Global Epilepsy Drug Market By Product Type (First Generation Anti-epileptics, Second Generation Anti-epileptics, and Third Generation Anti-epileptics), By Distribution Channel (Online Pharmacies, Hospital Pharmacies, and Retail Pharmacies), Region and Companies – Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2024-2033

Report Overview

The Global Epilepsy Drug Market size is expected to be worth around USD 27.6 Billion by 2033 from USD 17.8 Billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.

The Epilepsy Drug Market is a is experiencing significant growth and is anticipated to continue expanding in the coming years. Epilepsy is a neurological disease affecting individuals of totally ages. As the worldwide people continue to develop and age, the occurrence of epilepsy is anticipated to increase, which fuels the market, Individuals above 65 years of age face a prevalence level of epilepsy.

The increasing quantity of drugs for epilepsy accepted by government bodies is also a main factor propelling the market growth. Raising consciousness across epilepsy, its symptoms, and the importance of primary diagnosis results in maximum numeral of patients looking for medical attention. Several organizations, such as the Epilepsy Foundation, Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA, Narayana Health, and Epilepsy Society, amongst others, are elaborate to encourage and teach around epilepsy. This has managed to an improved analysis rate, generating a more patient pool in demand for epilepsy drugs.

• In 2020, Seizure – European Journal of Epilepsy reported that around 100,000 to 120,000 children were admitted to hospitals for conditions related to epilepsy.
• According to statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2023, epilepsy ranks among the most widespread neurological disorders globally, affecting more than 1% of the American population.

Key Takeaways

• Market Size: Epilepsy Drug Market size is expected to be worth around USD 27.6 Billion by 2033 from USD 17.8 Billion in 2023.
• Market Growth: The market growing at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.
• Product Analysis: The third-generation anti-epileptics segment was the top performer in the Epilepsy Drug market in 2023, capturing a revenue share of 39.2%,
• Distribution Channel Analysis: The retail pharmacies segment dominated the epilepsy drug market in 2023 with a revenue share of 45%.
• Regional Analysis: North America dominated the Global Epilepsy Drug market in 2022, contributing a revenue share of approximately 46%
• Market Drivers: Key drivers include increased R&D activities, introduction of novel drugs, and supportive government policies for epilepsy treatment.
• Challenges: Challenges include high treatment costs, side effects of drugs, and stringent regulatory approvals.
• Future Trends: Innovations in drug formulations, personalized medicine, and development of more effective AEDs are expected to shape the market’s future.

By Product Type Analysis

The third-generation anti-epileptics segment was the top performer in the Epilepsy Drug market in 2023, capturing a revenue share of 39.2%, The procedures of action of third-generation anti-epileptic treatments vary from first and second-generation antiepileptic drugs, comprising inhibition of neurotransmitter release, blockage of excitatory amino acid receptors, and new methods to sodium channel inactivation. The possibility of handling epileptic products resilient to previous anticonvulsants rises with appliances of action in the third generation.

The prescription of third-generation anti-epileptic drugs is notably simplified and deemed safer for neurologists due to their minimal propensity to cooperate with other antiepileptic and medicinal substances. The burgeoning dominance of epilepsy, coupled with advancements in third-generation anti-epileptic strategies, stands as the primary catalyst for segment expansion.

Second-generation anti-epileptics are anticipated to be the second-fastest-growing segment. This segment contains Brivaracetam(Briviact), Lamotrigine (Lamictal), Perampael(Fycompa), and Others.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

On the basis of distribution channels, the market is divided into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. The retail pharmacies segment dominated the epilepsy drug market in 2023 with a revenue share of 45%, due to easy and rapid access to a broad range of drugs adequate products in stock offered by this distribution channel, and accessibility of these products in stock offered by these distribution channels.

However, the online pharmacies segment is anticipated to register the largest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to the easy availability and accessibility of epilepsy drugs and the increase in technological developments for online platforms.

Key Market Segments

By Product Type

• First Generation Anti-epileptics
• Second Generation Anti-epileptics
• Third Generation Anti-epileptics

By Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies

Drivers

Increasing Prevalence of Epilepsy Owing to Accidents and Injuries

The rise in occurrences of accidents, sports injuries, and other trauma-related violence has contributed to a rising prevalence of epilepsy. Additionally, rises in infectious diseases, particularly those affecting the central nervous system (CNS), position another potential risk factor for epilepsy. Outbreaks of CNS infections, like meningitis and encephalitis, can result in inflammation and scarring in the brain. The increasing incidence of infectious diseases on a global scale and the rising prevalence of accidents will raise the risk of epilepsy and propel the market growth.

Active Government Support and Fundings to Accelerate Market Growth

Epilepsy is the common neurological disorder, considerably more dominant in developing countries. Emerging countries such as China, Brazil, and India have an advanced proportion of the population suffering from the state. To minimize the burden of this disease, as well as to expedite the accessibility of better treatment preferences, managements from countries across the world are providing active support.

• In a 2022 article by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, expenditures related to epilepsy totaled approximately USD 333.0 million in 2018–19, constituting 0.2% of the recurrent health system expenditure of USD 134.0 billion. Additionally, epilepsy was positioned as the 30th leading cause of disease burden in Australia in 2018.

Restraints

Regulatory Challenges

Absence of Antiepileptic Drugs Quantity Restrains the Market Growth

Although the rising occurrence of epilepsy, seizures, and other chronic conditions in emerging countries, various factors limit the market. The steep increase in medicine supply scarcity is a main factor hampering the market development. Patients are storing these medicines as there is a lack of drugs in drugstores.

This has elevated the alarm in examining the medicine supply chain worldwide. This devastating condition can worsen in the U.K. and others. Countries in Europe such as Britain, owing to Brexit doubt. This finally affects the market as the U.K. is suitable fewer desired for epilepsy medicines.

• In a 2023 article by SWI swissinfo.ch, it was reported that Switzerland experienced shortages of specific medications, prompting plans to increase drug reserves. Christoph Amstutz, the director of the Federal Office for National Economic Supply, emphasized the necessity of including antiepileptic drugs and medications for Parkinson’s disease in the compulsory assets.

Opportunities

Increasing R&D Infrastructure

The expansion and authorization of novel antiepileptic drugs market the expansions in epilepsy drugs in the current past. These advances improve treatment consequences by enhancing efficacy, minimizing adverse effects, and increasing therapeutic choices. These developments reflect encouraging advances in epilepsy drugs advancement and will give to the global epilepsy drugs market progress and expansion in the upcoming years.

The outcomes of a novel phase 2b study prove that the advanced treatment XEN1101 can safely be administered at its maximum dosage and efficiently decreases seizures in patients with treatment-resistant important epilepsy after addition to conventional anti-seizure regimens.

Impact of Macroeconomic / Geopolitical Factors

World Bank and the WHO have pointed out that 90% of the cost generated by epilepsy is produced in emerging countries. In most countries, the economic impact of the disease remains hidden from patients by the existence of publically invested health services.  The average age of the participants was 31 years, ranging from 18 to 70 years. The mean age of epilepsy onset was 17 years, with an average duration of epilepsy of 14 years.

Focal epilepsy was the most prevalent type, and gliotic lesions resulting from perinatal insults were the most common etiology. On average, individuals spend 19% of the gross national product (GNP) per capita annually on out-of-pocket expenses for antiseizure medications, with family members covering this cost in over two-thirds of cases.

Approximately 60% of participants reported that epilepsy had impacted their education, 40% noted effects on their employment, and 90% mentioned marital concerns. Female patients were less frequently employed outside the home and experienced more marital difficulties compared to males.

Latest Trends

Sports Injuries Raise the Demand for Emergency Drug Care

Head injuries are predominant in the sports segment, and important for extra AEDs in sports rehabilitation centers. Pharmaceutical corporations are emerging epileptic drugs for rapid relief in emergencies. For example, Angelini Pharma has been accepted by the European Commission for the adjunctive treatment of focal-onset seizures in adults, directing to expand its customer base for sports rehabilitation.

Even though various categories of research show that sports-related injuries are not more common in epilepsy patients related to the general population, inquiries about whether these patients evade sports are increasing due to variable reasons.

Regional Analysis

North America is leading the Epilepsy Drug Market

North America dominated the Global Epilepsy Drug market in 2023, contributing a revenue share of approximately 46%, attributed to advanced analysis and management changes for neurology disorders, combined with suitable reimbursement policies for epilepsy drugs.

These aspects, alongside more intensified consciousness between the patient population concerning novel treatment selections and the accessibility of innovative drugs in the region, are accountable for a dominant share of the region in the market. Furthermore, more investment in research and development is mostly encouraged by the authority of the North American region.

The Europe and Asia Pacific markets are anticipated to exhibit relatively higher CAGR over the forecast period. The rising number of drugs acceptance of regulatory approvals is anticipated to propel the need for these anticonvulsant drugs.

The Latin America and the Middle East & Africa markets are expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Emerging healthcare setups in these regions and the increasing occurrence of these disorders will propel product demand over the period.

Key Regions and Countries

North America

• US
• Canada

Europe

• Germany
• France
• The UK
• Spain
• Italy
• Russia
• Netherland
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• India
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Rest of APAC

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

New product development, launches, approvals, mergers & achievements, and innovations are some of the significant approaches used by key players to continue and develop their global range. For example, in February 2021, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. propelled the anti-epileptic drug Brivaracetam in various dosage forms, including 50mg, 100mg, 25mg, and 100 mg, at an affordable price.

Additionally, in March 2021, Alkem Labs introduced BRIVASURE, an anti-epileptic medication, to the Indian market. This drug has obtained approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for the adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures with or without secondary simplification. BRIVASURE has exhibited a rapid beginning of action, efficacy, and a commendable safety profile.

Top Key Players

• Merck KGaA
• UCB S.A., Belgium
• Sanofi
• Pfizer, Inc.
• GlaxoSmithKline plc
• Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc
• Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.
• Eisai Co., Ltd.
• Abbott Laboratories, Inc.
• Novartis AG
• Neurelis, Inc.
• Other Key Players

Recent Developments

• April 2024: Researchers at Stanford Medicine identified a previously unnoticed area within the hippocampus, known as the fasciola cinerea, which plays a role in initiating and spreading seizures. This discovery holds promise for patients who continue to experience seizures despite undergoing surgery, offering potential relief.
• July 2023: SK Biopharmaceuticals, a South Korean firm, obtained approval from Canadian authorities to market its latest epilepsy medication, Cenobamate, under the brand name Xcopri, intending to broaden its sales presence in the nation.
• August 2021: Pfizer Inc. and Flynn Pharma were charged USD 84 million by the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for overpricing the NHS for a broadly used epilepsy drug.

Report Scope