Japan Intrathecal Drugs Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Drug (Morphine and Baclofen), By Application (Pain Management and Spasticity), By Distribution Channel (Hospitals Pharmacies, Drug Stores & Retail Pharmacies, and Online Pharmacies), and Country Forecast, 2025-2032

The Japan intrathecal drugs market size was valued at USD 3.99 million in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 4.05 million in 2025 to USD 4.55 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 1.7% during the forecast period.

Intrathecal drug delivery is the route of drug administration to deliver medication directly into the fluid-filled space around the spinal cord called the intrathecal space. Spinal delivery of the therapeutic agent is required as some drugs do not have systemic access to the spinal space or have restricted CNS access due to the blood-brain barrier function. Additionally, the intrathecal administration offers the advantage of targeted drug delivery with a rapid onset of action.

Thus, this intrathecal administration is used mainly for treating pain, pain associated with surgical procedures, spasticity, and cancer. The rising prevalence of chronic pain diseases, cancer, and muscle spasticity in Japan boosts the growth of the drug market.

• For instance, according to the National Cancer Center, Japan is estimated to have 1.0 million cancer cases in 2023. Such rising incidence of cancer is expected to increase the demand for intrathecal drug administration amongst cancer patients for chemotherapy and relieving cancer pain. Thus, such scenarios are expected to boost market growth.

The market is highly consolidated with major players such as Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Daiichi Sankyo Propharma, and Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. These companies maintain strong market positions through robust product offerings and collaborations with key intrathecal pump device players.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Driver

Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Back Pain and Muscle Spasticity to Boost Market Growth

The rising prevalence of chronic back pain and muscle spasticity are prominent factors driving the adoption of intrathecal drugs across Japan. This trend has resulted in increasing consumption of different drugs for the management of these conditions. Chronic pain is a debilitating condition affecting the lives of millions of adults in Japan.

• For instance, according to an article published by the Health and Global Policy Institute in 2023, chronic pain affects 22.5% of the adult population in Japan, which is approximately 23.15 million people. Such rising cases of chronic pain diseases are expected to propel the demand for intrathecal drugs and thus boost Japan intrathecal drugs market growth.

Market Restraint

High Treatment Cost and Limited Availability of Treatment Centers to Hinder Market Growth

Despite the rising demand for intrathecal drugs and devices, the overall cost of these drugs, when used with intrathecal pumps is comparatively higher compared to alternative treatment options. This leads to limited adoption of the drugs by the lower economic population of the country, limiting the growth of the market.

• For instance, the cost of Gablofen for a 1.0 ml vial is approximately USD 157.6 in Japan. Such high cost for low doses reduces product accessibility and adoption, hampering market growth.

Market Opportunities

Advanced Healthcare Infrastructure and Growing Patient Demands to Offers Lucrative Market Opportunity

With the increasing burden of chronic pain and muscle spasticity in Japan, the demand for intrathecal drugs is expected to increase during 2025-2032. This creates a requirement for the development and commercialization of novel classes of non-opioid, non-steroidal drugs that can be effective and safe for adoption. This offers a lucrative opportunity for pharmaceutical companies to capture untapped market avenues.

Furthermore, side effects associated with the currently used drugs underscore the urgent need for alternatives with greater or comparable efficacy, a lower abuse liability, and an acceptable level of adverse effects. Such scenarios encourage key players to focus on developing and launching non-opioid-based intrathecal drugs, which are expected to bolster market growth in the coming years.

Market Challenges

Regulatory Hurdles and Limited Reimbursement Policies to Challenge Market Growth

The Japan intrathecal drugs market faces numerous challenges, including significant regulatory hurdles for new formulations and delivery systems, which can delay clinical trials and market entry. Additionally, limited reimbursement policies for costly drugs and therapies restrict their accessibility, further impeding market growth. The shortage of skilled professionals capable of administering and monitoring these therapies and limited access to specialized treatment centers pose a challenge for market growth.

Market Trends

Rising Research and Development Activities to Launch Personalized Therapy is a Prominent Trend

The rising adoption of personalized medicine, which tailors diagnosis and treatment based on an individual’s genetic makeup is a prominent trend in the market.

Personalized approaches enhance the efficiency of the therapy in complex conditions. Thus, key players in the market are focusing on clinical studies to launch advanced gene therapies with intrathecal applications for muscle spasticity pain management, which is expected to propel market growth.

• For instance, in September 2020, Novartis AG announced the approval of Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec) intrathecal injection by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for the treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Such approvals are expected to boost market growth.

Additionally, prominent players are prioritizing the launching of advanced intrathecal drug delivery devices, boosting the adoption of intrathecal therapies during the forecast timeframe.

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Trade Protectionism and Its Impact on the Market

Japan's trade policies exhibit notable protectionism, especially in the pharmaceutical industry. Significant barriers for international companies seeking to enter the Japanese market due to complicated regulatory approvals and increasing operational costs. Additionally, international trade agreements, such as the Japan-US Free Trade Agreement, play a crucial role in shaping Japan's trade landscape, influencing both domestic policies and the country’s position. As Japan navigates these complexities, its trade policies will significantly impact regional trade dynamics and pharmaceutical innovation.

SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Drug

Increasing Adoption of Baclofen for Various Chronic Diseases Boosted Segment’s Growth

Based on drug, the market is divided into morphine and baclofen.

The baclofen segment dominated the Japan drug market, as baclofen is highly effective in treating spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries. It is also used in combination with chronic pain management.

Additionally, the increasing prevalence of age-related conditions such as stroke and spinal injuries in the country is expected to propel the growth of the segment in the market.

On the other hand, morphine is expected to grow during the forecast period. The segment's growth is augmented by increasing demand for morphine intrathecal drugs for various chronic pain conditions and muscle spasticity in Japan.

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By Application

Rising Prevalence of Spasticity Propelled the Spasticity Segment Growth

Based on application, the market is bifurcated into spasticity and pain management.

The spasticity segment held the dominant Japan intrathecal drugs market share in 2024 owing to the high prevalence of spasticity in the country. As a result, the demand for drug therapy is increasing.

• For instance, according to the data published by Elsevier Journal, the prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Japan was around 23.3 per 100,000 population in 2021. Such conditions propel the number of cases with spasticity and thus boost the segment's growth.

The pain management segment is expected to grow during the forecast period. The rising prevalence of chronic pain-related diseases in the country and increasing demand for intrathecal drugs for faster drug delivery and immediate pain relief are expected to boost the segment’s growth.

By Distribution Channel

Hospital Pharmacies Segment Dominated due to Presence of Skilled Professionals

Based on distribution channel, the market is divided into drug stores & retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and online pharmacies.

The hospital pharmacies held a maximum share of the Japan market in 2024, driven by the high influx of patients seeking treatment for chronic diseases such as stroke, cancer, and brain injury. Additionally, the presence of advanced healthcare infrastructure with government support and the presence of skilled professionals in the setting are the factors that lead toward adopting intrathecal drugs from hospital pharmacies and thus propel the segment’s growth in the market.

The drug stores & retail pharmacies segment is expected to grow during the forecast period, fueled by the ease of availability, customer preferences for in-person consultation, and convenience of immediate availability of medications.

The online pharmacies segment is projected to grow during the forecast period, supported by the presence of advanced technologies in the country, along with the benefits of doorstep delivery and competitive pricing. Additionally, the rising collaboration between tech-based companies and online pharmacy channels to offer various solutions and services to the user is boosting the segment’s growth.

• For instance, in June 2024, Infosys collaborated with Nihon Chouzai (TSE), a dispensing pharmacy chain in Japan, intending to expand healthcare access in Japan with enhanced online medication guidance services and payment solutions. Such collaborations are expected to boost the segment’s growth.

FUTURE OUTLOOK

The Japan intrathecal drugs market is expected to grow, driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic pain disorders, cancer, and neurological conditions that necessitate advanced pain management solutions. Additionally, the incorporation of precision medicine, genetic profiling, and sophisticated drug delivery systems is anticipated to boost market expansion during this period. Moreover, leading companies in the market are concentrating on enhancing their product offerings through strategic initiatives and funding, which is expected to contribute to overall market growth.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Market Players Focus on Regulatory Approvals and Strategic Activities to Gain Competitive Edge

The competitive landscape of the market reflects a consolidated structure. Shionogi Pharma, Daiichi Sankyo Propharma, and Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. are some of the prominent players in the Japan intrathecal drugs market. Companies are introducing a robust product portfolio with specific strategic initiatives to maintain their position in the market.

LIST OF KEY MARKET PLAYERS PROFILED:

• Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (Japan)
• Daiichi Sankyo Propharma (Japan)
• Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Japan)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• April 2006: Daiichi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. launched Intrathecal Baclofen therapy products in Japan by listing the SynchroMed EL pump and the InDura catheter for national health insurance (NHI) reimbursement. Medtronic Japan Co., Ltd. obtained approval for the SynchroMed infusion system.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market outlook focuses on an industry overview and market dynamics, such as the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and trends. In addition, the market report provides information related to the prevalence of key diseases, along with an overview and pipeline analysis of the new drug developed by market players. Furthermore, the Japan market analysis also focuses on key industry developments and new product launches by key companies in the market. In addition, the impact of COVID-19, along with detailed company profile and an industry overview during the pandemic, is also covered in the report.

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Report Scope & Segmentation