Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Market – By Drug Class, By Route of Administration, By Application, By Distribution Channel – Global Forecast, 2025 – 2034

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Market Size

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs market size was valued at USD 22.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2025 to 2034. NSAIDs are a widely used class of medications designed to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and lower fever. They function by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins that contribute to inflammation and pain.
 

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The rising prevalence of chronic pain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and back pain, is a major driver of NSAIDs market growth. These conditions often necessitate long-term management, with NSAIDs being a common choice for their effectiveness in reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. Additionally, the aging population plays a crucial role in boosting demand, as older adults are more susceptible to chronic inflammatory diseases.
 

For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2022, the age-adjusted prevalence of diagnosed arthritis among U.S. adults aged 18 and older was 18.9%, with a higher prevalence in women (21.5%) compared to men (16.1%). This prevalence increases with age, affecting 53.9% of adults aged 75 and older, compared to only 3.6% in those aged 18–34. These statistics highlight the growing and widespread need for effective and accessible pain management solutions, driving the global demand for NSAIDs.
 

Furthermore, the widespread availability of over the counter (OTC) NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, contributes significantly to market growth. These medications serve as affordable, first-line treatments for minor pain and inflammation. Their ease of purchase without a prescription, combined with aggressive marketing and the expansion of retail and online pharmacy networks, has bolstered their adoption across both developed and emerging markets.
 

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Market Trends

• Innovations in drug delivery technologies are enhancing the appeal and effectiveness of NSAIDs, further driving market growth.
   
• For instance, advancements such as sustained-release formulations, topical gels, and transdermal drug delivery systems provide patients with more convenient and targeted ways to manage pain. These novel delivery methods not only improve patient compliance by reducing dosing frequency but also minimize gastrointestinal side effects often associated with oral NSAIDs.
   
• Additionally, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems are being explored to enhance drug bioavailability and therapeutic outcomes, making NSAIDs more effective and safer for long-term use.
   

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Market Analysis

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Based on drug class, the market is segmented into selective COX-2 inhibitors and non-selective COX inhibitors. The selective COX-2 inhibitors segment of the market is expected to experience the fastest-growing CAGR of 5.9% by 2034, driven by several factors.
 

• Selective COX-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib, target the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme specifically, which plays a key role in inflammation and pain. Unlike non-selective COX inhibitors, which also affect COX-1 (associated with gastrointestinal protection), selective COX-2 inhibitors cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects, making them a preferred choice for long-term management of conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic pain.
   
• Further, the growing emphasis on patient safety and efficacy in pain management, coupled with the increasing prevalence of chronic inflammatory diseases, is contributing to the rising demand for these drugs.
   

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Based on route of administration, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs market is bifurcated into oral, parenteral, and topical. Oral segment dominated the market accounting for 58.2% market share in 2024, primarily due to the ease of administration, cost-effectiveness, and wide availability of oral NSAID formulations.
 

• Oral NSAIDs, such as tablets, capsules, and liquid forms, offer a convenient and non-invasive method for patients to manage pain and inflammation, which is especially important for chronic conditions such as arthritis or musculoskeletal disorders.
  
   
• These drugs are also readily accessible, with many over-the-counter options, making them a first-line treatment for both acute and chronic pain management. The affordability of oral NSAIDs compared to other routes of administration further drives their dominance in the market.
   
• Additionally, the familiarity of oral administration among patients and healthcare providers contributes to its widespread use.
   
• Therefore, oral NSAIDs continue to hold a substantial market share globally, catering to a broad range of pain management needs.
   

Based on application, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs market is bifurcated into arthritis, migraine, ophthalmic diseases, and other applications. Arthritis segment dominated the global market accounting for 38.2% market share in 2024, stimulated by the increasing prevalence of arthritis globally and the rising demand for effective pain management drugs and solutions.

• Conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are becoming more prevalent due to aging populations, lifestyle factors, and higher awareness and diagnosis rates.
   
• NSAIDs are widely used to alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, making them a preferred treatment option. Moreover, ongoing advancements in pharmaceutical drug delivery, including extended-release and combination therapies, are enhancing patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes.
   
• Further, supportive initiatives by healthcare providers and governments to improve access to arthritis care, coupled with the growing preference for over-the-counter pain medication for self-management, are further fueling market expansion in this segment.
   

Based on distribution channel, the market is bifurcated into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. The online pharmacies segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.1% by 2034.
 

• Consumers are increasingly turning to online platforms for purchasing medications, driven by the ease of comparing prices, accessing detailed product information, and benefiting from doorstep delivery. The growing penetration of smartphones and improved internet connectivity, even in remote areas, further supports this shift.
   
• Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of e-commerce in the healthcare sector, as consumers prioritized contactless shopping experiences.
   
• Online pharmacies often offer discounts and subscription services, enhancing affordability and customer loyalty. Regulatory developments, such as the legalization of e-prescriptions and the standardization of online pharmacy practices, have also bolstered consumer trust, fostering market growth.
   
• Therefore, these factors collectively make online pharmacies a preferred choice, propelling their rapid expansion within the market.
   

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The U.S. NSAIDS market is projected to grow significantly, reaching USD 14.3 billion by 2034.
 

• With the increase in life expectancy, the population of older adults is expanding in the U.S. According to the Population Reference Bureau, the number of individuals aged 65 and older in the U.S. is expected to rise from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050, reflecting a 47% growth. Additionally, the share of this age group within the total population is projected to increase from 17% to 23%.
   
• Therefore, this demographic shift is contributing to a higher prevalence of age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other musculoskeletal disorders, thereby propelling the growth of the market in the country.
   

The NSAIDS market in UK is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• The incidence of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, such as arthritis, is on the rise, often necessitating long-term management with NSAIDs. According to a 2022 report by Versus Arthritis, over 20 million people in the UK (20,295,706), approximately one-third of the population, were living with an MSK condition, including 11.6 million women and 8.7 million men across all age groups.
   
• Thus, as these conditions impact an increasing portion of the population, the demand for NSAID medications is expected to grow, stimulating the market expansion in the UK.
   

Japan Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2025 – 2034.
 

• Advancements in drug formulations, including the development of selective COX-2 inhibitors and NSAIDs with fewer gastrointestinal side effects, are driving market growth by offering safer options, particularly for Japan's elderly population.
   
• Additionally, the increasing adoption of topical NSAIDs and innovative delivery methods, such as transdermal patches and extended-release formulations, is expanding their applications and enhancing patient compliance.
   

The NSAIDS market in Saudi Arabia is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• The Saudi Vision 2030 initiative aims to diversify the economy, including the development of local pharmaceutical manufacturing. Investments in domestic production of drugs, including NSAIDs, are expected to enhance market availability and affordability, making these medications more accessible to the population.
   
• Partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies will also contribute to the distribution of advanced NSAID formulations.
   

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Market Share

The market is competitive, featuring a mix of global pharmaceutical leaders and local companies. Key strategies include investing in advanced formulations such as extended-release tablets, injectables with reduced gastrointestinal side effects, and alternative delivery methods such as topical gels and transdermal patches. Collaborations with healthcare providers, orthopedic clinics, pharmacies, and digital health platforms are crucial for expanding market access and ensuring convenient, affordable treatment options. Regulatory support for innovative and safer NSAID products streamlines market entry and accelerates adoption. These efforts address the growing demand for effective pain and inflammation management solutions while strengthening companies' positions in the evolving market.
 

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the NSAIDS drugs industry include:

• Abbott Laboratories
• Bayer AG
• Cipla
• Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
• Hikma Pharmaceuticals
• Johnson & Johnson
• Lupin
• Novartis
• Pfizer
• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries
• Teva Pharmaceuticals
• Torrent Pharmaceuticals
• Viatris
• Zydus Healthcare
   

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Industry News:

• In April 2024, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals received final approval from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (US FDA) for its Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Tablets, 250 mg/125 mg (OTC). The FDA determined these tablets to be bioequivalent to Advil Dual Action with Acetaminophen Tablets, 250 mg/125 mg (OTC), produced by Haleon US Holdings. The distribution of this product in the U.S. will be managed by Glenmark Therapeutics, US. This regulatory approval is expected to provide Glenmark with a competitive edge in the market.
   
• In February 2024, Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC (Hikma), a multinational pharmaceutical company, announced the launch of COMBOGESIC IV (acetaminophen and ibuprofen) injection in the U.S. COMBOGESIC IV is an opioid-free, intravenous pain relief medication that combines 1,000 mg of acetaminophen with 300 mg of ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This product launch has expanded the company’s portfolio and is expected to drive revenue growth.
   

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Drug Class

• Selective COX-2 inhibitors
• Non-selective COX inhibitors

Market, By Route of Administration

• Oral
• Parenteral
• Topical

Market, By Application

• Arthritis
• Migraine
• Ophthalmic diseases
• Other applications

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Hospital pharmacies
• Retail pharmacies
• Online pharmacies

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa 
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE