Report

United States anesthesia drugs market is projected to witness a CAGR of 4.23% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 2.45 billion in 2024 to USD 3.42 billion in 2032. The growth of the market is boosted by the rising incidences of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, increasing demand for surgical cosmetic procedures, the introduction of new products by leading pharmaceutical companies in the country, and increasing the release of new products. According to the estimates of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every 40 seconds, one person has a heart attack in the United States.
The increase in outpatient and same-day surgical procedures is significantly driving the growth of the United States anesthesia drugs market. Many of these operations can be performed within a few hours because of surgical and anesthetic procedures improvements. Thus, the demand for short-acting and fast-recovery medications has surged in the country, especially those that result in fewer post-operative complications and ensure early discharge for the patients.
Meanwhile, ambulatory care is gaining popularity in various urban settings across the country, especially in locations with a strong healthcare infrastructure and supportive insurance coverage. Additionally, surgeons and anesthesiologists tend to favor intravenous agents such as propofol or inhalation agents, namely sevoflurane, which have a rapid onset and offset effect.
Expansion of the Aging Population Boosts Market Demand
The growth of the elderly population significantly contributes to the increasing prevalence of age-related diseases and disorders, including osteoarthritis, heart diseases, and cancer. These conditions usually require surgical intervention, bolstering the demand for anesthesia drugs. The geriatric population is also more vulnerable to injuries due to a lack of coordination and decreased bone density, further augmenting the market's demand. According to estimates from the Population Reference Bureau, the number of Americans who are 65 or older is estimated to increase to 82 million by 2050. Meanwhile, the older population is also affected by osteoarthritis, which results in substantial demand for joint replacement surgeries, including hip and knee replacement, which require general anesthesia.
Increasing Approvals from Regulatory Bodies Support Market Expansion
Rising product approvals from regulatory bodies such as the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) are supporting the market's expansion as these approvals ensure that the new products that are launched in the market meet the efficacy and safety standards that are in place, increasing trust among patients and healthcare professionals. Additionally, regulatory approval also encourages pharmaceutical companies to invest in innovations, allowing them to introduce new formulations and delivery systems.
For instance, in March 2023, Lupin Limited's alliance partner Caplin Steriles Limited received approval from the US FDA for its abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) to market Zemuron Bromide injection's generic version. Such approvals are allowing the pharma companies to expand their customer base and also encourage them to invest in research and development activities.
Hospitals Account for Significant Share of the Market
The dominance of hospitals in the market can be attributed to the presence of specialized surgical teams, advanced patient monitoring equipment, and anesthesiologists, among others, to ensure that patients are provided with high-quality treatment and care. Additionally, the increasing construction of surgical hospitals across the country is further propelling the demand for anesthesia drugs across hospitals. For instance, in August 2024, the North Carolina Surgical Hospital opened after five years of construction. The project costed USD 425 million, and the new hospital contains twenty-six surgical suites, including hybrid spaces. The hospital offers advanced treatments such as burn care, neurosurgery, and transplants, some of which are unavailable elsewhere in the state. Designed with state-of-the-art technology, the hospital has the capacity to grow and adapt according to future requirements.
Cancer Expected to Witness Significant Growth
Over the forecast period, the segment is expected to witness significant growth due to the increasing prevalence of cancer and heavy reliance on complex surgical procedures for treating a wide range of cancer cases. According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, approximately 2,041,910 new cancer cases are estimated to be reported in the United States in 2025. The treatment procedures often involve complex surgeries, including reconstructive surgeries, organ removal, and tumor resection. All these procedures heavily rely on effective anesthesia management in order to optimize the treatment outcomes and ensure the safety of the patients. Thus fueling the market's demand and supporting the segment's growth.
Future Market Scenario (2025-2032F)
The growing demand for surgical procedures, technological advancements, and strong healthcare infrastructure support the growth of the American anesthesia drugs market in the United States. As personalized medicine gains popularity, anesthesia regimens tailored to individual patient profiles are expected to gain traction in the country, requiring the development of novel anesthetic agents that offer improved safety with minimal side effects.
The demand for green anesthesia is expected to increase in the coming years due to growing interest in eco-conscious surgical practices. The anticipated expansion of ambulatory surgical centers in the United States, combined with increasing emphasis on AI-based drug administration systems, is expected to open new channels for growth for the key market players.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The key players in the market are focusing on launching new products in the United States in order to expand their presence in the country. For instance, in February 2024, Hikma Pharmaceuticals plc launched fentanyl citrate injection, USP, in 50mcg/mL doses and 25mcg/0.5mL doses. The product has been indicated as a narcotic analgesic supplement in regional or general anesthesia and as an anesthetic agent along with oxygen in patients who are at high risk, including those undergoing orthopedic and neurological procedures and open-heart surgeries. Such launches align with the increasing demand for anesthetic solutions in the United States and are ensuring the availability of essential medicines. By focusing on such launches, market players based in the United States are expected to increase their revenue while providing convenient drug administration solutions to healthcare professionals.