Ibuprofen is a popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is widely used for treating fever, inflammation, and pain. The global ibuprofen market is estimated to be approximately 43,000 Metric Tons (MT) and is growing at a CAGR of 2 percent. The prices of ibuprofen have increased by 22 percent in the recent past due to the increase in raw material costs, while the demand continues to rise at a global level. The top 6 players in the ibuprofen market are Shasun, BASF, Shandong Xinhua, Granules Biocause, SI group, and IOLCP.
The discovery of ibuprofen was a result of research in the 1950s and 1960s to find a safer alternative to aspirin which would still be effective in treating inflammation and pain. A British manufacturer identified carboxylic acid as the active agent that gave aspirin its anti-inflammatory properties and investigated other carboxylic acids. At the end of the research, ibuprofen was synthesized from propionic acid and was found to be effective for pain relief while causing fewer stomach problems than aspirin. Ibuprofen was first made available as an over the counter drug in 1983.
The opportunities in the ibuprofen market can be identified on the basis of applications and the mode of delivery of the drug.
Applications of Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is used in the treatment of headache, joint pain, fever, rheumatoid arthritis, dental pain, gout, and minor musculoskeletal injuries. The drug typically begins to work within an hour by decreasing the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. After a few hours, the majority of the drug is bound to plasma proteins and gets metabolized. As a result, ibuprofen is considered effective in easing mild to moderate pain, and in helping reduce swellings and inflammation.
Apart from the already established uses of ibuprofen, there is considerable research underway at a global level to find new uses of the drug. A key area in ibuprofen research is in its effects on lung cancer, which is known as the leading cause of deaths from cancer. Research has shown that chronic inflammation increases the risk of cancer, and corresponding, agents that reduce inflammation, decrease the risk of lung cancer. A recent study showed that regular use of ibuprofen can reduce the risk of lung cancer by 48 percent. Studies have also shown that a daily regimen of ibuprofen may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, a chronic neurodegenerative disorder which is one of the leading causes of dementia.
Mode of Delivery
The most common forms of ibuprofen are tablets and capsules, which when ingested orally begin to work in 20-30 minutes. In the oral format, the ibuprofen can be combined with other drugs as needed. However, in the years since the discovery of ibuprofen, other formats have also been developed, such as liquids, gels, sprays, and intravenous injections.
Gels and sprays apply ibuprofen topically directly on the area of swelling and pain, but take a longer time period to come into effect. Topical application of ibuprofen reduces the risk of complications and side effects considerably, leading to its popularity. Intravenous mode of delivery of ibuprofen is a relatively new trend and offers the benefit of a faster onset of action of the drug as compared to other formats. Ibuprofen transmission through IV also has a lesser risk of dependence on opioid analgesic medication which risks health complications such as dizziness and sedation.
Challenges
Ibuprofen was developed as a safer alternative to aspirin, but it also comes with side effects, which most commonly include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and indigestion. Less likely side effects are headaches, dizziness, bloating, stomach inflammation, stomach ulcer, rashes, worsening of asthma conditions, and kidney failure. As with other NSAIDs, regular ibuprofen use has been found to risk high blood pressure and increase the chances of myocardial infarctions, especially for those treated chronically with high doses. Ibuprofen is also not advised to be taken during pregnancy as it has been associated with birth defects.
Since Ibuprofen is available over the counter without a need for a prescription, overdose is common but the frequency of life-threatening complications is low. Typical symptoms after an overdose include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, ear ringing, and headaches, while the less common symptoms are seizures, gastrointestinal bleeding, and metabolic acidosis. Treatment for overdoses is largely symptomatic or if caught in early stages is treated with decontamination of the stomach.
Ibuprofen has also been found to interact with several other medicines such as anti-depressants, beta blockers used to treat hypertension and diuretics that reduce the amount of fluid the body, in which case a doctor should be consulted before using the drug. Also, ibuprofen is advised not to be taken with any other NSAID.
The ibuprofen market at a global level is expected to grow at a steady pace led by the current applications of the drug, and will further be driven by research identifying other uses of ibuprofen. As an effective and safe treatment for pain, fever, and inflammation, ibuprofen is a popular over the counter drug that can be used easily by consumers. The side effects of ibuprofen are milder and rarer as compared to other NSAIDs.