps to make medications like gabapentin more accessible to the population while increasing the usage rate. According to the IMARC Group, the United States health insurance market is projected to exhibit a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9% during 2024-2032.
Report Features | Details |
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Base Year of the Analysis | 2024 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Units | Billion USD |
Scope of the Report | Exploration of Historical Trends and Market Outlook, Industry Catalysts and Challenges, Segment-Wise Historical and Future Market Assessment:
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Dosage Forms Covered | Tablet, Capsule, Oral Solutions |
Types Covered | Generic, Branded |
Applications Covered | Epilepsy, Neuropathic Pain, Restless Legs Syndrome, Others |
Distribution Channels Covered | Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy, Online Pharmacy |
Regions Covered | Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, Middle East and Africa |
Countries Covered | United States, Canada, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico |
Companies Covered | Alkem Laboratories Limited, Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Apotex Inc., Aurobindo Pharma Limited, Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cipla Inc., Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, Pfizer Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Viatris Inc., Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. (Zydus LifeScience), etc. |
Customization Scope | 10% Free Customization |
Post-Sale Analyst Support | 10-12 Weeks |
Delivery Format | PDF and Excel through Email (We can also provide the editable version of the report in PPT/Word format on special request) |