Overview
Global Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Drugs Market reached US$ 2.9 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 6.1 billion by 2030 growing with a CAGR of 10.1% during the forecast period 2023-2030.
The trend such as the shift towards personalized medicine that aims tailoring treatment to an individual’s unique characteristics, such as their genetics, lifestyle, and environment such The most common treatment recommendations for OUD include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combined with psychosocial interventions is expected to dominate the global opioid use disorder drugs market.
The global opioid use disorder drugs market has grown significantly in recent years and is projected to continue on its upward trend. The market is undergoing a transformational period, influenced by several significant trends such emergence of synthetic opioids that are illicitly manufactured.
Furthermore, the growing number of opioid addiction cases, increasing number of government initiatives and awareness among the people, and rising prevalence of chronic diseases and increasing product approvals are driving up the opioid use disorder drugs market size. The growing research activities for treating opioid use disoder (OUD) and presence of establish pharmaceutical companies are some of the factors in demand from North American regions. With significant competitors like Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Hikma Pharmaceuticals Inc, and others actively operating in the market.
Dynamics
The Increasing Number of FDA Approvals to Drive the Growth of the Opioid Use Disorder Drugs Market
The growing number of FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) is a major driver for the opioid use disorder market. These approvals increase therapeutic alternatives, enhance efficacy and safety through rigorous clinical trials, and improve patient access. For instance, in March 2023, Brixadi (buprenorphine) extended-release injectable for subcutaneous usage (under the skin) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder (OUD).
Currently, Brixadi is available in two formulations such as weekly injection for patients who started treatment with a single dose of a transmucosal buprenorphine product or who are already on buprenorphine, and a monthly injection for patients who are already on buprenorphine. Thus, as the number of FDA drug approvals continues to to increase the market is expected to grow over the forecast period.
The Emergence of New Reimbursement Policies will Drive the Opioid Use Disorder Drugs Market Growth
The opioid use disorder drugs market is expected to grow majorly owing to the factors such as the commencement of new Medicare regulations aimed at increasing access to treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). For instance, in January 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised their reimbursement policies to allow for more widespread access to lifesaving OUD care. The commitment of Medicare to enabling opioid treatment programs (OTPs) to use telehealth to initiate buprenorphine, a very effective OUD drug, is scheduled to continue through 2024.
Furthermore, if the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration approves proposed guidelines for permanent OTP-initiated buprenorphine via telehealth, including audio-only methods, Medicare will give permanent coverage for these services. Additionally, Medicare will reimburse federally designated health centers and rural health clinics for telehealth-based diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of patients with mental health problems, including OUD, at the same rates as in-person therapy.
This updation in policy is important given that about 1 Billion Medicare members were diagnosed with OUD in 2020, with less than 16% of them receiving medication for the disease, according to federal data. As a result, these new reimbursement regulations is expected to contribute to the expansion of the opioid use disorder drugs market over the forecast period.
The High Cost Associated with the Opioid Use Disorder Drugs Will Hamper the Growth of the Market
The side effects associated with the drugs used to treat opioid addiction have created a substantial impact on the opioid use disorder market growth. Muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, respiratory problems, bone/joint pain, bladder pain, and abdominal cramps are all common side effects of these medicines. Furthermore, in severe situations of adverse drug responses, patients may suffer from depression and other psychiatric issues.
Additionally, the side effects associated with these drugs forced a warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), creating a negative impact on the drug class and resulting in lower adoption of medications for the treatment of OUD. For intance, in January 2022, FDA had given warning about dental concerns associated with buprenorphine drugs dissolved in the mouth for OUD and pain therapy. These dental disorders, which include oral infections, cavities, tooth decay, and tooth loss, can be severe and have been observed in patients with no prior history of dental problems, raising concerns about OUD drug usage. Thus, restraining the market over the forecast period.

Segment Analysis
The global opioid use disorder drugs market is segmented based on drug type, route of administration, age group, distribution channel and region.
Owing to the Better Effectiveness and its Low Potential for Drug Abuse, the Agonist Segment Accounted for Approximately 51.2% of the Opioid Use Disorder Drugs Market Share
In drug type, the agonist drugs segment is expected to dominate the market, due to proven effectiveness and its low potential for drug abuse contributing to its significance. The agonist drugs segment consists of drugs such as buprenorphine and methadone that are standard and FDA approved drugs for this disorder. Because of their effectiveness in decreasing cravings and withdrawal symptoms in patients battling with opioid addiction, these agonist drugs have long been key components of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for OUD treatment.
Also, methadone’s long track record and the expanding use of buprenorphine, especially formulations like Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone combination therapy), emphasize its significance in OUD treatment. Moreover, the wide use of agonist drugs such as buprenorphine in various programs is initiating the segment growth.
For instance, in July 2023, Santa Cruz County Emergency Medical Services has launched a new program in collaboration with Monterey and San Benito counties to increase Buprenorphine distribution by emergency responders. The initiative aims to reduce opioid overdoses in the region by ensuring that this life-saving treatment is available when needed.
According to Santa Cruz County officials, buprenorphine helps reduce opiate withdrawal and cravings and is the most effective treatment for opioid use disorder when combined with methadone, reducing the risk of overdose fatalities by up to 50%. This strategic approach aligns with the overall goal of lowering fentanyl and other drug-related deaths, demonstrating agonist drugs’ important role in tackling the opioid problem and thereby dominating the segment growth over the forecast period.
Geographical Penetration
North America Accounted for Approximately 39.4% of the Market Share in 2022, Owing to the Increasing Prevalence of Opioid Use Disorder
North America, particularly the U.S., dominates the global opioid use disorder drugs market due to increasing prevalence of opioid use disorder, and increasing number of investment by major organization in the region is expected to create a major impact on this market. For instance, according to StatPearls article of 2023, opioid use disorder (OUD) has affected about three Billion people in U.S. and 16 Billion people worldwide. Additionally, over 500,000 people in the U.S. are addicted to heroin. As the prevalence continues to grow, there is high requirement of effective drug therapies for this disorder.
Furthermore, the increasing investment from the top player in development of effective methods for combating this issue is major boost for the market growth. For instance, in September 2022, Bicycle Health, the leading provider of virtual opioid addiction treatment, announced a Cobalt Ventures investment to accelerate the globalization of its telehealth opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment. Bicycle Health’s Series B venture capital financing has been extended, bringing the company’s total funding to $88 Billion. Thus, owing to above factors the region is expected to grow over the forecast period.
Europe is expected to be positioned in second place in the market for opioid use disorder (OUD). This significant market position can be attributed to a number of key factors, including an increase in the number of new product launches in the region and an increase in the number of patients suffering from opioid addiction.

Competitive Landscape
The major global players in the opioid use disorder drugs market include Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Hikma Pharmaceuticals Inc, Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc., Braeburn, Inc., Purdue Pharma L.P., Curia Global Inc., EMERGENT, Bristol-Myers Squibb, S.r.l, Alkermes, Inc., Indivior Inc, and among others.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on opioid use disorder (OUD). According to a National Library of Medicine 2022 article, studies have shown that the pandemic has resulted in a spike in opioid overdose deaths, which were worse in poor, urban regions. During the pandemic, however, telemedicine played a significant role in sustaining and expanding access to OUD medication treatment. Furthermore, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2023, telehealth services for OUD-related care have been associated with a lower risk of fatal drug overdose among Medicare beneficiaries.
The pandemic has also resulted in missed intervention touchpoints, including changes in treatment for substance use disorders and cancellation or postponement of other medical visits. The pandemic’s physical and mental effects, such as despair, stress, worry, job loss, financial strain, and changing living arrangements, have all contributed to an increase in overdose deaths.
Furthermore, the pandemic has created new chances for persons who use opioids (PWUOs) to gain access to services. However, disturbances in the management of OUD patients are unavoidable. Overall, the pandemic has had a broad impact on OUD, with telemedicine playing a critical role in sustaining and expanding access to OUD medication treatment, while the pandemic has resulted in lost connections or opportunities for intervention and contributed to increased overdose deaths.
By Drug Type


    • Agonist Drugs
    o Methadone
    o Buprenorphine
    o Others
    • Antagonist Drugs
    o Naloxone
    o Naltrexone
    o Nalmefene
    • Others
    By Route of Administration
    • Oral
    • Parenteral
    • Sublingual
    • Nasal
    By Age Group
    • 19 to 39
    • 40 to 59
    • Age 60 and Over
    By Distribution Channel
    • Hospital Pharmacies
    • Retail Pharmacies
    • Online Pharmacies
    By Region
    • North America
    o U.S.
    o Canada
    o Mexico
    • Europe


o Germany
o U.K.
o France
o Spain
o Italy
o Rest of Europe


  • • South America
    o Brazil
    o Argentina
    o Rest of South America
    • Asia-Pacific


o China
o India
o Japan
o Australia
o Rest of Asia-Pacific


  • • Middle East and Africa
    Key Developments
    • On April 24, 2023, the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and the New York State Department of Health (DOH) announced the launch of the Buprenorphine Assistance Pilot Program, which will help New Yorkers pay for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) using buprenorphine. Bupe-AP will pay the cost of buprenorphine for eligible uninsured and under-insured people, leaving them with no out-of-pocket expenses.
    • On May 23, 2023, U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Brixadi (buprenorphine) extended-release injection for subcutaneous use (under the skin) to treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder (OUD).
    • On October 18, 2022, Love Pharma has signed a letter of intent to acquire transdermal drug delivery technology from Naltrexone Therapeutics in exchange for intellectual property governing the administration of an alcohol and opioid-use disorder treatment.
    Why Purchase the Report?
    • To visualize the global opioid use disorder drugs market segmentation based on drug type, route of administration, age group, distribution channel and region as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
    • Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
    • Excel data sheet with numerous data points of opioid use disorder drugs market-level with all segments.
    • PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
    • Product mapping is available in excel consisting of key products of all the major players.
    The global opioid use disorder drugs market report would provide approximately 53 tables, 54 figures and 195 Pages.
    Target Audience 2023
    • Manufacturers/ Buyers
    • Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
    • Research Professionals
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