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Thebaine, also known as paramorphine, is an opioid alkaloid found in plants of the Papaver genus, including opium poppies. It has no therapeutic applications in its own right but is an important precursor in the manufacture of a variety of semi-synthetic opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, and nalbuphine. Thebaine also has applications in treatment of opioid dependence as an intermediate in the partial synthesis of buprenorphine which is an approved treatment for opioid addiction. Major manufacturers use thebaine as an intermediate in production of opioid analgesics, cough medicines, and other pharmaceutical products.
The global thebaine market is estimated to be valued at US$ 245 million in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 1.5% over the forecast period 2023, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market Dynamics:
The increasing application of thebaine in medicine manufacturing, especially in production of opioid painkillers and addiction treatments, is expected to flourish thebaine market over the forecast period. Opioid medications continue to be widely prescribed for treatment of pain, despite risks of abuse and addiction. Sustained demand for oxycodone, hydrocodone and other opioid medicines manufactured using thebaine intermediate is expected to propel thebaine market growth. Moreover, increasing opioid addiction has augmented demand for alternative treatment options like buprenorphine which is partially synthesized from thebaine. This rising application of thebaine across pharmaceutical industry is anticipated to drive the market growth during 2023.
Segment Analysis
The global thebaine market is dominated by the pharmaceutical segment. This segment accounts for over 80% of the overall market share owing to extensive usage of thebaine in manufacturing semi-synthetic opioids like oxycodone and buprenorphine. The agricultural segment is another prominent end-use segment and utilizes thebaine as a natural pesticide.
PEST Analysis
Political: Regulations around opiate manufacturing and usage have grown stringent in recent times especially in North America and Europe. This impacts supply chain and trade dynamics of thebaine market.
Economic: Emerging economies in Asia Pacific are showing high economic growth and witnessing rising healthcare expenditures. This pumps demand for pharmaceutical opioids manufactured using thebaine.
Social: Aging population prone to chronic pain conditions demands effective pain management drugs. This augments uptake of semi-synthetic opioids containing thebaine.
Technological: Advancements in extraction techniques help improve yields and lower costs associated with thebaine harvesting from opium poppy plants. This enhances commercial viability and profitability.
Key Takeaways
The global thebaine market is expected to witness steady growth over the forecast period aided by sustained demand from the pharmaceutical segment.
Regional analysis: The Asia Pacific region is projected to witness fastest gains and cement its position as the second largest market for thebaine. Rapid economic growth and rising incomes in developing nations such as India and China are expanding access to premium pharmaceutical products. Additionally, massive contract manufacturing industries in these countries also boost local thebaine consumption.
Key players operating in the thebaine market are Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Sri Krishna Pharmaceuticals, Cipla Limited, Alcaliber S.A., Faran Shimi Pharmaceuticals, and TPI Pharma.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
