Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) Market Report: Size, Share and Outlook by 2031

The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) market size is projected to rise from US$24.82 billion in 2024 to US$ 38.38 billion by 2031; the market is expected to register a CAGR of 6.5% during 2025-2031.

Major factors propelling the market growth include the increasing prevalence of chronic pain disorders and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and headaches, and the surging adoption of non-opioid NSAIDs. Further, the personalized and precision medicine approaches in NSAIDS use will likely boost the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) market growth during the forecast period. However, the increasing regulatory and development barriers is among the market deterrents.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 528 million people globally were affected by osteoarthritis in 2019-a figure that has more than doubled since 1990. Notably, 73% of osteoarthritis sufferers are over the age of 55, and females account for 60% of this population. In 2020, 619 million individuals worldwide experienced lower back pain, with projections indicating this number could rise to 843 million by 2050.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely prescribed for managing pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, muscle injuries, headaches, and neuropathies. As the global population ages and chronic inflammatory diseases become more prevalent, the demand for effective pain management solutions continues to grow. NSAIDs offer a proven and efficient method for treating pain and inflammation. In response, pharmaceutical companies are innovating with new NSAID formulations to address diverse patient needs. For example, in January 2023, VaroJ Pharma launched its diclofenac epolamine topical system 1.3%, the authorized generic of IBSA Pharma's Flector (diclofenac epolamine), designed specifically for treating acute pain from strains, sprains, and contusions.

Moreover, recent advances in cancer therapies have led to a rise in cancer survivorship, accompanied by an increase in chronic pain conditions such as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Based on a meta-analysis published in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine in January 2025, CIPN affects around 41.2% of chronic pain patients, with notably higher rates among those undergoing platinum or taxane-based chemotherapy-60.26% prevalence in lung cancer patients. Neuropathic pain resulting from nerve damage, combined with musculoskeletal and inflammatory conditions, is substantially expanding the market for NSAIDs and related analgesics.

Therefore, the demand of NSAIDs for the treatment of prevalent chronic diseases is increasing the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) market growth.

The comparative company analysis evaluates and categorizes the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) market forecast based on product portfolio (product satisfaction, product features, and availability), recent market developments (merger & acquisition, new product launch & enhancement, investment & funding, award, agreement, collaboration, & partnership, recognition, and expansion), and geographic presence that aids better decision-making and understanding of the competitive landscape. The report profoundly explores the recent significant developments and innovations by the leading vendors in the global nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) market. The key market players are B Pfizer, Bayer AG, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Haleon plc, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Novartis AG, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Viatris Inc.

By drug class, the market is segmented into nonselective NSAIDS and cox-2 selective NSAIDs. The nonselective NSAIDS segment held the largest nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) market share in 2024 and is expected to register the highest CAGR during 2025-2031.

By route of administration, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) market is classified into oral, injectable and topical. The oral segment held the largest share of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) market in 2024 and is expected to register a higher CAGR during 2025-2031.

In terms of indication, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) market is segmented into arthritis, migraine, ophthalmic diseases, and others. The arthritis segment dominated the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) market in 2024 and is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during 2025-2031.

The market, based on distribution channel, is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies and online channels. The retail pharmacies segment held the largest share of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) market in 2024. Hospital pharmacies are playing an increasingly prominent role in managing chronic diseases and ensuring access to affordable medications. Hospital pharmacies play a crucial role in providing prescription NSAIDs to inpatients and discharged surgical patients. Professional oversight in these settings ensures safe and effective pain relief, particularly with newer and more potent injectable formulations. Recent innovations driving this growth include fixed-dose migraine treatments, such as meloxicam combined with rizatriptan, as well as the introduction of biosimilar NSAIDs aimed at reducing costs and increasing accessibility. Moreover, the shift toward personalized medicine, which involves targeted NSAIDs designed to minimize side effects, is promoting greater adoption in hospital environments, where close physician monitoring is essential. These factors are contributing to increased demand for NSAIDs and expanding their distribution through hospital pharmacies globally.

Various organic and inorganic strategies are adopted by companies operating in the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) market. The organic strategies mainly include product launches and product approvals. Inorganic growth strategies witnessed in the market are acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships. These growth strategies allow the market players to expand their businesses and enhance their geographic presence, along with contributing to the overall market growth. Furthermore, strategies such as acquisitions and partnerships helped strengthen their customer base and extend their product portfolios.